Table of Contents

- Preface

- Acknowledgments

- Introducing PlantIT Cases

- Teaching and Learning with Investigative Cases

- Appendix: Investigations for Paul's Puzzle

- Resources for Paul's Puzzle

- PlantIT Investigative Cases

- Apple Talk

- Change and Survival

- Chlorophyll in the Bay

- Dilemma of the Imported Fabrics

- Don’t Pick the Flowers

- Fabric for First Aid

- Field to Plate

- Green or Gene?

- Let the Chips Fall

- Mystery at the Food Kiosk

- Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Fire

- Tar Balls and Oil Sponges

- Where in the World is Reveille?

- The Value of Collaborative Creation

- Appendix

- References

- Authors and Contributors

Problem Solving with Plant Biology:
Cases for the Classroom

Edited by
Ethel Stanley
Claire Hemingway
Margaret Waterman
Toni Lafferty
and
Karen Lucci

Copyright © 2012 by the Botanical Society of America

Published by the Botanical Society of America

P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, Missouri 63166-0299, U.S.A.

http://www.botany.org/

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 444 Castro Street, Suite 900, Mountain View, California, 94041, USA.

ISBN-13: 978-0-9848582-0-0

Cover photographs copyright ©Claire Hemingway.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0733280. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Preface

"All knowledge is connected to other knowledge. The fun is in making the connections."

— Arthur Aufderheide

Problem Solving with Plant Biology: Cases for the Classrooms uses an innovative, field-tested approach to help teachers and their students make connections between plant science and its uses in real world problems. The students start with a story, a case, and follow it up with a variety of investigations. The aim of this book is to provide practical suggestions and concrete examples for using investigative cases and for facilitating collaborative student investigations.

The materials can be used in classrooms grades 6-16, anywhere in the US or abroad. The materials and teaching approaches in this book are different from typical classroom teaching materials in several ways.

- They contain a unique set of investigative cases centered on plants that involve interdisciplinary connections.

- The instructional approach, investigative cases, may not be one you have used.

- The disciplinary focus on plants is uncommon not only in secondary schools, but across all educational levels.

- The investigative cases integrate research tools and data for student investigations.

- The cases subtly encourage students to consider diverse career options by introducing workplace applications and real-world contexts in which to situate their learning.

- The multiauthored book includes contributions that are adaptable to a wide array of school settings and course topics.

Such an interdisciplinary and integrated but diverse method may seem like uncharted territory. Yet, the book is firmly rooted in familiar long-standing reform efforts for active, student-centered learning. And it also addresses current pressing education concerns about preparing students for a rapidly shifting and increasingly global world that will require a workforce with strong critical thinking and problem solving skills. The 21st Century began not only with emphases on specific student skills, but also with broad calls for integrated approaches in biology education and biology research. The 2009 report A New Biology for the 21st Century describes the significant role interdisciplinary advances play in solving major problems facing society. How to provide sustenance and energy for a growing population, while also improving human health and protecting environments, are pressing concerns. Meeting these will require preparing future scientists to collaborate, communicate and connect disciplinary knowledge.

Students may read headlines of biofuels or new crops as promising solutions to current challenges. Yet, in their curricula and textbooks students often have limited exposure to plant biology. There is a disconnect between the pervasive importance of plants to our everyday lives and the opportunities across education levels for students to become botanically literate. Tapping student interest and engaging them in the science can help students learn about plants.

This book is written for educators interested in innovative practices for science teaching and learning. It introduces the investigative case instructional strategy and illustrates ways it can be used in classrooms. So, it is in part a how-to book and in part a materials and activities resource book. While classroom teachers are the primary audience, curriculum developers and informal student learners pursuing their self-identified interests may also find the book useful.

This book developed from professional development workshops held as part of the PlantIT Careers, Cases, and Collaborations project. Resources from the workshops remain available online at www.myPlantIT.org. The three summer workshops brought together middle school and high school teachers from twelve US states and Puerto Rico to College Station, Texas. Authors of cases in Chapter 3 participated in various workshops, but in all years the cases were collaboratively developed, reviewed, and tested during two-week long sessions. Following the workshop series, the editors met to review and standardize aspects of the cases. Authors received edited versions of their cases for review and many offered materials used in their classrooms after using the original cases with their students. The book honors the work of teachers as curriculum developers and adaptors as well as classroom practitioners.

The first two chapters set the framework. Chapter 1 introduces the orientation of the cases and what our project set out to do. Chapter 2 gives details of investigative case-based learning, with guidance on orchestrating the cases in the classroom. It walks the reader through sample implementation strategies using the investigative case Paul's Puzzle to illustrate the process.

Chapter 3 assembles the multiauthored cases developed by workshop facilitators and teacher participants during the PlantIT project. This section offers an accessible "go-to" place for investigative case materials for busy teachers who have limited time to find case ideas and resources. Classroom teachers can use the diverse assembled cases as a starting place to tailor learning experiences for their own students. Each case begins with a synopsis of learning activities and the possible student investigation directions. Sample student products, assessment rubrics, and teacher notes are provided as aids for using the case in the classroom.

Chapter 4 provides the editors' perspectives on the community connections among the PlantIT participants. New synergies arose from the contributions of multiple voices in ways only possible through collaborative learning. This concluding chapter also summarizes the major themes in biology encompassed in the cases. The Appendices present overviews of curricular themes, technology options, and career connections for the suite of cases included in this book.

For readers already familiar with the investigative case instructional strategy, the appendices might be an appropriate starting point if educators are looking for particular topics or seeking to select a sequence of cases to use across the school year. Otherwise, we suggest you begin with the framing chapters first and move to specific cases second.

We invite you to explore the diverse possibilities for teaching and learning about plants in realistic contexts presented here. We hope that you see possibilities for helping students make new connections between what they know and want to know.

Acknowledgments

Many individuals made this book possible. Our collective thanks are due to the teachers, students, scientists, professionals and collaborators who participated in the PlantIT Careers, Cases, and Collaborations project. We thank project co-principal investigator Dr. Carol Stuessy for leading the education research and site coordination activities and graduate students from Texas A&M University Department of Teaching, Learning and Culture for their contributions to the Cheryl Ann Peterson, Laura Ruebush, Tori Hollas, Sara Spikes, Toni Ivey, Denise Knibbe, Caroline Vasequez, Ra'sheedah Richardson, and Jules Johnston for their contributions over the three workshop years. These and other "behind the scenes" individuals played critical roles in this complex endeavor.

We are grateful to the many efforts to make science accessible and exciting for participating teachers and students. This includes the many individuals, departments, and businesses offered their expertise during field trips, career panel discussions, and hands-on investigations in science laboratories. Particular thanks to Dr. Larry Griffing, Dr. Mickey Eubanks, Monique Reed, Sharon Bannister, Nedaro Bellamy, Charles Kazelik, Dr. Jane Larson, Monsanto Inc. and the Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center for their contributions in multiple years.

With much appreciation, we recognize the authors and workshop participants. We thank our original teacher contributors and especially thank the authors for their careful reviews of their edited cases and the substantive new materials from their continued use of cases with their students. Their creative input brought to life ideas for engaging students in investigations and their classroom insights added valuable ground-truthing. This book exists because of the collaborations among teachers from twelve states across the nation and Puerto Rico participating in the summer workshops. We were fortunate to also work with an exceptional group of deserving and motivated students, mainly from Houston and rural Texas areas. These youth—already demonstrating a penchant for life-long learning—valued the opportunities to work with teachers during the summer trying out the newly developed case materials as well as meet diverse professionals who contributed to their understanding of plants and plant-related careers. We thank these students for offering us special glimpses of connections between student interest and learning in novel, collaborative learning settings.

We would like to acknowledge funding for this project from the National Science Foundation (DRL-0737669). Any opinions, findings or conclusions expressed in this book are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Ethel Stanley, BioQUEST Curriculum Consortium

Claire Hemingway, Botanical Society of America

Margaret Waterman, Southeast Missouri State University

Toni Lafferty, C.H. Yoe High School

Karen Lucci, Hopewell Valley Central High School

1

Introducing PlantIT Cases

The PlantIT case-based learning resources emphasize plant biology in context. This is learning about plants in order to make evidence-based decisions about real problems that individuals face in our increasingly networked and global society. If you are looking for a new way to introduce plant biology, technology, careers, or case-based learning to your students, this book is for you!

The book features cases written by participants in our workshops, as well as the cases developed for the workshops. Each case is accompanied by teaching notes including objectives, standards, assessment, and resources. Using this book will help you to consider plant biology in everyday settings, check out career opportunities, bring more technology into the classroom, and collaboratively explore what you know and what you need to know with cases.

Bringing Authentic Problem Solving with Plant Biology to the Classroom

The PlantIT workshops were funded by the National Science Foundation Award 07-37669 from the Innovative Technology Experiences for Teachers and Students (ITEST) Program. Texas A&M University hosted the workshop from 2008 until 2010. A national call went out for potential teacher participants to write and implement cases involving plant biology, technology, and careers. The applicants were asked to describe what they wanted to do with as a result of the workshop. Most were eager to learn how cases could be used in the classroom. Workshop leaders from the Botanical Society of America and the BioQUEST Curriculum Consortium designed the workshop to meet these expectations. We wished to provide experiences that would make problem solving in the classroom contextual, link to careers, and encompass plant biology and technology.

Our first priority was that each participant experience cases as both a learner and a teacher. All of our participants expected to write cases, but some were surprised to be investigating cases as well. Doing cases was revealing. Collaboratively, the participants showed that they had significant prior knowledge about both plants and technology, were adept at identifying what they needed to know, and carried out self-designed inquiries successfully.

By teaching their cases to students, the participants showed their pedagogical strengths, such as setting objectives, identifying standards to be met, selecting resources, and writing assessments. They also extended their inquiry teaching skills. Cases are a way for all users to do more with inquiry and to make inquiry learning more student-centered. It turns out that as we better understand how people learn (National Research Council, 2000) we see that the use of inquiry in the classroom is valuable for promoting learning. AP Biology (College Board, 2012) revised their laboratory manual this year to reflect the following inquiry goal:

"The instructional strategies that underlie the labs in this manual abandon the traditional teacher-directed content coverage model in favor of one that focuses on student-directed experimentation and inquiry. This approach enables students to identify the questions they want to answer, design experiments to test hypotheses, conduct investigations, analyze data, and communicate their results. As a result, they are able to concentrate on understanding concepts and developing the reasoning skills essential to the practices used in the study of biology."

We introduced the participants to case writing by showing them how to adapt an existing case. By adding an activity they were already familiar with, introducing a resource that was currently used in teaching, or changing the case to better suit their local or regional issues, teachers expected that cases would be easier to implement. Participants later wrote brand new cases and had the opportunity for both peer review and teaching the case with student participants in the second week of the workshop.

Since the settings for cases should describe realistic, everyday situations (contexts) that learners might encounter and could relate to in a meaningful way (Herreid, 2007; Duch et al., 2001), participants focused on their own experiences with plants and technology. For one teacher, the family fabric business was reflected in a case about forensic testing of imported fabrics. Another teacher incorporated her own allergies into a pollen case. Interestingly, the recent Vision and Change Report (AAAS, p. 19, 2010) indicates that students prefer to learn science in the context of applications.

The workshop provided opportunities for visits from professionals working in multiple plant-related areas. For example, participants met with an agronomist from Monsanto to explore seed pelleting. Most of the participants had never considered asking why some seeds are pelleted. However, it turns out to be a great starting point for anyone who wishes to learn more about plant technology. Pelleting materials not only help in planting seeds uniformly with machinery, but they also contain substances that can kill fungi, supplement nutrition, and even control the timing of germination. Hearing a firsthand account of the latest seed technology, the teachers could develop cases that incorporated seed pelleting as it is used to solve contemporary problems in agriculture.

The workshop also included field trips to research labs, agricultural stations, museums, public gardens, specialty restaurants, horticultural greenhouses, fruit centers, and even textile shops. We wanted our teachers to write convincingly about the usefulness of plant biology in making every day decisions. We also wanted to extend their experience. Certainly ginning their own cotton to separate seeds from fibers after visiting the cotton field in the 100+ degrees of a Texas midsummer provides the authenticity case writers need to engage their audience.

The workshop utilized inexpensive and easily accessible resources. The cases incorporate online resources including tools and simulations that are open source. The majority of materials for lab and field activities involve commonly available or inexpensive resources that could be obtained locally. (Note: Occasionally, the participants did have access to some high-end resources such as a scanning electron microscope complete with technician.)

All of the cases in this collection have been used with teachers or students in the workshop setting. Most have been used multiple times in either classrooms or other workshop settings as well. While you should expect to adapt these cases to your own audience, we have provided a place to get started.

Connecting Plant Biology to Careers

The cases in this book incorporate a range of contemporary career choices from the research plant scientist to individuals we encounter in turf management, forensics, news reporting, pharmacology, curation, nutrition, and more. From the pollen counter who monitors the seasonal flux for allergy sufferers to the marine archaeologist who successfully preserves 300 year old canvas sail, the juxtaposition of careers and problem solving in a case provides students with a sense of the role plant science plays in our society.

There are a number of careers not generally associated with plant biology that require an understanding of it nonetheless. For example, materials design and engineering play a significant role in improving textiles by coating the fibers to reduce flammability, to resist wrinkling, or to retain pigments. The tensile strength of a natural fiber, its permeability and the gases and solid residue associated with burning are physical and chemical data that are determined by using tools from those disciplines. However, the fiber is biological. Where the plant is found, how it can be grown successfully, and when to harvest it are biological questions. When a manufacturer wishes to produce a fiber product, all of these disciplines are involved in the choice and method.

Plant Biology Out of the Silo

There is growing recognition that institutional barriers between departments can promote academic "silos" that isolate researchers, educators, and students within a specific discipline. Our traditional courses are sometimes so discipline-focused that we actually reduce opportunities for connections and collaboration across the sciences (Halonen et al., 2011). We can use cases to require students to engage in broader, more collaborative problem solving efforts that draw from multiple disciplines. The exploration of plant biology generated from investigating cases involves interdisciplinary considerations.

Cases can offer "real world relevance, ill-defined challenges, sustained investigation using multiple sources.... Students situate their learning in authentic contexts, tackle ambiguity, hone their decisionmaking skills, acknowledge multiple perspectives, and practice the type of negotiation required of them as professionals" (Lombardi, 2007, p.3).

Fortunately, problems that require investigations of plant biology are abundant. Students can explore the use of plant forensics to determine specifics such as location, a specific plant identity, approximation of the time of an event, transfer of plant materials, and molecular "signatures." They can look at green (sustainable) consumer choices such installing bamboo versus hardwood floors. They can compare diet choices in terms of nutrition, transportation costs (economic or carbon footprint), and use of crops that are re-emerging as global warming impacts our agricultural options. Students could explore the significance of Bt cotton in their jeans, whether or not to use native plants in landscaping, or if poison ivy is hazardous enough you should be able to identify it when hiking in the Midwest.

To answer their case question, one group of participants wanted to capture and compare pollen in a localized area. By looking at the 19th century work of an inventor (before technological advances such as digital sensors), the groups successfully devised their own pollen traps. Using historical resources in their biological problem solving was helpful for building the pollen trap, but it also provided an opportunity for learners to see connections between disciplines.

Information Technology and Cyberlearning

Internet access was a constant in the PlantIT workshop. All ITEST projects begin with a strong commitment to information technology (IT). To learn more about this and other ITEST projects, see http://itestlrc.edc.org/.

Each of the PlantIT cases features information technology. We wished to engage teachers and learners in a variety of IT experiences from online searching for information that included images and data to analyzing this information with tools such as Image J (image analysis) and Excel statistics. While we utilized a number of virtual laboratories and simulations, we emphasized improving data literacy skills.

However, cases also foster cyberlearning, a mode of self-directed learning that is currently occurring throughout the world. This "interest-driven learning tends to be pursued outside school and often remains unconnected to formal education" (National Science Foundation, 2008). Cases can offer an alternative to the broadcast style of teaching found in many classrooms by offering the opportunity to learn the way students are learning at home.

"Youth today are extensively exploiting computing and mobile telephony outside of school to pursue their interest-driven learning through social networks. They use social network platforms like Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, blog sites, search engines, and instant messaging, not only for socializing, but to advance their learning and that of their peers about topics of personal consequence, such as hobbies, music, sports, games, fan culture, civic engagement, health, and nutrition" (MacArthur Series on Digital Media and Learning, 2007).

We introduced blogging for both teachers and students as a way to encourage communication and reflection about the workshop activities. One of my favorite student entries describes a spontaneous microscopic examination of an unknown fiber from personal clothing. The wavy cotton fiber he was expecting to see did not materialize. Instead, a smooth uniformly wide fiber appeared in the field indicating man-made material as the source. He registered surprise at his mother's shopping choice and concluded that apparently he could wear polyester and not know it.

We used cell phones to create yodios (online presentations using both audio and video files) as a way for students to communicate about the plant biology they were investigating. By dialing into Yodio, they could record a short message that was saved as an audio file on the Yodio website (http://www.yodio.com/). The students could upload images as well and then produce their own online presentations by combining their audio and video. While the majority of the teachers did not allow cell phones in their own classrooms, cell phones do support a wide range of apps that could help students identify plants, explore dietary choices, compare plant products, or map plants.

Popular Culture

Cases can be used to acknowledge the interests of our students including their popular culture. Cases written to reference their athletic stars, music, movies, TV programs, social networks, and books can be quite effective in eliciting both response and interest.

Katniss Everdeen, the heroine of The Hunger Games, may feature prominently in my next case writing endeavor. Named after the katniss plant, also known as arrowhead, she uses her firsthand plant experie nce to help feed herself and others during the games. She also benefits from Rue's knowledge of a plant whose leaves reduce the effects of tracker jacker wasp stings. (Note: This reminds me of applying crushed jewelweed to poison ivy rashes when I was a child.) Katniss and her fellow tribute from District 12, Peeta, change the Hunger Games forever with a handful of poisonous nightlock berries.

