Advanced Arthropod Studies Curriculum* Project Overview

David M. Stone, University Laboratory High School, Urbana, IL

Primary Goal

To introduce high school students to science inquiry using web-based activities, and the same equipment and scientific resources used by practicing scientists.

Activity-Based Curriculum

Include design and construction of scientific collecting equipment, use of online classification keys, experimental design (include quantitative analysis of data), scientific proposal writing, analysis of phylogenetic relationships using online software and online scientific journal research.

Interdisciplinary Connections

Web-Based Research

Engineering (Prototype Development and Planning)

Writing

Science

Mathematics

Aligned with National Science Standards

American Association for the Advancement of Science Benchmarks for Science Literacy

Higher Level Learning Skill Connections

The AAAS Benchmarks for Science Literacy state that "the common core of learning in science, mathematics and technology should center on science literacy. Moreover, the core studies should include connections among science, mathematics and technology..." The activities comprising the Advance Arthropod Studies Curriculum meld all three areas throughout.

The Illinois Learning Standards for Science are also addressed through this curriculum. Specific activities and higher level learning skills enunciated in those standards are outlined in the table below:

Advance Arthropod Studies Curriculum Activity

Higher Level Skill(s) Addressed
 Microarthropod Collection and Examination

Problem Solving (Berlese Funnel Design)

Inquiry (Microarthropod Extraction)

Microarthropod Variation and Taxonomy

 

Problem Solving (Taxonomic Keying)

Quantitative Study of Arthropod Ecology

Problem Solving (Experimental Design)

Inquiry (Determination of Hypothesis)

Analysis (Comparing Populations Using the Selected Index)

Determination of Evolutionary Relationships Using Biology Workbench Education Enhancements

Problem Solving (Learning How To Effectively Make Queries Using the Software)

Inquiry (Selection of Species for Comparison)

Analysis (Using Software)

Scientific Proposal Writing Using the Bugscope Model Inquiry (Development and Writing of Proposal)
Introduction to Online Scientific Journals

Inquiry (Selection of Topic and Finding Pertinent Resources)

Analysis (Comparison and Criticism of Alternate Findings and Viewpoints In Student-Selected Area of Interest)

* The Advanced Arthropod Studies Curriculum home page is located at http://www.uni.uiuc.edu/~dstone/advancedarthropodstudies.html

Developed 7/20/99. Last modified 7/20/99.