Using Science to Support Biodiversity: Difference between revisions

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{{draft}}
{{Rinfo
{{Rinfo
|type= Lesson idea
|attribution={{Jocelyn Wishart}}
|final=yes
|title=Using Science to Support Biodiversity
|title=Using Science to Support Biodiversity
|topic=
|topic=Biodiversity
|image=Biodiversity1.jpg
|tagline=A virtual field trip to study biodiversity.
|subject=Science, Biology
|subject=Science, Biology
|resourcenumber=SC0032
|resourcenumber=SC0032
|age=A level
|age= KS5, Secondary
|content= 
|content=This tutorial drives work around a National Park, where student activities might cause damage. A research phase explains what a National park is and we then go on to design an investigation to measure the distribution of plant species across a path. This involves a line transect and an interrupted belt transect which are compared in some detail. Sample results and questions are provided.
|strategy=This resource supports a virtual {{tag|investigation}} based on a field trip to Dartmoor National Park through the following stages:
|strategy=
* Research: setting the scene and understanding the principles and dilemmas.
|Learning Objectives=
* Designing the scientific investigation.
* Considering some of the issues that arise when scientists monitor the environment to detect changes in biodiversity.  
* How to carry out the investigation.
* Gaining the relevant experience and understanding to carry out work in one's local area.
* Handling and analysing the results.
* Using the results.
* How you can act – some wider thoughts and some ‘local’ action.
|Learning Objectives=Students will consider some of the issues that arise when scientists monitor the environment to detect changes in biodiversity. They will then have the experience and understanding to carry out their own work in their local area.
|additional resources=
|additional resources=
|useful information=
|useful information=
|related resources=
|related resources=
|other=
|other=
|format=
|format=A tutorial with web links to explore.
|resources=The BioEthics Education Project site: http://www.beep.ac.uk/content/592.0.html
|resources=
  [[Category:Secondary]] [[Category: Science]][[Category: Draft]]
* The BioEthics Education Project site: http://www.beep.ac.uk/content/592.0.html
 
* [[Using Science to Support Biodiversity/teacher notes|teacher notes]]
== Pedagogic Rationale ==
}}


This online activity for A level Biology students comprises resources to support a virtual investigation based on a field trip to the Dartmoor National Park. It is intended to engage the students both in discussion about and investigation of the conflicting natural science issues such as biodiversity that have to be considered when managing a national park so that it is attractive to both wildlife and people. Background reading, photographs and interactive dioramas are used, together with word frames, scaffolds and open-ended questions, to stimulate students' ideas for a scientific investigation into the impact of national park visitors on its biodiversity. 
[[File:Biodiversity2.jpg|border|340x340px| |free to use; Preview snapshot ]]


The virtual investigation itself centres on ways of using transects to collect data on plant species in heavily visited areas of the park. Exemplar data is provided for students together with prompts suggesting ways of analysing it. A class teacher could therefore use the virtual investigation as homework to prepare students for the activities that will need to be planned for their own field trip or use it in class with small groups to replace a field trip. Once the analysis is completed students are reminded that the purpose of the investigation was to inform the National Park conservationists about any possible losses in biodiversity resulting from footpath erosion. A range of possible follow-up activities are suggested to stimulate further discussion and/or action. Finally, students are encouraged to identify ways in which they could conduct a similar investigation locally.
  [[Category:Secondary]] [[Category: Science]]

Latest revision as of 20:10, 2 February 2015

Biodiversity1.jpg
A virtual field trip to study biodiversity.

Lesson idea. This tutorial drives work around a National Park, where student activities might cause damage. A research phase explains what a National park is and we then go on to design an investigation to measure the distribution of plant species across a path. This involves a line transect and an interrupted belt transect which are compared in some detail. Sample results and questions are provided.

Teaching approach. This is an investigation(ta) in a virtual field trip to Dartmoor National Park. It involves research, designing a scientific investigation and analysing the results. (edit)

Resource details
Title Using Science to Support Biodiversity
Topic [[Topics/Biodiversity|Biodiversity]]
Teaching approach

[[Teaching Approaches/Investigation|Investigation]]

Learning Objectives
  • Considering some of the issues that arise when scientists monitor the environment to detect changes in biodiversity.
  • Gaining the relevant experience and understanding to carry out work in one's local area.
Format / structure

A tutorial with web links to explore.

Subject

[[Resources/Biology|Biology]],  [[Resources/Science|Science]]

Age of students / grade

[[Resources/KS5|KS5]],  [[Resources/Secondary|Secondary]]



Files and resources to view and download



free to use; Preview snapshot

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