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Project Goal

To create an immersive learning environment in the classroom through the establishment of diverse microhabitats representing key ecosystems. This will provide students with hands-on opportunities to observe species interactions and gain a deeper understanding of ecological concepts. 

 

How Project Benefits Students

Allowing students to closely observe living organisms within recreated natural environments will foster curiosity and engagement in biology concepts that may otherwise seem abstract.

Caring for classroom microhabitats will give students responsibility and ownership over part of their learning environment. This can motivate them to invest more deeply in their biological studies.

Having access to living things to study will provide active learning opportunities through observation, data collection, experimentation, and analysis. Students can discover biology concepts through guided inquiry instead of only textbook study.

The microhabitats will facilitate lab activities and projects for students to apply the scientific method and practice technical skills like using lab equipment, collecting samples, and documenting observations.

Interacting directly with diverse organisms will help students appreciate interconnected ecosystems and the need for conservation of all species, not just those considered charismatic. 

 

Expected Outcome(s)

Improved student engagement and interest in biology. Being able to observe living organisms up-close provides interactive learning that is more stimulating than only reading textbooks. This could lead to increased enthusiasm and participation during biology lessons.

Enhanced retention of biological concepts. The hands-on learning and ability to connect concepts to real-life organisms could improve students' grasp and retention of key biology topics covered in the curriculum. Students may perform better on assessments as a result.

Growth in scientific skills. Maintaining the classroom microhabitats provides repeating opportunities for students to practice technical skills like data collection, observation, measurement, and experimental design. Their proficiency and confidence with core scientific skills is expected to improve.

Increased awareness of ecosystems and conservation. Caring for delicate ecosystems in the classroom, like a balanced aquarium, teaches students to appreciate the complexity of habitats and the need to protect biodiversity. This can nurture environmental awareness.

Improved collaboration and communication abilities. Group projects centered around the microhabitats promote teamwork and scientific communication as students work together to conduct experiments and present findings.

Growth of responsibility and leadership skills. Tasks like feeding animals and monitoring water quality give students ownership over living things and let them develop accountability. Student leaders can emerge through directing projects.

Opportunities for individualized learning. The microhabitats facilitate differentiated instruction as teachers can provide support for struggling students and enrichment for advanced students during activities and observations. 

 

Detailed Cost Summary

Terrarium Habitat
- 10 gallon tank with lid - $20
- Substrate, decor, plants - $80
- Heat lamp and fixture - $40
- Tarantula and furnishings - $150
Subtotal: $290

Decomposer Habitat
- 5 gallon tank with lid - $15
- Soil and leaf litter - $20
- Springtails, isopods, millipedes - $60
- Decor (sticks, bark) - $15
Subtotal: $110

Aquarium Habitat
- 20 gallon tank, filters, lights - $150
- Gravel, decorations, driftwood - $80
- Live plants - $30
- Fish and invertebrates - $150
Subtotal: $410

Ant Farm
- Ant farm kit - $60
- Harvester ants - $20
Subtotal: $80


Testing Supplies
- Water test kits - $150
Subtotal: $150

Educational Posters - $100

 

 

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