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Technology in
Ecology
A WebQuest for 11th-12th
Grade (Ecology/Field Biology)
Designed by Ryan D. Wayt
[email protected]
Introduction
| Task | Process | Conclusion | Evaluation
| Credits
Introduction
We tend to think of ecology
as an earthbound science, and imagine ecologists trudging through
swamps, forests, and deserts dressed in khaki and fatigues to collect
important information about ecosystems.
In reality, however, space satellites have become important tools for
ecologists and environmental scientists. Modern research in global
ecology would be limited without the use of satellites. Satellite
technology allows scientists to view detailed images of virtually every
square meter of the Earth’s surface.
In this activity you will research how ecologists use satellite
information to collect data. You will then share the information
with the class in the form of a brief oral report accompanied by the
satellite image(s) that you found.
Throughout this activity, you are to consider the question:
How do
satellites assist ecologists in their studies of ecosystems?
The Task
At the end of this
activity, you will have desinged and presented an oral presentation, accompanied by satellite images, to the class as well as have
participated in a class discussion concerning how satellites assist
ecologists in their studies of ecosystems.
This
activity addresses
the following standards:
Roaring Fork School District
Standards for High School Ecology and Field Biology:
- 1.1.4: Select and use appropriate technologies to gather,
process, and analyze data and to report information related to an
investigation.
- 5.1.1: Demonstrate the interrelationships between science
and technology.
- 5.1.2: Explain the use of technology in an occupation (GIS,
database)
NETS
Standards
- III A: Students use technology tools to enhance learning,
increase productivity, and promote creativity.
- V C: Students evaluate and select new information resources
and technological innovations based on the appropriateness for specific
tasks.
- VI B: Students employ technology in the development of
strategies for solving problems in the real world.
The
Process
- Read the following articles in the links
below to
analyze examples of how ecologists have used satellite images to
collect specific information about a particular area.
- You will use the
Internet to research how other satellite systems are used to collect
data. You should use the “Using Technology in Ecology
Student Hand-Out” to guide your research.
- Use the following
Internet sites to guide your investigation:
- You will prepare a
brief oral presentation, accompanied by pictures, to present to the
instructor and the class.
Conclusion
At the
end of this activity, you should have a better idea of how technology contributes to the
scientific
method of investigation in ecological studies.
Evaluation
Your oral presentation will be evaluated using the Technology in Ecology Rubric.
Be sure to use this rubric as you designing your oral
presentation.
Credits
This lesson was adapted from Exploring Ecology From Space Copyright
© by Prentice Hall.
Title page image obtained from:
http://www.newscientist.com/data/images/ns/cms/dn9311/dn9311-1_600.jpg
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