We used You Tube videos as resources for many of our cases. One video explored cotton genes through a scientific examination of jeans, a standard wardrobe choice of students for several decades now, and genes, specific nucleic acid sequences found in cotton species. The evolutionary history of cotton fibers in the New World and Old World is cleverly portrayed with the emergence of the hybrid strain that is used to make jeans today.

The culture of our students also involves food. The Food Channel offers an array of cooking competitions from Cupcake Wars to Chopped where exotic ingredients feature prominently. While not every student wishes to become a chef, they are drawn to the competitors' creative facilities with fennel, shitake, and garbanzos. In a case featuring a roadside kiosk serving Mofongo and Tostones, the introduction of Puerto Rican cuisine captured the attention of students who had familiarity with Hispanic culture. These same students shared their knowledge with their peers as we compared varieties of plantains with the common banana in a related lab activity.

Cases can help us acknowledge the differences in students' backgrounds and use these differences to engage them in group discussions. Encouraging social interactions between students as they work on cases helps them learn to negotiate problems in groups as well as to improve their collective understanding as individual students share their partial knowledge with others (Paavola et al. 2004) Chia fresca, a popular Central American beverage made with lime juice and Chia seeds, was surprisingly well received during the workshop. Chia seeds were used by both Incan and Aztec cultures to maximize the distance the runners could travel. This was due to the seeds' highly nutritious content, compact size, and ability to rapidly hold ten times their weight in water.

To test this, students added Chia seeds to the 1ml line in a graduated cylinder and the poured this into a clear straw that had been folded over at one end and taped. They then added 5 ml of water to the straw, folded over the open end and taped it. After shaking the straw to mix the two, they were asked to record their observations at 60 seconds and 120 seconds. The resulting seed suspension elicited new questions from the group. Chief among them was how and why the seeds managed to trap the water. Among the resources used to investigate the case was the original Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Pet commercial (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzY7qQFij_M) aired in 1983. This captivated the students (and teachers) as reflected in their blogging. Many of our participants had seen the commercial growing up and almost a third had owned a Chia pet themselves.

Global Awareness

Cases can be used to develop global perspectives about both science and science education through the choice of characters, settings, data, tools, and issues/decision-making in the case. Modifying an existing case to better fit the intended audience is a good teaching strategy. Different audiences may take the case investigations into different directions.

When a joint project with OER Commons required us to modify the Paul's Puzzle case (see Chapter 2) for a Japanese audience, we readily agreed. The case is set originally in Lincoln, Nebraska, and involves two runners who find the unseasonably warm March slows one of them down. Examination of weather data, identification of pollen, and locating a specific Juniper species all are strategies used to resolve questions about the case.

The case written by this group features an adolescent girl named Pin Pin who travels to China and takes a bus tour of an agricultural area with family. She passes by a field of yellow flowers that remind her of kalian. She notices many workers removing the flowers. A short distance from the first field she sees a second field where taller, but similar yellow flowered plants are thriving and no one is picking off the blooms. She wonders why not.

The case continues with data that can be used to determine the first field is turnips and the second is canola. Learners using this case have many questions they can investigate. See Figure 8. to learn more about this case.

Plant Biology

Which wood burns longest? What plant can relieve inflammation? What vine is strongest? What root can I use to make bread? What leaves will keep insects out? Questions and problem solving about plants were critical to our survival in past generations. The answers to these and other questions have determined many aspects of cultures today, but society as a whole has moved on.

Will this be on the test? Why do I have to know about photosynthesis? I plan to be a lawyer, so why do I have to take a plant biology class? These questions may be the ones we encounter in the classroom today. Problem solving about plants is no less necessary, but asking questions about plants has become complicated for many of our students who do not see connections to plant knowledge in their own lives and decision-making.

By introducing an inquiry-based pedagogy such as case-based learning, tying in careers that utilize plant biology, and requiring technology in the solving of contextualized problems, we can provide a learning environment that will engage our students and ourselves. Celebrate questions in your classroom!

2

Teaching and Learning with Investigative Cases

1. Why use investigative cases?

With this approach, teachers can

- Make your course content relevant and the science engaging

- Expose students to careers by using specific work products and process skills

- Address state and national standards so that students can

- Help students retain more knowledge by sharing prior knowledge and strategies

- Show how to apply content to new situations

- Teach group collaboration and problem solving

- Encourage student self- assessment of prior knowledge, be aware of learning

- Differentiate science learning

Investigative Cases can help your students connect the content they learn in school to its uses outside the classroom, and to careers related to that content.

By addressing state and national standards for teaching science in the context of personal decisions and society, you can directly explore a wide variety of career options with your students.

The settings for the PlantIT investigative cases are familiar to students involving issues they can relate to in a meaningful way. For example, the Case of the Missing Statue relates to a school mascot stolen from a gym at school and involves forensic scientists such as students regularly view on TV.

In the PlantIT project, each investigative case introduces people in one or more careers in which they use knowledge of plant science to solve problems. Research shows that when new learning is set in a realistic context, students learn as much and retain more than in traditional teaching (Hmelo, 2004; Lundeberg, 2008; Dori, Tal, &Tsausu, 2003; Prince &Felder, 2007; Rybarczyk, et al.,2007). Students can also apply the knowledge they are gaining to new problems more readily if learned via cases than if learned via traditional methods (Gijbels, 2008).

Another reason to use investigative cases is that this method requires students to ask questions, a scientific inquiry skill very much prized in many states' standards. This is a two-part process based on the KWL chart (Know, Want to Know, Learned) methodology widely used in reading instruction. During this process, called "Case Analysis," students identify their own prior knowledge, share that knowledge with peers in small groups that then collaborate to ask questions. (See the next section for details of how the process works.) In our 15 years of experience, we have seen students of all ages and abilities rapidly become able to ask good, scientifically testable questions after doing two or three cases.

The Investigative Case Based Learning (Stanley and Waterman, 2003) approach engages learners in exploring, experimenting, and otherwise investigating questions relevant to the case. In other words, the cases set the stage for inquiry activities that become meaningful because they are helping to solve a problem. Each of the PlantIT cases has a set of investigations and recommended resources that are generally free and online or available at very low cost. Students may work with a model, a data set, or a set of slides. They may test the physical and chemical properties of fabrics. They may access remote sensing data and images. They may collect specimens in the field. They may carry out paper chromatography. They may evaluate graphs and explain their mathematical reasoning as evidence for solving a biological problem. State and National standards call for learners to demonstrate that they have skills of inquiry. Investigative cases and the linked activities engage students in authentic scientific inquiry.

Much is written in education about the advantages of differentiation for students. Differentiation requires much time and planning. By using investigative cases, the teacher allows the student to build on his or her unique prior knowledge and learn in a way that best suits him or her; this is differentiation. One key component in differentiation is some form of pre-assessment. The Know/Need to Know chart accomplishes this. Since all learners are different in prior knowledge and capabilities, having the students share what they know and then ask and answer their own questions allows them to build knowledge in a more personal and meaningful way. In other words, this is differentiation by process. These cases allow learners to tackle scientific concepts at their own levels, develop their own questions and then answer them in a meaningful way to them that makes sense.

Using investigative case teaching is frequently perceived as open and fun - students like it. Some students may feel uncertain at first about how to do a case and may worry about how they will be assessed. We recommend addressing this proactively by practicing case analysis during lecture and then adding assessment components such as turning in their Know/Need to Know sheets. Then continue a case in lab by exploring a subset of the questions they have Figure 2.1 Faculty participants at the National Institute of asked. Students learn collaboratively, while you address multiple standards in the course of the case. Students willingly give their attention and time to science investigation. You may even hear students ask why all their science isn't taught this way.

Is it a lot more work for science teachers?

Surprisingly it is not, if the teachers are already doing some lab activities, some discussion, or group projects. The newest piece is the Case Analysis (see below). The lab activities within the cases are often the same ones many teachers use in class now. So the work load there is no greater. In fact, the cases provide a meaningful context for those activities and the students can then make more sense out of the work they are doing. Because the students are taking ownership of their learning, they exhibit better behaviors in class and have fewer discipline issues.

Probably the most difficult part in teaching cases is letting the students control more while the teacher is truly a facilitator more of the time during the case process. But, since the teacher chooses the case, the learning content is determined by the teacher.

Also, this book is but the tip of the iceberg on available curriculum materials. Many websites have cases and suggested activities that can be easily modified for local contexts (see "Other Case Resources"). Cases can easily be modified for different geographic regions by changing the setting and local contexts.

Investigative Case Based Learning can be used very flexibly.

Teachers use investigative cases to accomplish a variety of educational objectives, such as:

- Pre-assess your students

- Set a meaningful context for a regular lab session

- Teach how to ask scientific questions

- Introduce experimental design

- Introduce the need for a specific lab technology

- Introduce models and simulations

- Teach data analysis and interpretation

- Prepare students for a field trip

- Provide a common context for students to write about

- Assess content

- Introduce career possibilities

- Teach life-long learning skills

- Teach collaboration and team work skills

- Have students show their learning in multiple formats

- Use technology in a meaningful way

2. How to Use Investigative Cases with Learners

The Investigative Case Based Learning approach (Waterman and Stanley, 2005; Waterman, 1998) is based in steps scientists take: Problem Posing, Problem Solving and Peer Persuasion (Jungck and Peterson, 1988).

Phase I: Analyzing the case (posing problems)

Phase II: Investigating the case (problem solving)

Phase III: Sharing findings (peer persuasion)

In the next few paragraphs, we will take you through the steps of Investigative Case Based Learning using an example case called "Paul's Puzzle," developed for the PlantIT teacher workshops.

Phase I: Analyzing the case.

A. Introduce the Case and Read Aloud

Begin by giving students a copy of the case during class. Don't give it for homework; wait for class to start. You could project it on a screen or give everyone or every group a paper copy.

Next ask for student volunteers to read the case out loud while everyone else reads along silently. This is important because it gets everyone on the same page and is a surprisingly effective method to get the case going. Reading aloud also lets students know they will be verbally involved here, and listening to a student lets other students know they have a real role to play. Plan on about 2 minutes for this step. This can be done by the whole class or in small groups.

B. Recognize key phrases, terms not understood.

Ask students to spend 2-3 minutes silently reading the case again. This time they should be noting words or phrases that seem to be important to understanding what the case is about. If students have a printed copy of the case, they might underline these phrases. Otherwise, they might jot down ideas and questions about these phrases.

Example of selected phrases (bold) in Paul's Puzzle for further discussion.

Paul jumped out of bed as soon as the alarm went off. As he headed off to school, he noticed that it was an unusually warm, breezy day. The outdoor thermometer showed it was above 50 degrees. "Pretty nice for early March in Lincoln, Nebraska," he thought, "Maybe we'll have an early spring."

Paul and his best friend Larry were members of the track team. When Larry met Paul at the outdoor track for morning practice, Larry noticed his friend's watery eyes and sneezing. "You don't have a cold, do you?" asked Larry.

"No, but I am miserable. I hope I'm not allergic to warm weather," Paul confided. "I probably won't run very well at the track meet tonight," he added.

When the boys met after school, they had to put up their hoods to protect themselves from the cold wind. By the time they arrived at the track, it was freezing. "Well," Paul confided, "at least I'm not sneezing and I can see again. Hmmm, I wonder why."

C. Identify Major Themes "What is this case about?"

Initially, it is helpful to think about the entire case as a story and see what underlying themes students identify. As a whole, ask the class to consider the question: "What is this case about?" This is the easy question ! You might have to give them an obvious one to start: It's about track, or spring in Nebraska.

Then take 5-7 answers from the class. Don't be surprised at the variety of themes students may associate with the case ! This step, while brief (about a minute), alerts students to the complexity of the case. Don't add to the students' list and don't teach them content at this point.

For Paul's Puzzle students suggested the following themes

- Allergies

- Weather changes

- Lincoln Nebraska weather patterns

- Running track with allergies/colds

D. Case Analysis: What do you know/What do you need to know?

Plan about 7-10 minutes for this and about 5-10 minutes to discuss the results. Be prepared, this will be noisy!

Learners are now ready to work with the Case Analysis sheet. This sheet contains a "Know/Need to Know" chart where students can keep track of their thoughts about what they already know related to the case as well as questions they have about aspects of the case.

One good strategy that helps promote group discussion later is to ask students to spend 1-2 minutes individually writing down at least one thing they know related to the case and at least one question. You might need to give an example: Does anyone have allergies? Have you had a cold? Anyone been to Nebraska?

Once that solo work is complete, then break the class up into groups no smaller than 4 and no larger than seven or 8. Tell them that after 5-7 minutes you are going to ask each group to share with the class the one question (need to know) they think is most important for their understanding of the case, and one thing they know. You might suggest that the groups decide on a spokesperson. Everyone, however, should make notes about what is known and what questions they have.

In the small group work, students will share the things they know and what they need to know. They will spend time deciding which question is the most important (often they have to put together two or three similar ones). While they are working, walk around and see what they are writing and saying. DO NOT TEACH content or attempt to correct wrong ideas. (Getting their misconceptions out on the table is critical to being able to change those ideas later, and students are more open to learning the correct information from their peers than from a teacher.)

After the students have completed their Know/Need to Know charts, then debrief the class. Ask each group to share ONE question and ONE thing they know. That way, every group has something to share.

Write down the most important things they said know (even if wrong), and their most important questions. Don't teach content at this point. Just say something like "Ok, very good, interesting..." Use newsprint and marker pens, or a part of the whiteboard, or even type them on the computer while projecting the screen or write them on a Smart board.

Ask them, now that they see this, if they have any more questions. Add them. Which of these seems most important? Jot this down as well.

E. Identify Likely Resources

This is the last question on the Case Analysis sheet. We have found students' ideas about where to get information to improve dramatically as they do a second or third case. Do not accept generic answers like "Google." Instead, ask students for more specifics such as what search terms they might use, or what they are looking for on the internet.

http://serc.carleton.edu/images/introgeo/icbl/computerhelp.jpg Resources may include textbooks; other library materials; a teacher's lecture notes; results of computer simulations; results of lab or field research; articles from professional journals or popular press, data sets, maps, emails, websites or other electronically based resources; pamphlets from organizations; interviews with experts; information from museum exhibits, etc. Ask students to list 3-4 potential resources as they wrap up the case analysis. Extended informational research may be assigned independently.

You may decide to list limited resources (to limit surfing) or maybe print out a few copies of something very useful. This is a great opportunity to teach students to value the index of their textbook. (See more on resources for the investigations in Phase II.)

Resources for Paul's Puzzle students might suggest:

- Biology text

- Map of the US

- Weather records for Lincoln Nebraska

- Pollen count information by date/temperature

- Allergy websites

Phase II: Investigating the Case (Problem Solving)

During this Phase, there are many possible strategies to employ that will be affected by the objectives a teacher selects.

Sample Investigative Objectives for Paul's Puzzle

Students will investigate to learn about

- seasonal weather patterns

- pollen and weather

- allergies (plants and health connection)

- location of Nebraska

- pollen identification (shapes, sizes, color, etc.)

- pollen counts (who, how, why, etc.)

- model use in science

A. Conduct Investigations

With Investigative Cases students can engage in investigations at many levels. They can be entirely teacher-designed or entirely student designed. They can be open ended, as with experiments, simulations, or models. Or they can be closed ended, such as interpreting data, reading a map, making a graph, or critiquing an experimental design.

Experiments

Teachers sometimes use investigative cases to introduce labs that they have used in the past. Now, however, they might go one step further toward open-ended inquiry and ask students to design their own experiments by choosing other variables once they have completed the teacher-designed lab. This is a cost-effective way to handle independent investigations and also makes good use of time. The students use the same materials and methods they have been using for the teacher-designed lab.

On the other hand, if the objective is to have students design their own unique experiments, then the teacher will need to identify available materials, prepare the logistical aspects of multiple experiments at once, and put some limits on what the students can do.

Other types of investigations

For most classroom situations students will not dive right in to their own experiments. They will have other objectives to accomplish. Usually the teacher will have one or more planned activities for the students to engage with, in a logical sequence that may build up to an independent investigation. With investigative cases the idea is that students will work interactively with resources to learn more about content and process in order to strengthen their problem solving skills. At some point, students should be given an opportunity for independent problem solving in small groups.

Sample investigations for Paul's Puzzle:

See appendices for these activities and supporting resources

1. Interpreting graphs. What is the relationship between temperature and pollen levels on the day in which Paul had symptoms?

2. Pollen map activity. Uses a several online resources to locate a variety of U.S. cities, their average March temperatures, the location of Juniper.

3. Flowers and Cones investigation: Students examine four different flowers or cones with pollen and make hypotheses about pollinators. Also includes directions for collecting and microscopically examining pollen. Pollen germination method included.

4. Calculating scale for pollens of different diameters (an excel model). This is followed by actual modeling with Styrofoam balls and PlayDoh ™

B. Resources for Investigations

One goal of the PlantIT project was to infuse technology into the cases and investigations. As you explore the investigations you will see a variety of tools and resources, from informational websites to data sets, models, maps, collections of images and so forth.

Sample online resources for Paul's Puzzle

http://www.aaaai.org/global/nab-pollen-counts/reading-the-charts.aspx Understanding pollen and mold counts National Allergy Bureau Scale

http://countrystudies.us/united-states/weather/ Average temperatures for US locations

http://www.pollenlibrary.com/index.php Areas where you can expect to find specific pollen producing plants

http://www.aqua.org.au/AQUA/Pollen/search_graphics_sketch.htm Search for pollen types using simple line drawings of pollen shapes: great tool

http://www.vcbio.science.ru.nl/en/virtuallessons/pollenmorphology/ Pollen shape, size and color

http://www.news.wisc.edu/12854 Achoo pollen counter (a woman scientist, shows technology use)

http://www.gmo-safety.eu/data/media/1624/1200x900f.jpg A simple pollen trap, made with agarose gel in a petri dish and placed in a field. Pollen grains are counted under a dissecting microscope.

http://biology.nebrwesleyan.edu/pollen/march_weather.html March 2, 2008 graph provided as a public service by Nebraska Wesleyan University, Allergy, Asthma &Immunology Associates

http://www.bioquest.org/myplantit-2008/resource_files/RevisedPollenModel.xls Make an Excel spreadsheet for building scale models

http://www.gizmowatch.com/entry/pollen-robots-will-monitor-the-pollen-levels-in-air/ Japanese Pollen Robots

http://www.bioquest.org/myplantit-2008/resource_files/PollenConceptMap.jpg Pollen concept map: a way to think broadly about how pollen might fit into your curriculum. Author: Ethel Stanley, 2008

http://gisr07.hubpages.com/hub/The-Use-of-Pollen-in-Forensic-Science The use of pollen in forensic science

http://allergies.about.com/od/allergies101/a/shouldiseemd.htm Career link to allergists

http://www.stlouisco.com/HealthandWellness/EnvironmentalServices/PollenandMoldCenter Example of a local county public health department website with extensive pollen and mold information, including ability to look at several years' worth of data for different types of plants and molds.

