Bottle Biology
So What?
This hands-on project addresses many ecological concepts across multiple grade levels. It also can incorporate effective use of implementing technology into the classroom.
For example:
-
students create digital journals
-
measure certain ecological factors using probes connected to electronic devices
-
summarizes and present project
ISTE Standard
2. Design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments.
b. Develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress
Now What?
The bottle biology project can lead to many extension activities. Bottles can be used to model decomposition, predator/prey relationships, aquatic ecosystems, seed growth/development. Students can also add compartments to the Terraqua column, creating an Ecocolumn. Another possibility is to teach students how to use probes to measure abiotic factors (pH, DO, etc.) that contribute to the overall health of their mini ecosystem. This can lead to more student directed experimentation.
What?
The objective of the bottle biology project is to have students identify, classify and model how living and nonliving parts of an environment interact. In this project students will be able to:
-
Build an ecosystem in a bottle - Terraqua Column.
-
Track and record observations and data.
-
Create a digital journal using their own photographs and data.
with iPads
PASCO Probes - data sent to iPad via bluetooth - SparkVUE
Use the app Notability to record and document observations.
Measure
Journal
Present
OR
