This site is very diverse with applications to a wide variety of topics in Biology and Geology. However, the unifying theme across all aspects of the site is evolution-the process, the evidence, and how to teach it. The strengths of the site are in phylogeny, geologic time, and evolutionary theory as well as resources to assist the teaching of this critically important topic. The site contains extensive information covering most of major groups of life with a strong focus on prehistoric life forms (as one might expect). In addition, it covers stratigraphy and geologic time, systematics, evolution and special exhibits including a very interesting account of the discovery of the Indonesian Coelacanths. This site also allows access to the museums collection database allowing searching of portions of their research collections. There are many references (links) to other museum and educational resources.
Type of Material:
Collection/database
Technical Requirements:
html
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The goal of the Museum is to investigate and promote the understanding of the history of life and the diversity of the Earth's biota through research and education.
Target Student Population:
High school-upper division undergraduate
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
(5.0) (5.0) = 5.0
? Information content of the site is spectacular; wide range of accurate, educationally oriented materials.
? Each section clearly organized within the section.
? Excellent set of links to resources at other museums, professional societies, journals, and other educational materials (UCMP Subway To Other Resources).
? Provides an integrated introduction to the diversity of life, how it arose, and how we construct hypotheses of relationships.
Concerns:
None
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
(4.5) (4.5) = 4.5
? Outstanding feature of the site--wide range of materials to both develop assignments and augment instructor background knowledge. ? Contains links to suggested assignments and activities. ? Excellent source of materials to assist conceptual understanding of evolution. ? Special exhibits personalize the science, giving user a window into how science is conducted.
Concerns:
? Some good educational links are not immediately obvious. The evolution forum has links many good educational activities and up-to-date information; you would not know that from the initial access point and not understand its potential without accessing the link to it and exploring the section.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
(4.0) (3.5) = 3.75
? Navigation within sections and the Subway is excellent ? Help pages easily accessed and useful
Concerns:
? Easy to get lost within this very large and diverse site. ? Some features are not well summarized at initial access point-may require considerable exploration to understand full potential
Creative Commons:
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