Phase III: Sharing Findings (peer persuasion)

Another way to think of this is that students will produce materials to support their conclusions. These are the gradeables, some of the things to be assessed. Scientists present evidence to support their conclusions and they publicly present their evidence as talks, posters, online sessions and publications.

For Investigative Case methods, we can use the traditional products that scientists use, of course. Lab reports, papers, abstracts, posters are all good products if the students can share what they know. Investigative cases, however, open the door to a wider array of ways for students to display their knowledge: posters (scientific, public service), videos, booklets, pamphlets for the general public, consulting reports or memos, artwork, designs for new technology, newspaper stories, editorials or letters to the editor, new case studies.

We frequently use the strategy of public presentations and peer review, again to be consistent with scientific practice. Students can help develop rubrics that they can use to provide feedback, and even grades, to peers products. When students review other students' products, they can engage in the kind of discussion and possible controversy about differing methods and results that is common among scientists.

A short list of possible student products for Paul's Puzzle

- A scientifically based public presentation on pollen and allergies

- A mock interview between an allergist and reporter

- A pamphlet for athletes and coaches about training during pollen season

- Photomicrographs of pollen collected by students and identified (lab report)

- The Case Analysis Sheet (a good "pretest" of student knowledge)

- Exam questions

- The completed worksheets

- Posters on the careers included in the case

- Scale models of pollen types known to stimulate allergies vs. not

3. Additional Implementation Issues for Investigative Cases

Fitting Cases into Your Classes

Implementing investigative cases successfully may require careful planning. Among the decisions teachers need to make are where to find cases and how to adapt them to local contexts and to address specific objectives. Another issue is when to use a case. We see them in texts often as applications after the content has been learned. We would like to suggest doing it differently. Put the case near the beginning so that students go into the lectures and lab and investigations with questions. Don't just save them for the end. Some teachers use them to set up a lab or field trip. Others use them at the beginning and then again have students do a partial analysis of a similar case on an exam.

With beginners to cases, we suggest starting with a short case (like Paul's Puzzle) to teach the Case Analysis process. We have found with middle and high school students and beginning college students that a more closed-ended case with clearly defined products and investigations is a good way to begin. After two or three such cases, students quickly catch on and become faster at case analysis and ask more probing and testable questions.

Preparing Students

Students may not be expecting to discuss, talk, interact, suggest ideas, think for themselves and defend their answers in a school science class. This is especially true later in high school and in college. We have found that taking the time to address the process of case analysis and to fully address the expectations and grading scheme really pay off. In fact, sometimes students will not contribute unless they know they have the right answer. Since the KWL chart is essentially brainstorming, students need to understand that they all can contribute something and there is not one right answer.

Another issue is the need to form productive collaborative groups. Students need to learn that there are many ways to participate productively, that active participation is expected and will be graded, perhaps by peers as well as by teachers. Oftentimes, putting students with similar abilities together will allow them to work more collaboratively.

Students may find guidelines for how to act during discussions to be helpful. Have printed guidelines such as

- Don't interrupt one another

- Don't attack a person, focus on the ideas under discussion

- Each person must contribute to the group in one or more roles such as researcher, reporter, presentation maker, artist, recorder, etc.

Some implementation/teaching hints

The first time you do a case, choose a familiar but compelling topic. Students are more likely to engage in the issues and generate questions if they care about the issue. Something like local land use, local water pollution, enhancing fishing, a local disease outbreak, wild internet rumors (ghosts, vaccine and mental health, etc.). Avoid heavily charged topics such as cloning, stem cell research, evolution, religion until students have become comfortable with investigative cases.

Don't be afraid to give explicit directions, especially at first, such as:

- "We begin by having one person read the case out loud. Who would like to read first?"

- "Are there any words you don't know?" or "What do you think this case is about?"

- "It will help you later if one individual acts as scribe and write down the ideas (on chalkboard or newsprint)."

- "You might want to keep track of facts, question, issues, and possible solutions or answers."

- "You have two minutes left in Case Analysis. Please come to agreement in your group about the most important question you have raised and one thing you feel you know."

- "I will ask each group to share just one thing so that we can hear from most groups."

- "I may not call on every group every time."

Remember, don't do direct teaching during Case Analysis. This is the time for students to think about their prior knowledge and to generate questions and issues that they think are important to learn about.

Want to know more?

Learning more about the teaching method may be something some teachers want to do. There are many opportunities every year to attend workshops on investigative cases, problem based learning (PBL) or case study in science.

Beginning in Spring 2012 a new network, the Science Case Network (funded by the National Science Foundation) is coming online. Science Case Net brings together people, resources and opportunities for professional development. Cases and PBL materials are available for at http://sciencecasenet.org. We welcome your involvement.

Appendix: Investigations for Paul's Puzzle

Investigation 1.

Paul's Puzzle Lincoln, NE, Data Activity: How does this graph help us understand Paul's day?

1. The red line shows the average number of Juniper pollen grains per cubic meter of air for each hour of a day. The blue line plots the average temperature for each hour of the day. Summarize the relationship between pollen count and average temperature.

2. What information in the graph above might be used to explain the change in Paul's health during the day?

Investigation 2.

Paul's Puzzle Map activity: Where is Lincoln, Nebraska, and why is it important to know?

1. Locate the following cities on the map:

- Fargo, North Dakota

- Rapid City, South Dakota

- Lawrence, Kansas

- Lincoln, Nebraska

- Tulsa, Oklahoma

- Houston, Texas

2. Fill in the average temperatures for March in these locations (see http://countrystudies.us/united-states/weather/):

- Fargo, North Dakota

- Rapid City, South Dakota

- Lawrence, Kansas

- Lincoln, Nebraska

- Tulsa, Oklahoma

- Houston, Texas

3. Closer examination of the pollen revealed it was from juniper, specifically Juniper ashei. Shade areas where you can expect to find these pollen producing plants. (See http://www.pollenlibrary.com/)

4. Review your map. Is there anything surprising to you? Explain. Where does the Juniper pollen come from in Lincoln, Nebraska?

5. Why do you think the Juniper pollen counts in Lincoln, Nebraska went down as the temperature suddenly changed during March 2, 2008? (See http://ww5.stlouisco.com/doh/pollen_site/FAQ.html#Q6)

6. What kinds of evidence could help support your hypothesis?

Investigation 3

Where's the Pollen?

Most people know many things about pollen: for example, it makes some people sneeze, it's needed for reproduction in plants, bees harvest it for food, levels of pollen are reported on the news. But where is the pollen? Is all pollen the same? Do all plants that produce pollen do so in the same way?

In this investigation you will be examining flowers and cones, collecting and examining the pollens and storing them for future work.

Materials per pair:

Dissecting probe, single edge razor blade, metric ruler, hand lens, several different flowers and one or more pine cones, microscope, slide, dissecting microscope, hand lens

General Flower Structure: Flowers have their structures arranged in concentric rings. There are many variations, but usually the green sepals form the outermost ring, followed by petals, then stamens (anthers and filament), then in the center, one or more pistils (stigma, style and ovary) See the image to the right which shows a flower cut in half.

Part I. Pollen's location in plants.

1. Examine flowers or cones from several plants. Focus on the location of the pollen producing structures in each. The male pine cones are smaller and feel papery when compared to the female cones of the same season If one of your plants is a cone, cut it in half and examine its structure.

For each flowering plant, prepare a sketch of the location of the stamens and pistils, and their relative sizes. Carefully open the flowers using forceps and probes in order to locate the pollen producing anthers. Use the dissecting microscope and a hand lens to more easily see these structures.

Show where you think the pollen is.

2. Consider the way each of these plant is likely to be pollinated.

1. Do you think any of your plants self-pollinate? Which ones? What is your evidence?

2. Which of your plants do you think is most likely to be pollinated by wind? What is the evidence for this?

3. Which of your plants is most likely to be pollinated by an animal? What evidence do you have for this?

Part II: Collecting and examining pollen.

Pollen collection and identification are skills used in many careers - meteorology, medical technology, medicine, plant breeding, forensics, archeology, anthropology - to name a few. Here you will collect pollen from known species of plants, examine it and store some for future use.

Materials per group:

- Four microscope slides

- Double sided tape

- Four glassine envelopes

- Marking pen

- Millimeter ruler

- Microscope

- Sugar water solution in dropper bottles

Collecting Pollen:

1. Place a piece of double-sided tape on a microscope slide, leaving at least one cm. free at one end.

2. Choose one of your plants, and sprinkle pollen onto the slide.

1. You might simply shake the flower or cone over the slide

2. You might remove a stamen and brush its anther lightly over the slide.

3. Label the slide with the name of the plant.

4. Label one glassine envelope with the name of the plant

5. Shake the flower or cone or remove the stamens and brush them against the inside of the envelope to collect the pollen.

6. Repeat for your other three specimens.

Examining pollen

1. View one of your slides with the microscope at low power. Be sure to use as little light as possible when viewing the pollen.

2. Sketch the features of the pollen and label your drawing with the name of your plant.

3. What is the diameter of each of type of pollen that you have?

To do this you need to know how large the field of view is at 10X power. Place a metric ruler on the stage and focus on it at low power.

How many millimeters wide is the field of view at its widest?_

There are 1000 micrometers (microns) in a millimeter. How many microns wide is the field of view? _

Plant 1. Now, replace the metric ruler with Plant 1 slide. Look at a pollen grain near the "equator" of your field of view. How many grains would it take to go from side to side across the field of view?

Divide the width of the field of view by this number to get an estimate of pollen grain width.

For example, if this large circle represents the field of view at 100X, and it is 2000 microns wide, approximately how wide is the six-sided pollen grain?

It looks like about 20 pollen grains would be needed to go from side to side across the field of view at its equator.

So, 2000 microns / 20 = 100 microns.

This is large for pollen. Most are between 10 and 100 microns in size.

Use this technique to determine the diameters of the four types of pollen you have.

Approximately how large is the Plant 1 pollen grain?

Repeat the procedure for estimating pollen size for your remaining plants. Show your work.

Plant 2.

Plant 3

Plant 4

3. If time permits you may add a drop of sugar water to each pollen slide. Place a coverslip on the slide. Wait a few minutes and observe the pollen at low power. Record your observations.

Resources for Paul's Puzzle

1. Pollen Modeling Worksheet

Determining scale is supported by the following Excel worksheet that both explains how to determine magnification once a model has been built using corn pollen as an example and provides the size a second model should be built to represent the same magnification as the first model.

2. Concept Map

Concept maps are a great way to approach case writing about any topic. We used the Cmap knowledge modeling kit, an open source mapping tool at , to develop a concept map about pollen. The concept shown as Pollen is the male gametophyte... at the lower middle of the image is what most of us teach in a standard course. The other concepts represent places we could go !

3

PlantIT Investigative Cases

This chapter contains the collaborative efforts of educators experienced in teaching middle school, high school and college students. Among the diverse cases presented here, you will find forensic scenarios, form and function explorations, and carbon footprint investigations. We invite you to adopt and adapt any and all of these. Seeing a wide variety of cases may also give your ideas to draw from to create cases of your own. The cases are ordered alphabetically in this chapter. Each case includes:

- a synopsis of the case content and possible student investigations that could follow from it

- national science education standards

- career and technology connections and content tags

- learning goals

- investigation activities and resources

- possible student products

- assessment rubrics

- teaching notes

While each case has unique features, all of them intentionally introduce technologies and tools that are a part of research practices to address current plant science questions. The cases addressing cells and reproduction include microscope skills as they would be used in workplace settings. For example, in Dilemma of the Imported Fabrics fiber samples are examined to ask about material composition and origin. And in Where in the World is Reveille, pollen samples serve as a source of forensic evidence. Panning out for the opposite spectrum scale of a birds-eye view, Chlorophyll in the Bay draws on remote sensing data of aquatic algal blooms.

Each case also embeds reference to one or more professions. Along with a strong showing of research and applied science careers, other job fields that are well represented include communications, health care and business. Humanitarian relief worker, fabric manufacturer, and journalist might be surprising connections and serve to broaden students' views. Through the cases students can be exposed to many areas of plant biology and possible careers that are not usually encountered in traditional science classrooms.

The website links included were current at the time of publication, but websites may not be updated over time and new resources will become available.

APPLE TALK

Authors:

Ethel Stanley, BioQUEST Curriculum Consortium

Margaret Waterman, Southeast Missouri State University

July 2009, revised January 2010 for South African teachers, updated 2012

ABSTRACT

Content: While visiting South Africa, an apple grower's niece learns about their apple exports to the US and shares both her snack and insights about apple development.

Investigations that may be linked to this case: Students will work on a case analysis to identify what they know and need to know. Students will investigate if the size of an apple within a specific variety is related to the number of seeds it produces. Students will collect online data on the availability of water for the US and South Africa, the water footprint of an apple, and make their own recommendations on the export of apples for both countries in the face of global warming.

Student products that may be produced from students questions:

Possible career connections: Agricultural researcher, Plant scientist, Science journalist, Statistician, Climatologist, Lab technician, Horticulturalist, Commodities broker

Technology connections: Data analysis and visualization, Global internet searches, Online Modeling/simulations, Video

National Science Education Content Standards

Standard A. Science as Inquiry, including abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry

Standard C. Life Science, including structure and function in living systems, diversity of organisms, reproduction of plants

Standard F. Science in Personal and Social Perspectives, including science and technology in society

Standard G. History and Nature of Science, including science as a human endeavor (careers, men and women) and nature of science (evaluating investigations)

Tags: Apples, Seeds, Resource partitioning, Global warming, Water footprints, Fruit import/exports

The Case: Apple Talk

As Neville drove past the farms near Ceres, Iris snapped several photos of the apple trees loaded with fruit. "Wow, I didn't know so many apples grew here in South Africa," Iris commented. "My uncle has an apple farm up in Michigan."

"Except for grapes, apples are our largest fruit crop," Neville explained. "Did you know that about 25% of all of South Africa's apples end up in the US?"

"Cool," she replied, "I can never get enough apples." She reached into the bag of fruit she had packed for her day trip and took out a large apple. After biting into it, she looked back over and asked, "Would you like some fruit too, Neville?"

"I wouldn't mind having an apple," he answered with a smile.

"Oh, sorry," Iris said as she passed an apple over to Neville and sighed. "There's only a small one left," she said regretfully. "But, it should taste just as good and there won't be so many seeds."

Taking the apple from her, Neville thought, "How could she know how many seeds my apple might have?"

Image Credit: E. Stanley

Investigations for Apple Talk

Investigation 1: (Duration: one 50-minute class)

Students will work in groups to complete a case analysis form on Apple Talk. Student groups will choose a question to explore and describe two to three specific resources to begin answering their question.

Day 1:

1. Read the Apple Talk case out loud.

2. Ask 3-5 students to describe one idea this case is about. Record their answers on the board or in a projected document.

3. Students will work in groups to complete a Case Analysis Form beginning with the What do I Know and What do I Need to Know questions. (Provide at least 5-8 minutes for their group work.)

4. Each group will share one response for both What do I Know and What do I Need to Know. Record their answers on the board. (Recognize their prior knowledge and their identification of what they wish to learn with suitable comments.)

5. Ask students will brainstorm on choosing which questions they would most like to explore. They should record this on the Case Analysis Form. You should record at least three questions identified by the groups on the board.

6. Once the groups choose a question to explore, provide some time for the group members to locate and describe two-three resources that help them answer that question.

7. Collect the Case Analysis Forms. (Whether or not you use these for assessment, this lets the students know you value the time they spend in collaborative groups.)

Potential Resources

Apple Anatomy

http://appleparermuseum.com/AppleAnatomy.htm

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2287172/figure/F1/

Apple Farming

http://www.michiganapples.com/

Apples: Global Production

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_apple_production

Investigation 2: (Duration: one 50-minute class)

Students will generate a hypothesis about the relationship between an apple's size and the number of seeds it has. Students will record apple sizes and seed counts. Access to computers is valuable if you wish students to use Excel to create tables and graphs, but data can be collected and graphs can be drawn by hand.

Day 2:

Students will design an experiment to test their hypothesis. All experiments must be approved by the teacher before data collection begins. Experimental Designs must include a question, hypothesis, materials, safety rules to follow, procedures for data collection, data tables, and a graph.

1. To focus the investigation, ask students how many seeds does an apple have?

2. Students will work in groups to generate a hypothesis to test. (Access to the internet is helpful for students to obtain background information for their hypothesis.)

3. Each group will get 3 small apples (Field Grade) and 3 large apples (Fancy Grade) of the same variety.

4. Each group will record the size of the apples. You can suggest a method or ask students will brainstorm on ways to determine an apple's size. (Weigh it, use displaced volume of water, count the number of apples in a 3lb bag for an average weight, measure height and girth with a tape measure, etc.)

5. Students will cut the apple and remove the seeds for counting.

6. Students will use the data to support or reject their hypothesis and make a conclusion. (Note: Showing a relationship between the size of an apple and the number of seeds is not sufficient to establish the relationship as causal. In other words, the growing conditions that impact size also impact seed development.)

