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Resources
Tangible Resources
Microscope, set of slides, tweezers, water, identification books for each kingdom, taxonomy keys, specimens from field trip, materials to make posters, computers to create presentations.
Human Resources
Biology expert as with LU2.
Preparation
Prepare lab equipment; liaise with biology expert.
Goals, messages & concepts
Specific goals
- To learn how to use a microscope to examine specimens.
- To further develop skills in identifying plants and animals.
Specific messages
- It’s important to recognise details and differences when identifying organisms.
- A microscope allows you to see details you can’t normally see.
Main terms
- botany
- plant morphology
- taxonomy
- ecology
- biodiversity
Practices & skills
STEM practices
- Analysing and interpreting data
- Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
- Asking questions and defining problems
- Planning and carrying out investigations
Soft skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
Management skills
- Use of resources
Course of activity
step 1
Students will meet an expert on research techniques used in biology. They will learn how to use microscopes and classify organisms using a taxonomy key. They will discuss the material collected during their field trip with the expert, and review the initial classification of material carried out during the trip.
step 2
Assign students to different tasks:
- Analysis of the photographs of animals encountered
- Microscopic examination of organisms collected in water
- Identification of plants and fungi using books and keys.
step 3
The accuracy of identification will be checked by the expert.
step 4
Students will summarise their findings in the form of a poster or presentation titled “Biodiversity in the immediate area”, i.e. a list of species by kingdom identified by students.