using unity to organize diversity part b. objectives... in the last presentation, we grouped a...
TRANSCRIPT
Objectives...
• In the last presentation, we grouped a variety of nuts and bolts into classification trees.
• In this presentation, we will explore classification with a unique assignment.
• Our Objective:o To simulate the process of scientific
classification and understand how classification has evolved historically.
Life on another planet...
http://forum.xbox365.com/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=4;t=014602;p=2 – Retrieved 10/22/08
The Expedition...
• Imagine it’s the year 2525. A planet similar to Earth has recently been found in a newly identified solar system in another galaxy.
• We have sent a space probe with a molecular transport beam to this planet to beam back a variety of different living creatures.
http://simplebrowser.blogspot.com/2008/02/ulysses-probe-near-to-end.html - Retrieved 10/22/08
The Discovery...
• We excitedly study the data and find, to our surprise, that there is life on this planet!
• As scientists, we carefully examine the structure of each of the living creatures beamed down to Earth.
• The creatures look like nothing we have ever seen!
The Task...
• After looking over the shocking collection of life forms, we realize as scientists that we need to classify these creatures.
• Ultimately, we want to have a sense of how these alien creatures are related to one another.
http://www.pd.astro.it/education/PlanetV/planetarium/L15_14S.html - Retrieved 10/22/08
The Instructions...
• Click on the Alien assignment document. • Print-out the assignment sheet• Cut-out the individual aliens leaving the number
attached to the alien. (if you don’t want to print, use the 2nd page where you can move the aliens on a word document).
• Organize the cards into groups based on the similarities and differences you observe ... spots, hands, eyes, head shape, etc.
• In your lab notebook, draw a classification tree based on your groupings.
• Take your time! These creatures are very STRANGE!
Your choice
You can choose to use either the dichotomous Tree format (on the left) or the dichotomous list. Pick one…
1a.1b.2a.2b.3a.3b.4a.4c.*** if you need a, b and c, that’s fine.
OR
What should be in your journal?
• Make sure that each grouping in your tree shares something in common!
• Write one phrase in each level explaining the characteristic you used to determine each level.
• Then Reflect…o What characteristics did you
use?o Why did you choose these?o What challenges did you face?
In the discussion board…
• Post your classification Tree or Dichotomous key in the discussion forum.
• Look to see what classification systems your peers made.
• Are their classifications the same as yours? Why or why not?
• What did you learn from this activity?
• What is the most obvious characteristic you could use to divide up your initial pile of critters?