Resources

Apple Size and Seed Frequency Data

http://bioquest.org/numberscount/data-details/?product_id=32499

Investigation 3: (Duration: one 50-minute class)

Students will write or perform their recommendations on the advisability of apple farming in the US and South Africa after considering water availability, the water footprint of an apple, and potential impacts of global warming. Note: There is no right answer, but there are well-argued recommendations with evidenced-based conclusions.

Day 3:

1. Students will explore fruit exports and imports globally with Worldmapper charts.

2. The Worldmapper Chart on water availability will be reviewed.

3. An introduction to global warming using images, simulations, or a short video on will be presented.

4. The concept of water footprints will be introduced with data on an apple's water foot print.

5. Choose a point of view and the audience for your recommendation.

6. Write a group recommendation for the future of apple farming in the US versus South Africa. (Note: A two-minute video or a live "performance" could be substituted.)

Resources to support you and your students

Worldmapper Charts, a collection of world maps, where territories are re-sized on each map according to the subject of interest.

http://www.worldmapper.org/

http://www.worldmapper.org/display.php?selected=41 Fruit Exports

http://www.worldmapper.org/display.php?selected=42 Fruit Imports

http://www.worldmapper.org/display.php?selected=102 Water Resources

Global Warming

http://www.globalwarmingart.com/wiki/File:Global_Warming_Predictions_Map_jpg Image

http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/?source=NavEnvGlobal Interactive map

http://www.npr.org/news/specials/climate/video/ Humorous (Part 1 recommended)

Water Footprint Information

http://www.waterfootprint.org/?page=files/productgallery

CHANGE AND SURVIVAL

Authors:

Ruben Cortez, George Washington High School

Vanessa Geraldi, Lawrence High School

Nadia Habig, Timberlane Middle School

July 2009, updated June 2011

ABSTRACT

Content: Javonne and his mother visit a local park ranger and tour the greenhouse where they recognize unique adaptations of different plants. They gain an appreciation for the significance of these adaptations and the different ways in which plants are integral to different careers.

Investigations that may be linked to this case: Student will take a field trip to make observations of plants and work with partners to research plant adaptations in different biomes.

Student product ideas:

Career connections: Ranger, Farmer, Dermatologist, Environmental scientist, Botanist

Technology connections: Information search, Virtual fieldtrip, Video

National Science Education Content Standards

Standard A. Science as Inquiry: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry; Understandings about scientific inquiry

Standard C. Life Science: Structure and function in living systems; Diversity and adaptations of organisms

Standard E. Science and Technology: Understandings about science and technology Standard F. Science in Personal and Social Perspectives: Populations, resources, and environments; Science and technology in society

Standard G. History and Nature of Science: Science as a human endeavor

Tags: Plant adaptations, Evolution, Biomes, Phytoremediation, Biodiversity

The Case: Change And Survival

Javonne was excited about this trip to the state park and had many questions about plants. He knew that plants had to do different things like disperse their seeds, reproduce and get nutrients they need. They even had to protect themselves against predators.

As the group of tourists assembled at Ranger David's headquarters, it became apparent that this was a unique group of people. In addition to Javonne and his mom, there was a dermatologist, a cosmetologist, herbalist, landscaper and a farmer who immediately set out to explore the plants.

The first stop was at the greenhouse to look at some interesting adaptations of plants. Upon entering, Javonne noticed a putrid stench and whispered, "What is that awful smell?"

At the same time, the dermatologist picked up a small pot and chimed in, "I use this plant when treating certain rashes."

Looking at a different plant, the landscaper explained, "You have to be careful what plants are grown together. Some have defense mechanisms that prevent other plants from growing."

Javonne finally found the smelly plant that was labeled Stapelia. "Plants really do have adaptations and behaviors that affect other organisms around them," he thought to himself.

Ranger David led the group through the greenhouse, pointing out different plants and commented, "Yes, plants really are quite amazing. Whether or not you realize it, plants are the basis for many jobs. Most of you use plants routinely in your professions."

Just before they left the greenhouse, the environmental scientist pointed out a plant useful for phytoremediation.

"How could plants help in a chemical spill?" he wondered. More curious than ever, Javonne looked forward to the rest of the tour.

Image credit: http://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=112399

Investigations

The investigative case is intended for a middle school class. Students explore plant adaptations to be able to recognize and identify a variety of plant adaptations. Then in small groups, student will design and create a plant with adaptations that would allow it to thrive in a specific biome.

Learning goals for the case are for students to gain an awareness of the relationships between plant adaptations and environmental conditions. Students consider features of reproduction, defense and other essential needs and ask overarching questions: How do plants adapt? How are plants connected to various careers?

Students will be able to:

- Distinguish between behavioral and structural adaptations.

- Construct a "superplant" that can survive in varied conditions

- Identify some of the ways plants adapt

- Understand how and why plants disperse

- Explain how adaptations are shaped by their environment

Investigation 1: Students take a field trip to look at plants. This could be a virtual field trip or a walk around the school or nearby resources where they can observe and describe the plants. They fill in a data table of the plants and their characteristics. This should take one class period.

Investigation 2: After viewing a presentation that shows different plants and their adaptations (see the PowerPoint under Teacher Notes), students go back and refine their observations. They conduct an internet search to find about and identify different plant adaptations for the plants they observed. References include websites for various plant adaptations. This should take one class period.

Investigation 3: Students watch a film clip of Avatar and list plant adaptations in the video clip. Including class discussion, this should take about 30 minutes.

Resources to support you and your students

Virtual greenhouse fieldtrip options

These websites offer different approaches to a virtual tour of different plants. These could be used as a way for students to see different plants, if there are not enough plants near your school:

http://www.botany.wisc.edu/courses/botany_22/GreenhTour111.html

http://www.twu.edu/tour/greenhouse.asp

http://www.virtualkingston.ca/greenhouse/city_greenhouse.htm

Plants and Adaptations

The following websites are the sources of plant pictures in the Plant Adaptations PowerPoint:

Sensitive plants

http://thescienceexperts.com/

www.plantcare.com

Resurrection plant

http://faculty.ucc.edu/biology-ombrello/pow/resurrection_plant.htm

www.photofunblog.com

Milkweed

www.betterhardwoods.com

www.ars.usda.gov

Black walnut

http://ostermiller.org/tree/blackwalnut.html

Saguaro cactus

www.netstate.com

http://www.desertmuseum.org/kids/oz/long-fact-sheets/Saguaro%20Cactus.php

Titan arum

http://titanarum.uconn.edu/199500115.html

Lichens

http://www.backyardnature.net/lichens.htm

http://www.dereila.ca/woods/Lichen3a.jpg

Pitcher plant

http://www.wholeo.net/Trips/Travel/Florida/srb/local/images/1pitcherPlantIn3225M.jpg

http://www.botany.org/Carnivorous_Plants/

Larch tree

www.housing.iastate.edu

www.betterhardwoods.com

The images in the Science in the Movies PowerPoint were screen shots from the Avatar film clip: http://news.discovery.com/videos/tech-avatar-science-behind-pandora.html. Images in the Plant Case Notes PowerPoint are all from Microsoft Clip Art.

Additional Plant Links

Sensitive plants

http://plantsinmotion.bio.indiana.edu/plantmotion/movements/nastic/nastic.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLTcVNyOhUc

Titan arum

www.usbg.gov/gardens/Titan-Arum-Blooms-2007.cfm

http://www.news.wisc.edu/titanarum/facts.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHaWu2rcP94&feature=fvst

Pitcher plants

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trWzDlRvv1M

Black walnut

http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1148.html

Milkweed

http://video.google.com/videosearch?sourceid=navclient&rlz=1T4HPID_enUS336US336&q=milkweed&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wv#

http://waynesword.palomar.edu/plfeb99b.htm

Resurrection plant

http://faculty.ucc.edu/biology-ombrello/pow/resurrection_plant.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lT0tCaYZeI

Saguaro Cactus

http://www.desertmuseum.org/kids/oz/long-fact-sheets/Saguaro%20Cactus.php

http://www.desertusa.com/video_pages/saguaro_movie.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZV8cO70fz7o

Wood Sorrel

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1447704/Oxalidales#ref994251

http://plantsinmotion.bio.indiana.edu/plantmotion/movements/leafmovements/clocks.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0V7_YT_RDh0

Dawn Redwood

http://www.dawnredwood.org/

http://www.arborday.org/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?id=16

Phytoremediation

USDA article about using plants to clean up

http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/jun00/soil0600.htm

EPA article about using plants to clean up metals from the soil

http://www.clu-in.org/download/citizens/citphyto.pdf

Types of plants used in phytoremediation

http://www.superorg.net/archive/proposal/plant%20species%20phyto.pdf

Student Products and Assessments

Formative Assessment Suggestion

Rubrics: Designing a Plant

See also Teaching Notes Section for further example formats and assessments for presentations, peer review and extension activities.

Teaching notes and modifications

This case intended for a middle school class allows students to explore plant adaptations, both structural and behavioral. In addition to adaptations, students learn about dispersal, native and non-native plants, and phytoremediation. The resources, teaching notes, rubrics and extensions draw on Nadia Habig's implementation with multiple middle school classes.

Modifications can be made, such as using online images or videos of plants, if there is no collection of plants, either indoors or outdoors that can be accessed. In addition to internet-ready computers, key materials needed include:

- Data chart

- Project rubric/explanation sheet

- Clip boards

- Art supplies (paper, clay, poster-board, markers, etc.)

Day 1. Anticipatory Set:

Read the case aloud. Designating students as tour group members from different places may encourage a vested interest in considering geographic regions. Tour group members, for example, could include Javonne Decidiosas from New Jersey, USA; Sally Tropico from San Juan, Puerto Rico; Sean Tundratic from Dawson, Canada; Nancy Desertico from Tamanrasset, Africa; Greg Grassavano from Kano, Nigeria; and Jen Tropicoco from Palmas, Brazil. Have students highlight important terms in the case. Have students highlight important terms. As a class, identify ideas uncovered in the scenario and complete a Know/Need to Know chart. Student responses may uncover ideas such as some of those below from students doing variations of the case.

What Do You Think This Case Is About?

- How plants adapt to a region

- How plants are used

- How plants live "just like us"

- What different behaviors plants have

- How plants are used for chemical spills

- Plants are the basis of some jobs

- Defense mechanisms of plants

- What plants need to survive

- Plants treating rashes

- How important plants are to humans

- What plants can do

What Do You Think This Case Is About?

- How plants help us

- Plants and chemical spills

- How changes can equal a better survival

- The roles plants have in people's lives

- Putrid stenches and what plants the guy used to treat rashes

- How plants protect themselves

- They need certain plants to treat chemical spills

- How plants reproduce

- How plants work

What Do You Think This Case Is About?

- What plants do, react, and how plants are used

- How plants help people do their jobs

- Plants help us in different ways

- When the chemical spill happened they had to clear the plants to save them

- Whole thing is about plants and describes what plants need and how they grow

- How plants protect themselves and reproduce

- Javonne's field trip

- How humans can help plants or mess them up

- How plants can help our society and ecosystem

- Professions related to plants

- How plants change

- The ranger telling about the plants in the greenhouse

- Plants surviving a chemical spill

- How plants get their food

Day 2. Activities:

1. Show a PowerPoint on plant case notes.

2. Have students review and record notes on structural and behavioral adaptations.

3. Conduct a field trip to observe a few plants with unique adaptations and record data on worksheet. If there are no plants around the school, see the virtual greenhouse tours options in the resources.

Day 3. Activities:

Use formative assessment to check for understanding what an adaptation is. (See Assessment) Use the movie Avatar as a link to careers, science, and structural and behavioral adaptations (see PowerPoint and worksheet) http://news.discovery.com/videos/tech-avatar-science-behind-pandora.html

Science in the Movies In-class Assignment: As you watch the video clip of Avatar, record at least 3 structural and 3 behavioral adaptations of the organisms you see (both plant and animal).

Day 4. Activities:

1. Review expectations and group requirements for research of plant adaptations

2. Have students research and practice presentation (record notes on note sheet)

1. Have students divide into groups and assign the task of researching an assigned plant. See the presentation guide at the end for suggested plants to assign. You could use the Smart Board random generator if possible.

2. Explain expectations:

1. Identify specific information for each plant

2. Research and explain adaptations of each plant

3. Be prepared to explain and describe your plants to the rest of the class Include things such as Pictures/written descriptions/explanations

3. Discuss resources

Day 5. Activities:

1. Present information about the plant that you researched to the class

2. Record notes on worksheet during each presentation and complete the first page of the museum tour sheet. After the presentation, allow for peer review of presentations.

Days 6-7. Activities:

Assign the task of designing and constructing a "super plant" that has adaptations to live in varied biomes listed on the page. Use the groups assigned earlier and assign the biome. More than one group can do the same biome.

Plant Adaptations: YOUR TASK

Several years have passed since Javonne's trip to the state park. Your task is to design a "super" plant that will be able to exist in the new environment at the state park since the phytoremediation took place. In groups of two or three, use the plant adaptation information you learned about earlier to build a plant with a minimum of three adaptations (must include both physical and behavioral adaptations). Each group must be prepared to justify how their plant's adaptations help it survive. The final project may be in the form of a drawing, poster or clay model.

Day 8. Closure:

Share your super plant with the group. Peer review of projects. For review, have students discuss three main reasons for plant adaptations.

Extension Ideas and Additional notes for assignments:

- Have students research Phytoremediation and plants used in the process

- Types of chemical spills associated with plant cleanup

- Uses of plants and their behaviors in different environments of the world

- Have students research answers to any of the questions in the "Want to Know" anticipatory set

Presentation Records—Sample Key

Presentation Rubric

Peer Evaluation Chart

Do you feel that your peer FULLY understands what each of the vocabulary words mean? (circle one)

COMPLETELY SOMEWHAT NOT REALLY

If you circled "Somewhat" or "Not Really", please write what you feel your peer needs to review or study further.

Phytoremediation Extension

So, what is it????

Phytoremediation describes the treatment of environmental problems (bioremediation) through the use of plants that fixes the environmental problem without the need to dispose of harmful materials.

It is a clean efficient, inexpensive and non-environmentally disruptive method.

Advantages:

- It is the least harmful method because it uses natural occurring organisms and preserves the natural state of the environment.

- The cost of the phytoremediation is lower than that of traditional processes in cleaning up biohazards.

- There is the possibility of recovering valuable metals that would otherwise be lost.

Limitations:

- Phytoremediation is limited.

- With plant-based systems of remediation, there is some concern of deep contamination reaching groundwater.

- Possible bio-accumulation of contaminants which then pass into the food chain from primary level consumers upward.

Homework:

Look up a plant that is used for phytoremediation. Record what it is used for and how.

CHLOROPHYLL IN THE HOUSTON BAY

Authors:

Karen Lucci, Hopewell Valley Central High School

Cynthia Castillo, Edcouch-Elsa High School

Tun Ong, Chavez High School

Torrye Hoope, Houston Academy for International Studies

July 2008; modified October 2011

ABSTRACT

Content: These two short cases examine the effect of urbanization in Houston on the quality of life in Galveston Bay, Texas, using remote sensing of chlorophyll content.

Investigations: Liquid chromatography of chlorophyll from algae and plants, infrared map analysis of vegetation over time.

Career connections: Airplane pilot, Infrared photography technician, Analyst, Environmental analyst, Plant physiologist, Water quality technician, Laboratory technician, Phycologist, Chemist

Technology connections: Satellite imaging, Land use measures, Remote imaging, Chromatography

National Science Education Content Standards

Unifying Concepts and Processes: Evidence, models, and explanation; Change constancy, and measurement

Standard A. Science as Inquiry: Abilities to do scientific inquiry; Understand about scientific inquiry

Standard B. Physical Science: Understanding of structure of atoms, structure and properties of matter, motions and forces

Standard C. Life Science: The cell; Interdependence of organisms; Matter energy and organization in living systems

Standard D. Earth and Space Science: Geochemical cycles

Standard E. Science and Technology: Understandings about science and technology Standard F. Science in Social and Personal Perspectives

State standards. Texas Essential Knowledge &Skills (TEKS) 8th Grade Learning Goals

6.1, 7.1, 8.1 Student conducts laboratory investigations using safe, environmentally appropriate, and ethical practices.

6.2, 7.2, 8,2 Student uses scientific inquiry methods during laboratory investigations.

6.3, 7.3, 8.3 Student uses critical thinking and scientific thinking and problem solving to make informed decisions.

6.4, 7.4, 8.4 Student knows how to use a variety of tools and methods to conduct science inquiry.

6.7 , 7.7, 8.9 Student knows that substances have physical and chemical properties.

Tags: Chlorophyll, Photosynthesis, Algal bloom, Land use, Pollution, Development

The Case: Chlorophyll in Houston and Galveston Bay

Houston: A Developing Problem

George and Jose were riding their bikes past the woods and ran into some bulldozers. George: Look at that, they're building a new Megamart... Great !

Jose: Look - its gonna be right here and we can ride our bikes, I bet their parking lot will be great place to skateboard around here after they cut down all the trees and get them out of the way.

George: This is going to be so much closer than that old store "Giganta Shop" that's empty now.

Jose: Yeah, but I really like going over and hanging out in the woods - it's always cooler in the woods. I don't know what the trees do but I like it. Where would we hang out when they build the store?

George: We could get jobs here next year and be in the AC all the time. Who needs all these trees?

Oysters from Galveston Bay

One day over spring break George and Jose decided to check out the beach to go swimming and fishing around the Galveston Bay. Jose decided to Google the beaches to decide where to go.

George: Man, I love raw oysters, let's go fishing and see what we can get.

Jose: Hey, this says the beach is polluted - it has mercury. George: Yeah, but this guy's blog says the beach is good for fishing.

Jose: Yeah, but then he says you should wear shoes. Gosh, I wish we had a swimming pool.

George: Okay, well let's go fishing instead. We could get some crabs and oysters. I love to eat raw oysters.

Jose: So you said, twice. I think raw oysters are gross, but I like fishing for stuff like mackerel and bull redfish. I bet we can do that. My mom would fix the fish so we could eat it.

