San Diego Zoo: Podcasts (exhibit and animal information)
This link contains audio podcasts about four main exhibits in the zoo. The podcasts highlight what one can expect at each exhibit, as well as som eof the adaptations and behaviors one can expect to observe. This link would serve as excellent preparation leading up to a class field trip to the San Diego Zoo.
This link lends itself well to a jigsaw activity. In the days leading up to the trip, students would work in groups of 5 or 6, each assigned a specific topic from the podcast categories below.
Polar Bear Plunge
Nairobi Village
Monkey Trails
Condor Ridge
Students would spend a class period listening to their assigned podcasts (about 20 minutes total) and then they would compile the information to become "experts" about that particular exhibit. Students in expert groups would design several questions that the class should be able to answer after visiting the exhibit.
On the day of the field trip, students would be regrouped into jigsaw groups, consisting of 8 students, 2 from each of the above expert groups. Each team of 2 would have a chance to act as an expert tour guide and explain their exhibit to the rest of teh students. They could then lead the group in answering the questions developed by their expert group.
USDA: Plants Database
This link contains a database with images and text describing every documented species of plant in the country. The distribution function allows users to search for inhabitants of a particular geographic region.
This database could be used in a lesson comparing plant adaptation to environmental factors. Students would work in groups of 3 to research a particular state. Each would take on a role: (1) environment researcher (2) plant researcher and (3) data analysis.
After all class periods have met (assuming the teacher has approximately 160 students) every geographical region would be covered. Students could then compile their findings, including images, on a cut out of the state they studied. If each group attached their state to a giant wall map, all classes could observe the patterns in adaptation across different regions.
The Human Gene Map: Featured Genes
This link contains information about the genes related to better known genetic diseases. Additionally, a map of the gene and its location on a particular chromosome is provided. This database would be an excellent starting point for students wishing to explore a particular genetic condition in greater depth. While the information provided here is by no means comprehensive, the map and images provide the information necessary to understand the basics of a given condition. See, for example, Cystic Fibrosis.
This is another activity that would be best suited for small group or individual work followed by a class presentation. Given the vast amount and detailed nature of the information found in such databases, it seems that the most efficient way to educate the greatest number is through one of the ways listed above. Further, such activities provide opportunties for topic choice and for developing team work and communication skills.
Dichotomous Key
