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Resources
Downloadable Resources
Tangible Resources
Smartphone (photo documentation of the marked plants), pocket microscope, magnifying glass, tweezers, camera, collection containers, water scoops, identification books for each kingdom, taxonomy keys.
Human Resources
Expert (i.e. biologist, botanist, zoologist, ecologist).
Preparation
Prepare paperwork for off-site visit if necessary; arrange for a biology expert such as a teacher to help with the field trip; cope out the destination first and identify flora and fauna to make it easier to help students during the field trip; check the guidance for collecting natural samples where you live.
Goals, messages & concepts
Specific goals
- To learn the principles of identifying plants and animals.
- To learn the principles of collecting samples during fieldwork.
- To experience using taxonomy keys for identifying samples.
Specific messages
- Identifying plants and animals is a challenging task and it’s easy to make mistakes.
- Many plant and animal species differ from each other in what seem like minor ways.
- You can find dozens of different plant species in just one square metre.
Main terms
- botany
- plant morphology
- taxonomy
- ecology
- biodiversity
Practices & skills
STEM practices
- Analysing and interpreting data
- Asking questions and defining problems
- Planning and carrying out investigations
Soft skills
- Learning failure is a part of learning
- Teamwork and collaboration
Management skills
- Use of resources
Course of activity
step 1
Take students to a nearby park or forest in search of biodiversity. During the walk to the destination, discuss the division of organisms into different kingdoms (see infographic in downloadable resources). This can be done with foil-faced diagrams, worksheets, etc. to be completed at the rest stop.
step 2
Working in pairs, students should identify at least 10 organisms belonging to different kingdoms in the first 30 minutes. After time is up, groups will reconvene to discuss how easy they found the task to complete and present the results of their work.
- The task must be carried out in a considerate way so as not to damage nature or become a danger to other organisms.
- In Poland it is permissible to collect plants, fungi and lichens for further research, as long as they are not protected. It is also possible to collect water from the lake, river or other place. To study animals you should use photographs (rather than taking the animals with you back to the classroom!).
step 3
After discussion and guidance from the group and the biology expert students will continue with the task and gather more materials for further research in school (photographs, plant and water samples).