Investigations

This case is intended for a high school class. The learning goals are for students to gain an understanding of the ecosystem, role of photosynthetic organisms, and the technological tools used to investigate these.

- Students understand the change in chlorophyll concentration on land and in water due to environmental impact.

- Students understand that the use chlorophyll as an indicator to measure how human activities affect the environment.

- Students understand the use of remote sensing technology for environmental management purposes.

- Students can identify chlorophyll and understand that it is an essential pigment of photosynthesis.

- Students understand that other than plants, algae and some bacteria also photosynthesize.

- Students understand that personal and community health are interrelated

- Students understand that photosynthesis is an important part of the carbon cycle.

Investigation 1: Chromatography of Chlorophyll (Duration: 2 50-minute class periods)

Students first conduct a chromatography laboratory investigation using algal materials. Then they conduct a second chromatography lab using leaves. Students analyze their chromatograms and summarize their understandings to written prompts. To analyze the chromatogram, students can use explanations in a Paper Chromatography presentation:

http://peer.tamu.edu/podium_poster_presentations/Paper%20Chromatography.ppt

Students access an online resource about the carbon cycle and briefly answer the questions below:

Windows to the Universe, The Carbon Cycle

http://www.windows2universe.org/earth/Water/co2_cycle.html

Science Beat, The Global Carbon Cycle

http://www.lbl.gov/Science-Articles/Archive/sea-carbon-cyc.html

What is the relationship of chlorophyll to the carbon cycle?

How do humans impact the carbon cycle?

How is this similar to the first chromatogram you produced? How is it different?

What does this tell you about the roles of these organisms in the environment?

Investigation 2: Putting it All Together (Duration: 1 50-minute class period)

Examine the satellite images of Houston and Galveston Bay below. You will be looking at different pieces of data and seeing how the data works together.

Image 1 is a graphic of Houston, Texas, in the mid 1990s, showing how it has grown over the last twenty years. This image was created by comparing the amount of vegetation in a satellite image from the 1970s with a similar image from the 1990s.

Red areas have very little vegetation in either of the images, indicating that they are historically urban, such as the downtown district. Orange and darker green/orange are similarly historic urban areas, though not as densely built upon. Green areas indicate vegetation, and light green regions are historically residential and suburban. The light and dark purple colors, however, represent areas that were built up between the time of the 1970s image and the 1990s image. In the first image, these areas showed a large amount of vegetation. By the 1990s image, these areas show large amounts of urbanization, with the dark purple neighborhoods having the most. Most of this urbanization has taken place near the outskirts of the city, due to its growth and expansion.

http://earth.rice.edu/mtpe/bio/biosphere/hot/urbanization/houston2_class.html

Image 2. Shows land use in 2005 from Houston-Galveston Area Council Regional GIS Data and GIS Services, Regional Land Use Information System

http://arcgis02.h-gac.com/RLUIS/ & http://www.h-gac.com/rds/applications/default.aspx

Image 4. Galveston Bay watershed

http://galvbaydata.org/Portals/2/maps/files/LargeWatershed_withLower_small.jpg

Image 5 shows Galveston Bay with an algal bloom.

http://www.lazy-pelican.com/bait-pics/galveston-bay-trinity-bolivar.jpg

Image 6. Galveston Bay without an algal bloom.

(Maps.google.com)

Resources to support you and your students

Chromatography

PowerPoint of paper chromatograph

http://peer.tamu.edu/podium_poster_presentations/Paper%20Chromatography.ppt

Background Information on Carbon Cycle

Diagram of the carbon cycle in sea

http://www.lbl.gov/Science-Articles/Archive/sea-carbon-cyc.html

Windows2Universe Carbon Cycle

http://www.windows2universe.org/earth/Water/co2_cycle.html

Background Information Houston and Galveston Bay Regions

Texas Education Agency site

http://www.tea.state.tx.us

Galveston Bay Estuary Program site, updated 6/13/2011

http://www.gbep.state.tx.us/solutions-partners/freshwater-inflow-plan.asp

Galveston Bay Information Center site

http://gbic.tamug.edu/

rssWeather.com - Your local weather feed site

http://www.rssweather.com/climate/Texas/Houston/

NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center site. 2004 Earth Feature Story. Special: From Neighborhoods to Globe, NASA Looks at Land. updated 6/13/11 prt.htm

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/news/topstory/2004/0113landair_prt.htm

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Earth Science Office's Urban Climatology and Air Quality site

http://weather.msfc.nasa.gov/urban/

Satellite Images of Houston and Galveston Bay Regions

Image of Galveston Bay-algal bloom

http://www.lazy-pelican.com/bait-pics/galveston-bay-trinity-bolivar.jpg

Changes in land use of Houston, maps

http://earth.rice.edu/mtpe/bio/biosphere/hot/urbanization/houston2_class.html

Report on land use in Houston over the last years, with images Houston.pdf

http://www.americanforests.org/downloads/rea/AF_Houston.pdf

Galveston Bay watershed map

http://galvbaydata.org/Portals/2/maps/files/LargeWatershed_withLower_small.jpg

Student products and other assessments

- Lab report of chromatography

- Worksheet of analysis of satellite imagery

- Experimental design

- Lab report

- "Save a Plant" Environmental message, assessed with rubrics

The culminating activity is a performance assessment for students to create an environmental message for saving plants. This could take the form of a written ad campaign or brochure, or an audio commercial or Yodio.

A rubric is provided below for an illustrated written project.

Rubrics

Scientific Drawings: Save the Plants

Teaching notes and modifications

These cases would be useful for the ecology unit in a biology class or an environmental science elective. While focusing on development around Houston and Galveston Bay, these cases are readily adaptable to any urban area and its watershed. We have used it well with students in Missouri, but switched to Mobile Bay, Alabama, where they are more likely to have visited. The adaptations by Karen Lucci included below for teaching these cases in New Jersey further illustrate the possibilities for tailoring the case for various settings.

These two cases are done in tandem to get at these issues:

- pollution

- deforestation

- urbanization

- human impact on the environment

- role of producers

- personal and community health

Implementation

- Two cases and analyses

- Discussion of photosynthesis and importance of chlorophyll

- Chromatography Lab

- Discussion of Remote Sensing and Satellite Images

- With worksheet analysis

- Culminating activity-what would you tell people to correct the situation

Investigation 1. Lesson flow and Teaching Tips

Chromatography of Algal chlorophyll

1. Cut a rectangular strip of filter paper (2 cm X 8 cm)

2. Using a pencil, draw a horizontal line two cm from one end of the strip. DO NOT USE A PEN.

3. Dry a little clump of algae by putting it on a paper towel and blotting it.

4. Place the dry algae on the line you drew on the filter paper.

5. Roll the quarter at least 5 times over the algae where the pencil line is. When you take the algae off, you should see a green line on the filter paper. You have just transferred pigment from the algae onto the filter paper

6. Meantime, add sufficient amount of chromatography solvent to a depth of 0.5 cm to the glass vial. Use acetone-based nail polish remover as the solvent. You can also try isopropyl alcohol.

7. Carefully place the rectangular strip of filter paper with the end containing green line into the chromatography solvent. It should stand up in the vial. Place the rubber stopper in the top of the vial.

8. The solvent will move up the paper carrying the pigments with it. This will take a few minutes. While you are waiting, look at the questions you have to answer. Use this time to visit the website given to answer questions.

9. Stop the experiment when the chromatography solvent front is about 2 cm from the top of the paper strip.

10. Remove the strip and examine the bands of colors (pigments) on the paper. This is a chromatogram.

Paper Chromatography of Photosynthetic Pigments from Leaves

1. Cut a rectangular strip of filter paper (2 cm X 8 cm)

2. Using a pencil, draw a horizontal line two cm from one end of the strip. DO NOT USE A PEN.

3. Take a maple or other species of tree leaf and fold it in half with the undersurface (light green) on the outside.

4. Place the folded leaf along the pencil line on your filter paper. Roll the quarter at least 5 times over the leaf where the pencil line is. When you take the leaf off, you should see a green line on the filter paper. You have just transferred pigment from the leaf onto the filter paper.

5. To the glass vial, add sufficient amount of chromatography solvent to a depth of 0.5 cm. (Use acetone nail polish remover)

6. Carefully place the rectangular strip of filter paper with the end containing green line into the chromatography solvent.

7. The paper should stand up in the vial. The green line should just be above the level of nail polish remover. Place the rubber stopper in the top of the vial.

8. The solvent will move up the paper carrying the pigments with it. This will take a few minutes. While you are waiting, look at the questions you have to answer. Use this time to visit the website given to answer questions.

9. Stop the experiment when the solvent chromatography solvent front is about 2 cm from the top of the paper strip.

10. Remove the strip and examine the bands of colors (pigments) on the paper. This is a chromatogram.

Analyzing Your First Chromatogram

1. Go to http://peer.tamu.edu/podium_poster_presentations/Paper%20Chromatography.ppt and answer the following questions:

What is paper chromatography? Why might a scientist use chromatography?

2. Briefly describe your chromatogram. In the space below, draw the chromatogram showing the different bands of pigments.

3. What do the bands of color represent?

Analyzing Your Second Chromatogram

1. Open the Carbon Cycle http://www.windows2universe.org/earth/Water/co2_cycle.html or http://www.lbl.gov/Science-Articles/Archive/sea-carbon-cyc.html and briefly answer the following questions:

What is the relationship of chlorophyll to the carbon cycle? How do humans impact the carbon cycle?

2. How is this similar to the first chromatogram you produced? How is it different?

3. What does this tell you about the roles of these organisms in the environment?

Investigation 2. Lesson Flow and Tips

In this activity, you will be looking at images of Houston and Galveston Bay. Use the printed images your teacher has made available or links to images online.

Image 1. Satellite Imagery of Land Use of Greater Houston

Using this image, do you think Houston is over-developed? Why or why not?

Compare Images 2 &3. Measuring Changes In Land Use 2 and 3.

What does the image show?

What is expected to happen to Houston area over a period of 35 years?

Is this change positive or negative? Explain your answer.

Compare Images 4, 5, &6. Drainage Basins of Texas

Locate Galveston Bay on the map in Image 4. The wastewater of which cities drain into Galveston Bay?

Compare Images 5 and 6.

What is the relationship between the algal bloom and the drainage of waste water into Galveston Bay?

Links to other cases in the e-book:

Other cases relating to environmental science include Field to Plate, Tar Balls and Oils Sponges and Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Fire.

Adaptation by Karen Lucci for teaching photosynthesis and experimental design in New Jersey Hopewell Township: A Case of Non-Arrested Development

Abstract: Two teenagers come across and wooded area that is being developed for a new grocery store.

This case is used to segue from ecology to photosynthesis and to focus on photosynthesis as a service provided by ecosystems. This case focuses on the following topics:

- Deforestation

- Urbanization

- Human impact on the environment

- Role of producers

- Importance of photosynthesis and the role of chlorophyll

Learning Goals

- Students understand the change in chlorophyll concentration due to human impact on the environment.

- Students can identify chlorophyll and understand that is the essential pigment of photosynthesis

- Students understand that photosynthesis is an important aspect of the environment.

New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards for Science

STANDARD 5.5 (Characteristics of Life). All students will gain an understanding of the structure, characteristics, and basic needs of organisms and will investigate the diversity of life. Strands and Cumulative Progress Indicators. Building upon knowledge and skills gained in preceding grades, by the end of Grade 12, students will:

1. Matter, Energy, and Organization in Living Systems

1. Relate the structure of molecules to their function in cellular structure and metabolism.

2. Explain how plants convert light energy to chemical energy.

3. Describe how plants produce substances high in energy content that become the primary source of energy for life.

STANDARD 5.10 (Environmental Studies). All students will develop an understanding of the environment as a system of interdependent components affected by human activity and natural phenomena.

Strands and Cumulative Progress Indicators Building upon knowledge and skills gained in preceding grades, by the end of Grade 12, students will:

1. Natural Systems and Interactions

1. Distinguish naturally occurring process from those believed to have been modified by human interaction or activity.

- climate change

- ozone production

- erosion and deposition

- threatened and endangered species

2. Human Interactions and Impact

1. Assess the impact of human activities on the cycling of matter and the flow of energy through ecosystems.

2. Use scientific, economic, and other data to assess environmental risks and benefits associated with societal activity.

The Case: Hopewell Township: A Case of Non-Arrested Development

Scotty and Prium were riding their bikes past the woods and ran into some bulldozers.

Scotty: Look at that—they're building a new big store, Shop, Stop and Save. Finally we're getting some civilization here.

Prium: Look—it's gonna be right here and we can ride our bikes here if our parents won't drive us. I bet the parking lot will be big—we can practice driving when we get our permits. Hey— maybe they'll build a CoffeeBucks, too ! They just need to cut down all of these trees and get them out of the way.

Scotty: This is gonna be much closer than those other old stores. They are so old and gross and dirty. I hate going in them.

Prium: You know, though, I really like going over and hanging out here in the woods—it's cooler in the summer, I like walking through the trees. Remember—we used to come here when we learned to ride our bikes. The air just smells better here—I don't know why. You can see some animals and it's just better than a parking lot. Where could we go when they build the store?

Scotty: Hey—this is progress. Besides, maybe we could get jobs here next year. Who needs all of these trees?

Teacher Resources for the Case

http://botit.botany.wisc.edu

http://www.fohvos.org

Google Map

Search engine; Textbooks; Maps of the area from prior years, such as those from US Geologic Services

Investigations and Activities

Case Analysis Sheet Example for a Focus On Photosynthesis

1. Recognize potential issues and major topics in this case. What is the case about? Highlight terms or phrases that seem to be important to understanding the case.

2. What specific questions do you have about these topics? Fill in the table below. To do this, first, by yourself, then with the people at your table, make a list of what you already know that is related to the case in the What Do I Know column. List questions you would like to learn more about in What Do I Need to Know? Column.

Use the following table to show what you know and what you need to know about photosynthesis:

3. Put a check mark by 1-3 questions or issues in the What Do I Need to Know? Column that you think are the most important to explore.

How did you acquire your knowledge of photosynthesis?

What are resources you could use to answer your questions about photosynthesis?

Experimental Design:

You and your lab partner are now going to provide experimental evidence on some of the products and reactants involved in photosynthesis.

How do you know plants need light?

How do you know plants need carbon dioxide?

How do you know plants produce oxygen?

These are the questions you could answer with your experiments. You may also develop and answer your own question. You may use any equipment in the room. Consider some of the questions about photosynthesis that were raised by the class. There are some additional things in the room you may want to use. These include: (1) Elodea; (2) Bromthymol blue; (3) Dissolved oxygen test.

What would be an extension of your experiment? Where would you go from here? What is the next question you could investigate based on what you will have already done?

Teaching notes and modifications

This school district in located in an area that was originally farmland but has seen a tremendous development. So students begin by looking at their homes on Google Maps or Google Earth and look at where the concentration of housing is and how that has changed in the past 15 years. After recognizing the loss of trees and loss of producers, they complete a second KWL chart about photosynthesis. We do a few standard lab activities about leaves (leaf structure and chromatography) and then allow students to develop their own experiments about photosynthesis. A little time is devoted to giving them more tools, such as the use of indicators, so they can make some measurements or determine the presence of gases in water, if using an aquatic plant such as elodea or Anacharis. The case can be done in 5 class periods.

Day 1 Present the case, KWL table and begin the map investigation.

Day 2 Finish the map investigation. Use the photosynthesis KWL table and set to transition to focus on plants and photosynthesis.

Day 3 Chromatography

Day 4 Leaf Structure

Day 5—7 Experimental Design—the experiment can then be run after, if desired.

Day 8 Peer Poster Review

Assessment opportunities include: worksheets evaluated for completion and accuracy; experimental design evaluated for completion and accuracy; and lab report evaluated for accuracy. Other measurements used are holistic impressions of the student level of engagement, use of questions, time spent off-task. Formative assessment using the KWL charts may reveal student ideas such as the following:

An extension of this topic to transpiration

What Goes Down, Must Come Up

Case Author: Karen Lucci

Samantha was watching her little sister while their mom was out shopping.

"Samantha," her mom had called. "Your sister has to water her plant. Please help her get some water and water it without making a mess."

"Samantha ! " Kaia, who was 7, yelled from the kitchen. Samantha grumbled as she got up. "Okay, okay. I'm coming." Samantha found a paper cup, filled it with water and gave it to Kaia.

Kaia took the cup and poured it on the leaves of the pansy plant she had been growing. Samantha looked over and groaned as the water went on the leaves and the table. "Kaia, you're making a mess. You should have just put the water on the dirt. That's how you water a plant."

Kaia looked puzzled and then replied. "But doesn't the water have to go in the leaves? If I don't water it, the leaves are dry. So I gave the leaves the water to drink."

Samantha stopped and shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. I guess. Just get a paper towel and clean up your mess before Mom sees it."

Teaching Notes for What Goes Down, Must Come Up:

This activity occurred in a 40-minute period and students finished any remaining loose ends for homework. The resources they had to use included different textbooks at different reading levels and also there were 8 computers they could use. Students could work with a partner to complete it.

After reading the case and completing the chart, students were all trying to understand why and how water goes up a plant. I used the following guiding questions for the students:

1. How does water get into a tree? How does water get to the leaves? Are there different processes involved? What are they? What effect does each process have on water transport? Label the processes on the diagram.

2. What are the characteristics of water molecules that are essential to this process?

3. What sources of information did you use?

4. What new terms did you have to learn to explain this? List and define these terms in your own words.

I then handed them the worksheet and they were able to read and understand the principle of cohesion-tension. The next day, I brought in celery that had been sitting in water with food coloring and had students explain it.

THE DILEMMA OF THE IMPORTED FABRIC

Authors:

Amit Kashi, Riverdale/Kingsbridge Academy

Lilly Torres-Rodriguez, Jose Julian Acosta

Angela Turner, North Zulch High School

July 2010, updated July 2011

ABSTRACT

Content: A container of fabric, imported from overseas, is undergoing a customs inspection. Fabric swatches must be inspected to determine their content.

