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An Introduction to the Stream Ecosystem in the Classroom
Introduction
To build a model of the world of nature is never an easy task. In this
case the lotic ecosystem for the classroom is no exception. However, with
the right materials, some time, and student involvement you can have an
operational classroom ecosystem, complete with organisms, physical environment,
interactions and relationships, natural succession.
The purpose of this brief paper is to help you see the uses, challenges
and advantages of building and maintaining a classroom lotic ecosystem.
It will also provide you with directions and plans, and curricular applications.
Type of Activities
The many activities which can be done with the stream model range from
design problem solving activities to teacher guided labs and surveys, to
student research in the classroom.
Target Audience
The target audience for this model and these activities is the General
Biology student. However, I have used the model in Advanced Biology, and
Chemistry successfully.
The Model
The stream ecosystem model is an effective classroom tool for developing
students knowledge and abilities in the area of biology. This classroom
tool has been used to study a wide variety of biological phenomena which
many students don't have the opportunity to have first hand experience
with. With the total investment of $150.00 to $200.00 a teacher can obtain
the materials to build a model which will fit his or her classroom and
be useful for the entire years biology curricula.
Building the Model
The plans for building the model can be found by clicking "How
to build the model". The plans which I have included were originally
developed by Dave Meyers from Gale-Ettrick-Trempeleau High School in Galesville,
Wisconsin. If you have questions send your email to: tweed@beavercreekreserve.org