An Exercise to Demonstrate Soil Microbial Diversity in Introductory Environmental Science Classrooms

Autor/inn/en	Yarwood, Stephanie A.; Sulzman, Elizabeth W.
Titel	An Exercise to Demonstrate Soil Microbial Diversity in Introductory Environmental Science Classrooms
Quelle	In: Journal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education, 37 (2008), S.53-58 (6 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1059-9053
Schlagwörter	Leitfaden; Unterricht; Lehrer; Microbiology; Teaching Methods; Science Instruction; Soil Science; Biodiversity; Science Experiments; Environmental Education; College Science; College Students; Molecular Structure + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Lesson concept; Instruction; Unterrichtsentwurf; Unterrichtsprozess; Teacher; Teachers; Lehrerin; Lehrende; Mikrobiologie; Teaching method; Lehrmethode; Unterrichtsmethode; Teaching of science; Science education; Natural sciences Lessons; Naturwissenschaftlicher Unterricht; Bodenkunde; Biodiversität; Umweltbildung; Umwelterziehung; Umweltpädagogik; Collegestudent
Abstract	High diversity of microorganisms in the soil matrix has been the focus of extensive research in the fields of soil biology and microbial ecology, and is a key concept that students in the environmental or biological sciences should understand. Two activities to demonstrate diversity and highlight the challenges faced in studying soil microbial diversity are presented here. Using a bag (soil sample) containing different candy types (soil microbes), students explore isolation and molecular techniques, two strategies used in studying microbial diversity, and are asked to consider the limitations these methods have in understanding complex microbial communities. In a second activity students use this collection of candy to construct mock-phylogenetic trees. These hands-on activities provide students with a fun way to learn about microbial diversity. Student assessment scores increased by 35% after participating in these activities and results from final exam questions show that a high percentage of students retained the major concepts demonstrated during these activities. (Contains 3 figures and 3 tables.) (Author).
Anmerkungen	American Society of Agronomy. 677 South Segoe Road, Madison, WI 53711. Tel: 608-273-8080; Fax: 608-273-2021; Web site: http://www.jnrlse.org/
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10