Investigations: Students complete a case analysis, filling out the Know/Need to Know Chart based on their prior knowledge of fabrics and questions. They make observations of known fabric fibers using compound light microscopes or digital microscopes. They use an open software imaging package (ImageJ) in making observations, including size and shape of fibers and take digital micrographs of all fabric fibers. They compare observations of fabric swatches with known fibers to evaluate type of fibers present. Possible additional fiber tests include: burn Test for fiber type; infrared Spectroscopy of fiber samples.

Student Product Ideas

Career connections: Import/exporters, Customs inspectors, Garment industry workers, Fabric manufacturers, Biochemist

Technology connections: Digital microscopy, Internet search, Use of ImageJ, Infrared spectroscopy, Electronic poster presentation

National Science Education Content Standards

Standard A. Science as Inquiry: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry; Understandings about scientific inquiry

Standard C. Life Science: The Cell; Matter, energy and organization in living systems; Standard E. Science and Technology: Understandings about science and technology Standard F. Science in Personal and Social Perspectives: Science and technology in local, national, and global challenges

Standard G. History and Nature of Science: Science as a human endeavor

State standards: New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards

5.1 Science Practices

5.1.12.A.1 Refine interrelationships among concepts and patterns of evidence found in different central scientific explanations.

5.1.12.D.1 Engage in multiple forms of discussion in order to process, make sense of, and learn from others' ideas, observations, and experiences.

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science

(2) Scientific processes. The student uses scientific methods and equipment during laboratory and field investigations. The student is expected to: (F) collect and organize qualitative and quantitative data and make measurements with accuracy and precision using tools such as calculators, spreadsheet software, data-collecting probes, computers, standard laboratory glassware, microscopes, various prepared slides, stereoscopes, metric rulers, electronic balances, gel electrophoresis apparatuses, micropipettors, hand lenses, Celsius thermometers, hot plates, lab notebooks or journals, timing devices, cameras, Petri dishes, lab incubators, dissection equipment, meter sticks, and models, diagrams, or samples of biological specimens or structures;

(3) Scientific processes. The student uses critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and problem solving to make informed decisions within and outside the classroom. The student is expected to:

(A) in all fields of science, analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations by using empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing, including examining all sides of scientific evidence of those scientific explanations, so as to encourage critical thinking by the student;

(6) Science concepts. The student knows the mechanisms of genetics, including the role of nucleic acids and the principles of Mendelian Genetics. The student is expected to: (H) describe how techniques such as DNA fingerprinting, genetic modifications, and chromosomal analysis are used to study the genomes of organisms.

Tags: Cotton fibers, Microscope, Digital images, Photography, Cells, Tissues, Science Process, Fiber Analysis, ImageJ, Dino Lite, QX3

The Case: Dilemma of the Imported Fabrics

A recent shipment from China was being held up in customs at the Port of New York. Jim Singleton dreaded the call he needed to make.

Karina answered the phone. "Hello, Always Cotton. This is Karina speaking."

"Hey Karina, this is Jim."

"Oh, Jim, great," Karina replied, "I was just looking over the shipment schedule. Our big shipment of cotton fabric from China was due Monday. Has it been cleared through customs yet?

"I'm afraid that is why I am calling, Karina. We have a small problem," Jim said.

"Oh no, don't tell me that ! We have a huge dress order coming up. We really need that fabric ! " Karina exclaimed.

Jim went on, "Unfortunately, customs held back your container for inspection. Let me see what I can do and I'll get back to you."

Karina was furious. "Jim, when you talk to customs, I want to know every detail of what they find out from the inspection. I don't just want a yes or a no, I want to know what happened. Send me everything," she demanded as she hung up the phone.

Jim got back on the phone and called Jose Rodriguez, his contact at the Customs Office.

"Hey, Jose. This is Jim Singleton. You guys are holding a container for one of my clients, Always Cotton. It came in from China. I am trying to find out if and when the container will be cleared through customs."

"Let me see," said Jose. "Yes, I have the invoice. I see there are fabrics in this shipment. We will have to inspect samples before we can release the goods. If everything checks out and matches the invoice, then I should be able to give you an answer tomorrow."

Image credit: http://www.chinafabrics.org/buying-wholesale-china-fabric.html

Investigations

Overview: The investigations revolve around analyzing the fabric samples using a variety of different types of evidence. These data allow the students to put together information from various sources while analyzing fabric samples. This case works well for a secondary introductory biology class.

Learning Goals:

- Use the microscope as a tool to gather data

- Identify cotton fibers and distinguish it from other fibers, such as wool, linen and synthetic fibers

- Use digital imaging to collect data

- Analyze data to draw conclusions

- Present data and conclusions to others

Investigation 1: Fiber Observation with the Microscope (Prior to reading the case, 1 to 2 class periods)

Observations of fibers: Provide a cotton boll from which students remove fibers from so they can identify cotton fibers. If there is time, students should also look at other types of known fiber samples (these are "standards" for comparison with unknowns) such as linen, wool and synthetic fibers. They should keep observation notes of what they see and any distinguishing characteristics, such as fiber diameter, length and overall shape. If possible, students can use ImageJ to measure fibers and record diameters. Depending on the number of fabric samples this could take 1 to 2 periods.

Links that may be helpful include:

www.angelfire.com/mech/fabric Information and terminology

https://fril.osu.edu/ Fiber Reference Image Library

www.cotton.org/pubs/cottoncounts/story Background information on cotton

www.cotton.org/pubs/cottoncounts/fieldtofabric/index.cfm Cotton use for apparel

http://www.teonline.com/knowledge-centre/fabric-identification.html

http://www.fabrics.net/learning-center-menu/

Investigation 2: The Burn Test (Prior to reading the case, 1 class period)

The Burn Test: Fabric samples consisting of fibers can be burned in a controlled situation. The way in which they burn is characteristic of different fibers. Students should have a beaker of water at hand while they conduct the test. A small triangle of fabric should be cut, no longer than 1" and no wider than The fabric is held with a pair of forceps over a fireproof container such as small can. The fabric should be put into a flame of a candle, until it catches on fire. Most of the fabrics will burn and need to be extinguished so the beaker of water must be present and within reach. Some fabric samples will burn completely and other may go out on their own after a few seconds, leaving some of the fiber unburned.

Observations that can be made should include the smell of the smoke given off while burning, and the ash or melted remains, called a bead. The smell of the smoke is key to determining the fabric. See teacher notes for more details. Links that may be helpful include:

http://www.ditzyprints.com/dpburnchart.html(See chart)

http://www.teonline.com/knowledge-centre/fabric-identification.html

Note: you can use other chemical/physical methods including HPLC or Infrared Spectroscopy. Infrared Spectroscopy: IR Spectroscopy can provide more information about the type of fabric in the sample. For more information, see the article at http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0144861711006746.

Investigation 3. Testing Unknown Fabric Samples (After the case, 2 to 3 class periods)

Students read the case aloud and complete the Know/Need to Know Chart. The following activity is likely to address specific student questions from the Need to Know.

Customs Inspection of fabric samples from container: Provide students with 3 fabric samples and will use skills from investigation 1 to determine the fiber content of the fabric samples. Students should evaluate the data and determine if the customs agents acted appropriately in holding the container.

Students can then fill out the customs inspection form and include their evidence. Finally they present their findings to the class in a format of their choice, such as PowerPoint presentation, Yodio (directions to follow) or poster presentation, either paper or electronic (Glogster).

Resources to support you and your students

Videos

Cotton video for introduction

http://current.com/fashion/91828284_cotton-building-a-better-plant-video.htm

Background Information on Cotton and Fabrics

Cotton video for introduction

http://current.com/fashion/91828284_cotton-building-a-better-plant-video.htm

Information and terminology

www.angelfire.com/mech/fabric

Fiber Reference Image Library

https://fril.osu.edu/

Background information on cotton

www.cotton.org/pubs/cottoncounts/story

Cotton use for apparel

www.cotton.org/pubs/cottoncounts/fieldtofabric/index.cfm

Information on different types of fabrics

http://www.fabrics.net/learning-center-menu/

http://www.teonline.com/knowledge-centre/fabric-identification.html

Lab Protocols

The Burn Test

www.ditzyprints.com

http://www.ditzyprints.com/dpburnchart.html (See chart)

http://www.teonline.com/knowledge-centre/fabric-identification.html

Infrared Spectroscopy

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0144861711006746

Resources and Classroom Tools for Teachers

Electronic posters

www.glogster.com

Teachers can get a free account that will provide the opportunity for 50 students or student groups to make electronic posters. There is a limit to the amount of things that the students can put on the poster which makes they have to think about what goes on and what is most important.

Yodio

www.yodio.com

Student Products and Assessments

Customs Report of Inspection of Fabric Samples (See example student sheets in Teaching Notes) Poster or electronic poster presenting findings

Teaching notes and modifications

This case can be used to help develop observation skills and also to introduce students to the microscope as a tool scientists use. If digital imaging is not available, this can still be a valuable way of introducing the microscope as a tool that scientists use to gather data and make new discoveries. In addition, students can use multiple sources of information and put the data together to make a final evaluation. Students can run multiple tests if possible. As in all cases, you can guide the students in the different tests you want them to run. Depending on your learning objectives you can limit it to just microscope use or open it up to other tests and make it more open-ended.

The following plan is based on 40-minute periods.

Days 1—3:

Show the cotton video, Building a Better Plant, http://current.com/fashion/91828284_cotton-building-a-better-plant-video.htm

Review microscope use and have students look at cotton under the microscope and record images. If you have access to digital photography, you can use the camera directly with the microscope and take pictures. ImageJ can be used with the images to analyze and collect data about the size and shape of the fibers. The same can be done with other fibers, or to save time, students can research on line and find images of fibers online. Websites are provided in the resources. If digital cameras are not available, cell phones may be used. Students can always draw the fibers, estimate their sizes and describe their shapes. They should look for notable differences: the synthetic fibers have a uniform diameter and smooth shape. The cotton fibers have varying diameters and a helical shape. Information about capturing digital images with a variety of technologies follows:

Using Digital Cameras with a regular light microscope

1. Use the light microscope as you normally would.

2. Prepare a 3-inch long tube of black construction paper. The diameter should match the diameter of your digital camera lens.

3. Turn off the flash.

4. Move the zoom to the halfway mark.

5. While holding, or better yet having someone else hold, the black tube on the eyepiece, put your camera lens up to the tube and gently move it around until you see a bright white circle. Move the camera close or farther away until the light fills the field of view.

6. Hit the focus button to make sure it looks OK and then Click!

Using the Dino-Lite (digital camera with USB cord)

** NOTE- If you think you might want to use ImageJ to measure something, you need to have a ruler edge in the same field of view with your object.

1. The Dino-Capture software should be open. If not, click on the icon that is on the desktop.

2. Dino-Lite is like a digital camera at the end of a cord.

Try to center the object you are looking at under the center of the camera.

3. While holding the camera with one hand, you can gently twist the dial (black tube with ridges within the camera) until the object comes into focus.

The magnification depends on the size and distance. You can tell the magnification on the side but a rule in the view is also helpful.

4. To take a picture, click on the camera icon at the top of the tool area to the left of screen. The picture will appear down below the tool area. From here, you can right click on the picture and save it to your flashdrive.

Using the QX3

*** NOTE- If you think you might want to use ImageJ to measure something, you need to have a ruler edge in the same field of view with your object.

1. The QX3 is like a digital camera put into the architecture of a microscope.

2. Like on a regular microscope, it is best to start with the lowest power. Get the object centered in the field of view. Change to higher powers by turning the green dial that is in the middle of the body. Use the knobs on the side of the body to focus.

3. QX3 has software that allows you to save images. When you have your object focused, click on the camera icon. Your images will be saved until you are ready to export.

4. When you are ready to export, have your flashdrive inserted into the USB port. Click on the green arrow at the bottom left corner. Next, click on export. When you click on export, a menu comes up where you can choose your flashdrive.

Notes on Burn Evidence:

Students can accumulate fiber burn evidence to support their final determination as to the content of the fabric samples. Odor, type of residue, and flammability are all useful to record. You may want to designate an area in the room where students can conduct the burn test. Please be aware that if the fabric is a blend, then the burn test may not be reliable. Also any chemical finishes and sizings may change the way that they burn.

Days 4—6:

Read the story. Have students discuss topics in the case and then complete a Know/What Do You Need to Know chart. Student case analysis and chart responses may uncover some of the following ideas:

Sample Case Analysis: What is this case about?

Trading—Import/Export Customs office

All imported goods are inspected

Cotton is a type of fabric

Shipment from China problem—fabric is held back for inspection

Need fabric for factory

All the goods (fabrics) coming in from other countries to US need inspection, have to go to customs

Divide students into pairs and have them investigate the questions developed. Provide each group with a sample of fabrics from the container and the customs invoice. Each group can get a different sample and therefore come up with different results.

Instructions for Setting Up Evidence Packets

For the investigation, each group will need to be given the following:

- 1 Invoice Sheet (we have provided 3 so that each of three groups would not have exactly the same information or samples)

- 1 Customs Report Form

- 3 samples of fabric that are labeled to match the 3 product # on each invoice

Give every group 2 fabric samples of cotton and 1 sample that is not cotton. Then the students can use tools and techniques to discover that the actual samples did not match the invoice that shows 3 cotton samples. Other arrangements of the fabric samples could be used. Furniture stores may provide unused fabric sample books at no cost. Another source would be www.ebay.com, where they are inexpensive.

Day 7:

Students put the information together and draw conclusions about their fabric samples. They can present their findings to the class. This can be done in a variety of ways: as a poster or electronic poster, oral presentation, Yodio or a PowerPoint.

Day 8:

Students present to the class. At this point, as a post-presentation discussion, students can reflect on the types of evidence that can obtained, the use of technology, including microscopy, for collecting and presenting data and different careers that rely on these technologies. If you have all the students make posters, you could consider doing a poster review session. Have the students display the posters around the room and have the students stand at their poster. One student will stand at the poster and explain it to the students who come to view the poster and the other team members will move to the next poster and using the rubrics provided, will review the poster. Before they go to review the next poster, they should leave the review form at the poster they are reviewing. Allow teams about 5-6 minutes to review a poster. After each group has had the chance to review a few posters, have the students switch places so the student who is explaining the poster can review some posters. This will give every student a chance to both explain his/her own poster and review others.

MAKING A YODIO

A Yodio allows you to upload an image and then add your voice narration from your cell phone. Each Yodio is one minute long, but you can string several together in order to show several images and have narration for each one. Your Yodios can then be shared by email or by embedding them on the web.

1. First you will need a Yodio account and a cell phone.

2. To start an account go to the Yodio website www.yodio.com

3. Click on Join. It only takes a few minutes to join. You will need the following information:

First Name

Last name

Birthyear

Country (where you are, not where you were born)

Timezone

Referral (you can leave this blank)

Gender

Username (only letters and numbers)

Password (7-20 characters)

Email address

Once you sign up they will send you an email with a link so you can confirm that you wanted to join. As soon as you submit, go check your email.

Next you will be asked to give the cell number that you will be using to call in to record your narration. NOW YOU ARE READY !

Log into if you are not already on. Click on the Create Yodio tab.

You will be on the Choose Images page. Upload images from your camera or other sources. (If you use online sources, be sure to give them credit. You can do this by adding the website at the bottom)

Click on the Create Audio. Any time you call in and make a recording it will show up in the files here.

Now you just drag and drop to the Yodio Track 1 area. You can click on Add Another Track if you want to make it longer. For each track add an image and a recording.

When you finish you will need to publish. In order to share it you will need to make it public. Links to other investigative cases in this e-book:

Other teacher-developed cases relating to cotton include Fabric for First Aid, Let the Chips Fall, and Tar Balls and Oil Sponges.

DON'T PICK THE FLOWERS

Authors:

Ruben Cortez, George Washington High School

Deborah Chabi, Dundee-Crown High School

Karen Lucci, Hopewell Valley Central High School

Rebecca Corrigan, Lincoln Park High School

July 2009, updated October 2011

ABSTRACT

Content: During a stroll in the botanical gardens, friends observe flowers and questions arise. Topics include flower structures and their functions, extrafloral nectaries, and a field trip to a botanical garden or horticulture center.

Investigations that may be linked to this case: Students dissect flowers, label floral structures and identify their functions. They use ImageJ to analyze time-lapse images of a passionflower or star lily and draw conclusions about changes observed. Students have the opportunity to visit a greenhouse or garden and photograph various flowers and search flowers for the presence of extrafloral nectaries using glucose test strips. They use photos and results from glucose tests to make conclusions about flower structure and extrafloral nectary presence in their field trip report. They have an opportunity to explore problems and issues faced by professionals in careers that use flowers.

Student product ideas:

Career connections: Landscaper, Florist, Nature photographer, Botanical illustrator, Greenhouse horticulturalist, Plant taxonomist, Supermarket floral industry

Technology connections: Photography, ImageJ, Internet searches, Simulations, Video

National Science Education Content Standards

Standard A. Science as Inquiry: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry

Standard C. Life Science: structure and function in living systems, diversity of organisms,

reproduction of plants

Standard F. Science in Personal and Social Perspectives: Science and technology in society

Standard G. History and Nature of Science: Science as a human endeavor; Nature of science

Tags: Flowers, Botanical illustrations, Botany, Nature of science, Extrafloral nectaries, ImageJ, Jing, Nature photography, Time-lapse photography, Horticulture careers, Structure and function, Adaptations, Open-ended inquiry

The Case: Don't Pick the Flowers

Leo and Julia were exploring the Missouri Botanical Garden. As they strolled through the tulip garden, Leo remembered giving his mom loved a bouquet of these flowers last spring. He turned to Julia and suddenly asked, "When is Mother's Day?

"About two weeks away, I think," Julia replied. "Did the flowers remind you of Mother's Day? I know mothers really like getting them. They're so pretty to look at, and my grandma even makes salads with some of them."

Leo said, "I need to figure how to give my mom flowers this year. Maybe I'll come back to pick her a bouquet."

Julia rolled her eyes and sighed, "Leo, you can't do that."

"Julia, I don't have any money," he explained. "What should I do... draw a bouquet? I'm not an artist, and besides, look at how complicated flowers are."

Julia held up her cell phone and smiled. "Plan B. Let's see who can get the best picture of a flower for your mom's gift," she offered.

Leo nodded as he pointed to the signs, "Great idea. We even know what flowers these are."

Image credit: http://www.types-of-flowers.org/tulip.html

Investigations

These investigations are intended for a high school class. Students will read the case aloud and then do a case analysis. They will complete a Know/Need to Know Chart to using their prior knowledge about flowers and generating a list of questions. The following activities enable them to explore their questions. Through the first three investigations, students gain an understanding of form and function relationships by exploring an intriguing plant structure that plays an important role in plant-animal interactions. The fourth investigation examines issues from different perspectives. Students will:

- Dissect flowers, label floral structures and their functions.

- Use ImageJ to analyze time-lapse flower images and draw conclusions about changes they see.

- Visit a greenhouse or garden with various flowers, take photographs of flowers and test for extrafloral nectary presence using glucose test strips and analyze data to make conclusions about flower structure and extrafloral nectary presence.

- Analyze and explain different problems and issues from careers that use flowers.

Investigation 1: Flower Dissection (Duration: one 50-minute class period)

Introduce students to flower anatomy, by watching a video such as Parts of A Flower at http://youtube/DbJYUNce9cU. Have students practice, either in small groups or individually, identifying flower structures using an interactive website, such as http://www2.bgfl.org/bgfl2/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks2/science/plants_pt2/

Prepare students for flower dissections with safety information and expectations for documenting their dissections.

Investigation 2: Open-Ended Inquiry and Image Analysis Using ImageJ to answer the question "How do flowers change over time?" (Duration: two 50-minute class periods)

This is an open-ended investigation in which students choose features to measure as they observe time-lapse images of flower development.

1. Students may take their own time-lapse images or use online resources.

Time-lapse passionflower video can be found at:

http://plantsinmotion.bio.indiana.edu/plantmotion/flowers/flower.html

Time-lapse stargazer lily video can be found at:

http://plantsinmotion.bio.indiana.edu/plantmotion/flowers/flower.html

Choose passionflower and/or star lily from left menu, watch the video and take screen capture shots at the beginning and end of the video. Use those jpg files to import into ImageJ for analysis.

2. Choose what will be measured. Examples: How does the diameter of the flower change over time? How does the relationship of the position of the stamen when compared to the pistil change over time?

3. Compare and contrast measurement findings from floral changes and propose a hypothesis about floral changes over time.

4. How would you design test your hypothesis with flowers found locally? Investigation 3: Field Trip (Duration: three 50-minute class periods)

Day 1. Pre-trip lab:

1. Click on the link and read the following directions for detecting the presence of extrafloral nectaries http://www.fastplants.org/pdf/activities/hunt_glucose.pdf.

2. Draw/ Sketch the steps needed for using the glucose test strips in the materials and methods section of your lab report. You will use your cell phone/digital camera to photograph flowers tomorrow to embed into your lab report, practice if needed. Do you have everything you need for you equipment to work?

3. Prepare tables to record results: Table 1. Glucose results. Table 2. Questions you want answered.

4. Read http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/IN/IN17500.pdf

5. Write introduction for the lab report, Include predictions for locations of extrafloral nectaries on the flowers we will be seeing.

6. Practice recording on your phone for any commentaries or notes to self. Yodio or Google voice

7. Begin citing your sources.

8. What field trip safety considerations need to be in the lab report? What other preparations need to be made?

Day 2. Have fun on the trip and record all observations and extrafloral nectary data.

Day 3. Use results from glucose tests to illustrate locations of extrafloral nectaries.

Cell phone photographs may be used and labeled with nectary locations.

Extra floral nectaries in a blog: http://bugtracks.wordpress.com/2011/06/17/extrafloral-nectaries/

Investigation 4: Touring Floral Industry Careers (Duration: one 50-minute class)

Read the following article and explain the points of view for the problems and issues faced by this industry.

http://www.producenews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=30194:floral-institutes-ecuador-trip-reveals-a-man-from-missouri&catid=36:floral&Itemid=28

Resources to support you and your students

Videos

Flower parts with Georgia O'Keefe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbJYUNce9cU

Flower Parts Video with 2 cute little girls

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7v3suZhZx4

Flower life cycle to death...funny

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGmUm8Kw7Aw&feature=related

Background Information on Flower Structure

Interactive ID of flower structure

http://www2.bgfl.org/bgfl2/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks2/science/plants_pt2/

Interactive assemble a flower

http://www.botany.uwc.ac.za/ecotree/flowers/flowerparts.htm#top

Resources on passionflowers and lilies

Passiflora Research Network

http://www.mobot.org/mobot/research/passiflora/

Passiflora Online

http://www.passionflow.co.uk

Historical perspective on passionflower

http://www.flwildflowers.com/clues

Microscopy-UK. Has beautiful images with and without labels.

http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/artsep06/bj-Passion-Flower.html

What's New. What's Fun. What's Fabulous

http://www.lilydossier.com/

Cut Lily Post Harvest Quality Technical Article

http://www.gpnmag.com/articles/ACFD0D.pdf

Postharvest Flower Development Research Article

http://elmu.umm.ac.id/file.php/1/jurnal/P/Postharvest%20Biology%20and%20Technology/Vol21.Issue2.2001/1737.pdf

Iowa Extension Growing Lilies Info Sheet

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/publications/rg313.pdf

Minnesota Extension Selecting Lilies Info Sheet

http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/dg1112.html

Time-lapse videos

Plants-in-Motion Flower videos

http://plantsinmotion.bio.indiana.edu/plantmotion/flowers/flower.html

Right Plants 4 Me, Gardening site from the UK with time-lapse videos

http://www.rightplants4me.co.uk/?q=content/search-plant-database

Nectaries and Extrafloral Nectaries

Lab protocol for detecting nectaries

http://www.fastplants.org/pdf/activities/hunt_glucose.pdf

Why have nectaries? Hypotheses explored in a student friendly format N/dictionary nectary.htm

http://www.cactus-art.biz/note-book/Dictionary/Dictionary_N/dictionary_nectary.htm

Nectary morphology

http://aob.oxfordjournals.org/content/102/5/675.abstract

Extension Service summary page of extrafloral nectaries

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/IN/IN17500.pdf

Extrafloral nectaries site, with angiosperm family list and references

http://www.biosci.unl.edu/Emeriti/keeler/extrafloral/worldlistfamilies.htm

http://www.biosci.unl.edu/Emeriti/keeler/extrafloral/Referencesefns.htm

Extra floral nectaries discussed in a blog

http://bugtracks.wordpress.com/2011/06/17/extrafloral-nectaries/

Regulation of extrafloral nectaries

http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2010/09/14/1009007107.full.pdf

Resources about the floral industry

Floral Institute's Ecuador trip reveals a man from Missouri Article

http://www.producenews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=30194:floral-institutes-ecuador-trip-reveals-a-man-from-missouri&catid=36:floral&Itemid=28

University of California, Davis, PostHarvest Technology Center

http://postharvest.ucdavis.edu/

Floral Industry Careers

http://www.aboutflowers.com/about-the-flower-industry/floral-industry-careers.html

National Agriculture Statistics Service Floriculture crops

http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/MannUsda/viewDocumentInfo.do?documentID=1072

Environmental Horticulture newsletters from the University of California RIC/

http://ucanr.org/sites/EH_RIC/

Scientific and common names:

United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database

http://plants.usda.gov/index.html

Technology Resources:

ImageJ, free software for image analysis

http://rsbweb.nih.gov/ij/

Documentation how tos

http://rsbweb.nih.gov/ij/docs/index.html

Tutorials

http://rsbweb.nih.gov/ij/docs/examples/index.html

JING, a free download for image capture

http://www.techsmith.com/jing/

Yodio, free service for adding audio to images and sharing

http://www.yodio.com/

JING, a free download for image capture

http://www.techsmith.com/jing/

Student products and other assessments

Passionflower dissections and labels by students during PlantIT Summer 2009

Rubrics

This rubric may be used to help guide your students throughout the investigations.

Teaching notes and modifications

This case could be sequenced in a unit on plant reproduction or adaptations. The first investigation provides students with background understandings. Students then apply this in investigations 2 and 3, which are open-ended investigations that emphasize constructing evidence-based conclusions. Students also develop technology skills in documenting and analyzing structures in the first three investigations.

The activities can easily be modified based on resources available and learning goals. Internet resources and access to fresh flowers are key resources. One teacher interested in highlighting historical-social perspectives on flowers has sequenced three days of activities to include drawings and myths about flowers. On day one following the reading of the case, case analysis, and generation of questions, students received a variety of flowers, drawing materials, and books of flower drawings (such as Georgia O'Keefe) from the library. On the second day, a picture of a passionflower was projected to initiate a discussion about flower parts and the story of the passionflower name. Then the next day's field trip was discussed. On the third day, students received a list of kinds of flowers and flower parts to look for and the class visited a local conservatory. As homework, students were expected to create their own story or myth for a plant based on an adaptation that they found interesting during the conservatory field trip.

Investigation 1: Resources and materials needed for this investigation include internet connection, dissection tools, fresh flowers, hand lens, microscope, tape, pens, paper, cell phones or digital cameras.

1. Watch a flower anatomy introduction at http://youtu.be/DbJYUNce9cU

2. Practice identifying flower structures using this interactive website: http://www2.bgfl.org/bgfl2/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks2/science/plants_pt2/

The interactive activity for flower structure identification works well with Smart boards. This can be used for individual or small group tutorials.

3. Prepare to dissect flowers to identify floral structures.

- What are Laboratory Safety Rules to consider?

- Be prepared to tape the parts of the flower in an arrangement similar to their actual positions.

- What materials will be needed?

- When prepared, remove the sepals and tape them in a large circle on a sheet of plain paper. Label.

- Carefully remove the petals and arrange the petals in a whorl just inside the circle of sepals. Tape down and label.

Remove the male reproductive parts and tape down. Label.

- Cut the pistil from the stem underneath the ovary and then cut the ovary in half. Place the center of your arrangement and tape it in place. Label.

- Use a hand lens or dissecting microscope to examine the ovary cross section.

- What questions do you have? Where can you find answers to your questions?

4. Document your flower dissection with cell phone photographs and embed photos into a lab report. Label all floral structures.

[Note: If your students have access to passionflowers to dissect, they may recognize the frilly structures between the petals and the reproductive organs as a structure not labeled in their textbook. An extension activity to explore the corona is offered below.]

Possible Extensions for investigation 1:

1. Expand students' examination of floral traits by having student teams create classification systems for a selection of fresh flowers. American Field Guide offers a 20-minute activity: http://www.pbs.org/americanfieldguide/teachers/flowers/flowers_unit.html

2. For students to gain a historical-social perspective of flowers, have student teams conduct information searches on stories and myths about flowers. Online resources include:

Florida Wildflowers, http://www.flwildflowers.com/clues

The Legends of the flowers, http://www.sfheart.com/flowers.html

Wildflower Folklore, http://www.wildflowerinformation.org/WildflowerFolklore.asp

ThinkQuest Projects by Students for Students, http://library.thinkquest.org/04oct/01665/eng/text/legend.html

3. Have students further explore the floral structures of a passionflower to answer the questions "What are those structures between the petals and the column of male and female reproductive parts?" This investigation could tie into genetics and ABC gene models for flower development, which could fit well in AP Biology classes.

Microscopy-UK, Free resources for enthusiast microscopists, students, and all. Has beautiful images with the corona labeled.

http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/artsep06/bj-Passion-Flower.html

Abstract of an article on the genes turned on during corona development in the blue passionflower

http://www.amjbot.org/content/early/2011/05/23/ajb.1100026.abstract

Investigation 2: Resources and materials for the second investigation include fresh flowers, computers, and imaging software. Star lilies can be obtained from a local florist throughout the year, remember to ask the florist not to remove the stamen. Local field flowers can also be used; for example the Giant Yellow Dandelion, Johnny Go To Bed by Noon, Dayflower.

ImageJ is an open-source software from the National Institutes of Health for processing and analyzing images. It can be downloaded from the ImageJ web site: http://rsbweb.nih.gov/ij/

The documentation can be found at: http://rsbweb.nih.gov/ij/docs/index.html

Tutorials are found at: http://rsbweb.nih.gov/ij/docs/examples/index.html

1. Create or obtain time-lapse images of flower development. Students may use their own floral time-lapse photographs or download video or capture time-lapse photos using image capture technology (for example, JING, a free download at http://www.techsmith.com/jing/)

Examples of time-lapse photos can be found in many places, and a great starting place is the Plants-in-Motion website: http://plantsinmotion.bio.indiana.edu/plantmotion/starthere.html.

Time-lapse passionflower and stargazer lily videos can be found at: http://plantsinmotion.bio.indiana.edu/plantmotion/flowers/flower.html

Choose passionflower from left menu, watch the video and take screen capture shots at the beginning and end of the video. Use those jpg files to import into ImageJ for analysis.

Choose star lily from left menu, watch the video and take screen capture shots at the beginning and end of the video. Use those jpg files to import into ImageJ for analysis.

2. Choose what will be measured. Examples: How does the diameter of the flower change over time? How does the relationship of the position of the stamen when compared to the pistil change over time?

3. Compare and contrast measurement findings from floral changes and propose a hypothesis about floral changes over time.

4. How would you design test your hypothesis with flowers found locally?

Investigation 3. Resources and materials for this investigation include access to outdoor garden or greenhouse, glucose test strips, cell phone with camera or digital camera, lab notebook.

Day 1. Pre-trip Lab

1. Click on the link and read the following directions for detecting the presence of nectaries producing nectar http://www.fastplants.org/pdf/activities/hunt_glucose.pdf.

2. Draw/ Sketch the steps needed to use the glucose test strips in the materials and methods section of your lab report. You will use your cell phone/digital camera to photograph flowers tomorrow to embed into your lab report, practice if needed. Do you have everything you need for you equipment to work?

3. Prepare tables to record results: Table 1. Glucose results. Table 2. Questions you want answered

4. Read http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/IN/IN17500.pdf

5. Write an introduction for the lab report, include predictions for locations of extrafloral nectaries on the flowers we will be seeing.

6. Practice recording on your phone for any commentaries or notes to self. Yodio or Google voice

7. Begin citing your sources.

8. What field trip safety considerations should be in the lab report? What other preparations need to be made?

Day Two. Field Trip

Have fun on the trip and record all observations and extrafloral nectar data.

Day Three. Field Trip Reports

Use results from glucose tests to illustrate locations of extrafloral nectaries. Cell phone photographs may be used and labeled with nectary locations.

Investigation 4. Students could access the online article and floral career links during class or student groups could work together to read copies prepared in advance.

As students read the article "Floral Institute's Ecuador trip reveals a man from Missouri," the table below could help them prepare to explain the points of view for the problems and issues faced by the floral industry.

Floral Institute's Ecuador trip reveals a man from Missouri Article

http://www.producenews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=30194:floral-institutes-ecuador-trip-reveals-a-man-from-missouri&catid=36:floral&Itemid=28

FABRIC FOR FIRST AID

Authors:

Genevieve Chung, Broward College

Andrea Stawiery, Addison Trail High School

July 2010, updated September 2011

ABSTRACT

Content: Public health team discusses plans for donation by cotton industry. News writer creates a story on hurricane preparedness and emphasizes cotton's usefulness in emergency health care.

Investigations: Students recognize the importance of cotton in medical care by calculating the percentage of cotton products in a typical first aid kit. To better understand relationship between structure and function of cotton, students can make microscopic observations of cotton fiber using ImageJ. Students work in groups to develop a marking campaign to promote the role of cotton in first aid kits. This could be extended to look at absorbency, cushioning, the design of bandages, and the development of coatings such as anti-bacterials used in cotton medical supplies.

Student products that may be produced from student questions:

Career connections: Public health, News writer, EMT, Meteorologist, Agriculture

Technology connections: Digital microscopy, Image analysis, ImageJ, Internet research, Engineering coatings for cotton, Blogging, Electronic posters

National Science Education Content Standards

Standard A. Science as Inquiry: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry

Standard C. Life Science: Matter, energy and organization in living systems

Standard E. Science and Technology: Understandings about science and technology

Standard F. Science in Personal and Social Perspectives: Science and technology in local, national, and global challenges

State standards. New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards

5.1 Science Practices

5.1.12.A.1 Refine interrelationships among concepts and patterns of evidence found in different central scientific explanations.

5.1.12.D.1 Engage in multiple forms of discussion in order to process, make sense of, and learn from others' ideas, observations, and experiences.

Tags: Public health, Agriculture, Meteorologist, Paramedics, First Aid, Cotton, Media writer, Engineer, Cells and Tissues, Science and Society, History of Medical Products, Fiber Analysis, Microscopy, Imaging

The Case: Fabric for First Aid

"Hey, Vasquez, what's new in the newspaper business?" asked a young woman wearing a shirt with a prominent cotton logo on the front.

"Hey, Amy ! I'm here to get an angle for a story on this hurricane preparedness effort. What are you doing here?" Jose replied sitting down next to her at the conference table.

"I'm still in public health, but I'm also representing the cotton industry. They would like to donate to emergency centers in Harris County," Amy replied.

Suddenly, a voice chimed in "... and many counties are really low on disposable medical supplies."

"Oh, that's Will Jones, he trains paramedics for state services," Amy explained.

Will smiled and reached across the table to put out his hand to meet Jose's. He continued. "The recent budget cuts could really impact the supplies we have on hand."

"Our hurricane season is likely to be a doozy," interjected Isabel Baker, a meteorologist from Houston, who was sitting just left of Amy. "The cotton industry's offer of medical supplies including first aid kits would sure be welcome."

"So, Amy, why are the cotton producers interested in funding first aid kits?" asked Jose.

Image credit: http://rsd.gsfc.nasa.gov/rsd/images/NGSAW/NGSAW_fran_lg.jpg

Investigations

This case is designed for an introductory biology class in high school. Students will read the case aloud and then do a case analysis. Completing a Know/Need to Know Sheet will be used to assess their prior knowledge on hurricane preparedness, first aid, and the role of cotton in medical care. Their questions will be used to direct further investigations. The scientific process will be used to provide students the opportunity to see that cotton is used extensively in medicine and find reasons why medical bandages use cotton as a primary fabric. Following this is a possible extension for this case in which the cotton plant is investigated.

Investigation 1: Different first aid kits are provided and student groups assess them for the content of cotton. This should take about 15 minutes and is informal.

Investigation 2: Students use microscopes and ImageJ to observe cotton fibers and develop an explanation for how that structure is useful. They will look at absorbency, cushioning, design of adhesive bandages, and research anti-bacterial and anti-stick coatings on cotton. A mixture of fake blood could be made to test cotton and other fabrics. This should take about 2 periods with some research for homework. Students should also make observations on another type of fabric to contrast cotton. They might consider using polyester or another synthetic fiber and another plant fiber, such as linen or ramie.

Investigation 3: Students create an ad campaign to promote the usefulness of cotton in medical emergencies. This should take about a period followed by time to present their ad campaigns, if desired.

Resources to support you and your students

Videos

High school project in which students made a commercial about the invention of Band-Aids

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7iPVCW21Hs&N

The How-Stuff-Works video about the invention of Band-Aids by Earle Dickson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=819tz9MC-3Y

Early commercial from the 1950s

http://www.spike.com/video-clips/88pz0b/1950s-band-aid-commercial

Cotton in medicine

Use of cotton in bandages

http://www.kew.org/plant-cultures/plants/cotton_western_medicine.html

Benefit of using cotton versus catgut for sutures

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,791344,00.html

Purchasing disposable supplies needed for an ambulance

http://www.ems1.com/ems-products/Ambulance-Disposable-Supplies/articles/593607-How-to-buy-ambulance-disposable-supplies/

Equipment needed for an ambulance

http://www.facs.org/trauma/publications/ambulance.pdf

Article about the benefits and modern advancements for cotton bandages pdf/7 8science/20 08/02touch.pdf&pli=1

https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http://www.agclassroom.org/teen/ars_pdf/7_8science/2008/02touch.pdf&pli=1

Article providing evidence that woven cotton has antibacterial potential

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3173056/

The following two articles deal with treating cotton with different substances that work to increase their antibacterial properties:

http://iopscience.iop.org/1742-6596/187/1/012072/pdf/1742-6596_187_1_012072.pdf

http://www.academicjournals.org/ajmr/PDF/Pdf2009/May/Jothi.pdf

Cotton plant growth and development

News story of the tallest cotton plant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsXeXpJXCSg

Article about cotton growth and development with additional links to articles on growing cotton

http://www.cottonsjourney.com/Storyofcotton/page3.asp

Information about cotton plant growth and development from seed by Penn State College of Agriculture

http://www.extension.org/pages/10516/cotton-germination-and-seedling-development

Article about cotton plant growth and development from seed, with good pictures plant grows.php

http://sanangelo.tamu.edu/programs/agronomy/publications/cotton/cotton_plant_grows.php

Easily accessible information about cotton

http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5194899_cotton-plant-growth.html

Resources for Teachers: Products, Technologies, Labs

Purchasing cotton bolls and/or cotton seeds

http://cottonman.com

http://www.ebay.com

Glogster Electronic posters

http://www.glogster.com

Allows students to make electronic posters. Teachers can sign up for a free account that will accommodate 50 different posters.

Google Survey:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dG5YcWZuSTVoNGJETmxLamkteFZtLWc6MQ

Seed germination lab, test the effect of temperature on the germination of different types of seeds

http://www.woodrow.org/teachers/esi/1998/p/effects/seedgermination.htm

Student products and other assessments

Suggestions for assessing student products of posters and ad campaigns are provided. As a formative assessment idea, survey students about cotton's use with this Google link http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dG5YcWZuSTVoNGJETmxLamkteFZtLWc6MQ.

Teaching notes and modifications

As this is presented, this could be an introductory case to link the importance of plant structures and how they can be adapted for human use. Possible extensions for the case are provided which could address more about plant science.

The case is read aloud and followed the students determining the topics in the story and completing the What Do You Know/What Do You Need to Know table. Students begin by completing a brief survey about the use of cotton in medicine to assess what they already know.

This is followed by students' observations of a typical first aid kits. Teachers can display the contents of a first aid and allow student to observe and analyze the types of materials used, and then determining the percentage of supplies that are composed of cotton.

In investigation 2, students are looking at the structure of cotton and relating that to its function in medicine. To begin, the students then look at the contents more closely under the microscope and compare to cotton fibers to other fiber samples provided. This can be used to provide the evidence that it is cotton and what characteristics of the cotton would lend itself to being used in medicine.

Investigation 2 can be differentiated and allow students to choose what aspects they want to investigate and what fabrics they should use as a basis of comparison. Students can compare cotton to other plant fibers in the use of bandages: To test how well cotton functions, give the students different types of cloth, such as linen, ramie, wool and/or synthetics and have students make bandages out of them and then test them as bandages using water. They could look at the fibers microscopically and relate the structure to how they act as bandages. Students could measure the amount of water absorbed for each type of bandage and feel the cushioning differences.

Note: You could use fake blood. A typical recipe for fake blood combines 1 part water to 3 parts corn syrup with red food coloring. To this you would add a thickener, such as cornstarch to obtain the viscosity desired. Have the students display the posters around the room and have the students stand at their poster. One student will stand at the poster and explain it to the students who come to view the poster and the other team members will move to the next poster and using the rubrics provided, will review the poster. Before they go to review the next poster, they should leave the review form at the poster they are reviewing. Allow teams about 5-6 minutes to review a poster. After each group has had the chance to review a few posters, have the students switch places so the student who is explaining the poster can review some posters. This will give every student a chance to both explain his/her own poster and review others.

Student products could be a lab report where they explain what they found out, what evidence they used and why that evidence supported their findings. This could also be done as a poster or electronic poster on Glogster. Students can review each other's poster in a poster review session.

Students now have information they can incorporate into their ad campaign. The posters could then be reviewed by their peers with the form provided. To provide more background about the use of cotton in bandages, students then watch the YouTube video about the invention of the cotton bandage and then react to the video by blogging or journaling.

Students are now given the task of designing an ad campaign on the role of cotton in medical care that is assessed using rubrics. Students then take the survey again which assesses what they have learned.

Links to other investigative cases in this e-book:

Other cases relating to cotton include Dilemma of the Imported Fabric, Let the Chips Fall, and Tar Balls and Oil Sponges.

Possible extensions:

Add a new focus of the case on the development and function of cotton bolls. The following case could be used as a follow-up:

Amy and Jose move on to look at the first aid kits more closely. "I still don't see why the cotton industry would donate to this," states Jose.

"Look," Amy explains, "they are helping the community and promoting their products. All of these products are made of cotton.

Jose replies, "Well, so is my tee shirt, among other things that I am wearing. And I sleep on sheets made of cotton. My sister uses cotton balls down at the nail salon. I know my family is all about the cotton balls."

"Not cotton balls, like you buy in the store. They are interested in cotton bolls—you know, like how cotton grows."

"Yeah—I know. I am just happier writing about cotton than picking it." Jose smiles.

This could be followed by again going over the topics in this part of the case and having students determine What Do You Know/What Do You Need to Know.

Possible Investigations:

1. Provide cotton bolls and let students look and count the number of seeds and observe the relationship between the fibers and the seeds. Have them hypothesize about the function of the cotton boll and the benefit to the plant. Students could then research this and write a simple paper outlining this. This could be expanded to include plant growth and development by having students research how cotton grows. Show this video about the largest cotton plant grown http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsXeXpJXCSg

2. Provide cotton seeds and have students explore different environments to test seed germination and determine which environment is the best. Students could experiment with different temperatures, types of soil and amounts of water. This could then be compared to how cotton is grown. The following is one example of a seed germination lab, adapted from http://www.woodrow.org/teachers/esi/1998/p/effects/seedgermination.htm

Time:

One 45-minute class to introduce and set up the study.

10 days- 15-minutes each day to collect data.

One 45-minute class for wrap up and clean up.

Materials:

Cotton seeds

Paper towels-(not napkins)

Water

Tray

Thermometers

Quart size re-sealable plastic bags

The Student Lab Procedure:

1. Propose a hypothesis regarding the germination of seeds in three different temperatures.

2. Obtain 60 seeds.

3. Obtain three equally sized sheets of paper towels.

4. Prepare a seed germination chamber by folding the paper towel in half.

5. With a pencil (not pen), label the outside of each towel; one at warm, one as cooler, and one as room temperature. Also label each with the name of your group.

6. One the inside of the paper towel folds, place 2 rows of your test seeds (20 seeds total).

7. Place your paper towel chambers on a tray and water them so as to soak the towel, be sure not to overeater. Be sure to check the towel moisture each day and maintain at a moist but not overly moist condition.

8. Keep a record of the number of seeds that have germinated each day as well as taking the temperature of each towel. (Allow 60 seconds for each temperature measurement.)

9. Arrange your data into tables showing dates, temperature, number of germinated seeds, and percentage of germinated seeds.

10. Plot a line graph of number of seeds germinated vs. number of days.

Analysis

1. Was there a difference among your three groups?

2. Which group could be considered the control group? Why?

3. Compare your results with other students who used the same seeds as you did.

4. Evaluate your original hypothesis as it relates to your data.

5. Provide a possible explanation.

6. Explain how the independent variable (temperature) affected the dependent variable (number of seeds germinated at a given temperature)

7. Discuss sources of error.

8. Write a conclusion based upon your data.

9. How did your results compare to those of other groups?

Assessment:

Lab report

Extension:

1. List implications for agricultural crops in your area due to an increase or decrease in soil temperatures.

2. Propose an experiment to test the effect of global warming upon an agricultural crop(s).

3. Discuss how a changing agriculture due to global climate change might affect the economics of your area, the USA, or other country.

4. Write a narrative about a farmer's problems in which his/her farm has undergone a change due to warming, cooling, or drying.

5. Explain the relationship between soil temperature and soil moisture.

6. Formulate a new hypothesis and design an experiment to test your hypothesis.

Possible extension Assessments

Visual or verbal representation of plant growth. It may include the following aspects:

Seed germination

Emergence of radicle, hypocotyl and epicotyl with cotyledons

Growth in size of plant

Node development

Vegetative and reproductive branches

Formation of floral bud (development of the square)

Flower opening

Pollination

Development of the boll with seeds

Opening the boll

FIELD TO PLATE: DOES DISTANCE MATTER?

Authors:

Suzanne Fulghum, W. T. Hall Academy

Sandra Thornton, Broadwater Academy

August 2009, updated October 2011

ABSTRACT

Content: Friends reconsider their menu choices in terms of environmental costs. Their discussions include food choices, where food products are grown and/or packaged, transportation, and environmental impacts.

Investigations: Students trace the pathway foods take from farm to table and determine travel distances and costs to bring a meal to the table. Example: Use Google Maps to determine distances within the US and then look up the cost of diesel fuel for trucking. Students can explore carbon footprints by calculating carbon footprints with an online simulation that focuses on food choices. This simulation considers food production costs as well as distance.

Student product ideas:

Career connections: Environmental Scientist, Agribusiness - marketing, Farmer, Food Industry

Technology connections: Google Map, Data Searching, Data Analysis, Carbon Footprint

National Science Education Content Standards

Standard A. Science as Inquiry: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry; Understandings about scientific inquiry

Standard C. Life Science Grades 5-8: Populations and ecosystems; Diversity and adaptations of organisms. Grades 9-12 Life Science: Interdependence of organisms

Standard E. Science and Technology: Understandings about science and technology

Standard F. Science in Personal and Social Perspectives Grades 5-8: Personal health; Risks and Benefits; Science and technology in society. Grades 9-12: Personal and community health; Natural resources; Science and technology in local, national, and global challenges

Standard G. History and Nature of Science: Science as a human endeavor

Tags: Environmental science, Food, Locally grown, Maps, Transportation, Carbon footprint, Greenhouse gases, Nutrition, Biodiversity, Environmental impacts

The Case: Field to Plate: Does Distance Matter?

Eliza was sitting in a booth, sipping hot coffee and working on her homework, when she heard Jonathon call her name.

"Hi, I sure needed a break," said Eliza. "It's great to see both of you."

As they settled into the booth with her, Eliza considered what her friends were eating. Malisha was taking a bite of grilled chicken salad. Jonathan was holding a broiled halibut sandwich with lettuce and tomato.

"Nice choice, Malisha," observed Eliza, "But, Jonathon, you could have done better."

"What's wrong with my food? It's healthy ! " asked Jonathan.

"That's true," said Eliza, "but you're not eating locally."

"What? I'm sitting here the same as Malisha." he replied.

Holding up her environmental science book, she explained, "Not you, your food. It's better for the environment to eat foods that are grown locally instead of transporting them."

Malisha nodded, thinking about her uncle's trucking business. "Well, the cost of food does go up, "she explained. "My uncle told me that a fully-loaded truck only gets 7 miles per gallon and the cost of diesel fuel keeps increasing. There's always some spoilage, too."

"It not only costs more, but the use of energy releases more greenhouse gases," added Eliza. "Our carbon footprints go up."

"What about that coffee, Eliza?" Jonathon inquired mischievously. "How far did those beans have to travel?"

Investigations

Students will read the case out loud. They will complete a Know/Need to Know Chart based on their prior knowledge of food using locally grown and distant plants and the energy/costs used in transportation.

Their questions will be used to connect to the following activities.

- Identifying main points in the narrative

- Making observations

- Asking questions relevant to the case

- Utilize web-based tools to gather research

- Form conclusions based on data obtained through this research

- Identify geographical locations on a map

- Determine distances between geographic locations. (May measure and calculate or use Google Map.)

- Utilize math concepts to calculate estimated fuel costs associated with transportation of food products

- Modeling of a professional scientific environment through peer presentation, review, and feedback

- Construction of a model with appropriate keys and other descriptive information

- Use of technological resources for presentation

Investigation 1: Mapping a Meal (one 50-minute class period)

Students determine the contents of the meals and identify locations where these food products are produced in the US. Students determine the transportation distances for the products. Students estimate transportation costs to deliver these foods to Texas (adapted to home state or country).

Students create a map showing where each food product may be produced. Students use an interactive map to present their findings to their peers.

Investigation 2: Calculating Carbon Footprints by Food Choices (one 50-minute class period)

Students look at differences in their carbon footprint related to food choices. They defend a food choice by determining the overall impact of that food on greenhouse gases.

Controversy: Dietary choice based on production costs, not just food miles, determine a household's food-related climate impacts

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080421161338.htm

Lower Your Carbon Footprint Simulation (make meal choices using both food miles and production costs)

http://www.eatlowcarbon.org/Carbon-Calculator.html

Resources to support you and your students

Background information Food Production

Can be used to identify growing locations of foods across US

http://www.earthpledge.org/cropfinder.php

Shows path of beef and chicken to table

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Beef_from_Farm_to_Table/index.asp

Lots of resources and suggested activities. Relates to standards and benchmarks

http://www.csgn.org/pdf/WhatIsLocallyGrown.pdf

Students may enter crops and find locations grown as well as monetary values for crops. group=Crops+%26+Plants

http://www.nass.usda.gov/QuickStats/indexbysubject.jsp?Pass_group=Crops+%26+Plants

May be used to determine menu/foods

http://www.burgerking.com or other restaurant menus

Maps

Provides blank map options in printable format

http://www.nationalatlas.gov/printable/reference.html#list

Interactive world map

http://www.worldmapper.org/index_map.html

Carbon Footprint

Controversy: Dietary choice based on production costs, not just food miles, determine a household's food-related climate impacts

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080421161338.htm

Lower Your Carbon Footprint Simulation (make meal choices using both food miles and production costs)

http://www.eatlowcarbon.org/Carbon-Calculator.html

Student Products and Assessments

1. Case Analysis Sheet Conclusion and Review

Write 3 sentences describing what you have learned in this case. Allow students to share new knowledge.

Refer to K-W chart. Use specific questions and allow student discussion.

2. Mapping a Meal: Distance and costs associated with foods in a meal

3. Calculating Carbon Footprints

How do food choices impact your carbon footprint? Students create an electronic poster (use of PowerPoint or online tools) that they present to the class. One suggestion is to have students write a blog on making environmentally friendly meal choices with supporting evidence.

Rubrics

Suggested Scoring Rubric: Mapping a Meal

Teaching notes

The case may be integrated with courses in Geography, Marketing, Botany, Math, History, and Economics. It could be conducted over a minimum 3-4 hours total over 3 days.

While internet access is desired, an alternative strategy is to prepare data packets for students. Students will be expected to analyze available data to form conclusions.

Extensions could include elements such as calculating the use/availability/impact of petroleum products.

GREEN OR GENE?

Authors:

Lataya Berry, Academy of Information Technology and Engineering

Natalie Pickett, Dobyns-Bennet High School

July, 2009, updated September 2011

ABSTRACT

Content: Conversation among students gathered in a coffee shop turns to their career plans. An online search reveals advertising job possibilities with an organic grocer and a company specializing in bioengineered foods. The friends ask if both are green jobs.

Investigations that may be linked to this case: Students conduct a blind taste test of organic, conventionally grown, and genetically modified foods. To enhance their understanding of the GMO controversy and the organic movement, students work in teams to conduct internet information searches about scientific research on impacts of various agriculture methods on human health and environment. Students create a commercial or public service announcement that highlights key scientific arguments for organic, conventionally grown, or genetically modified foods.

Student products that may be produced from students questions:

Possible career connections: Bioengineer, Farmer, Grocer, Advertiser, Marketer, Science writer

Technology connections: Internet searches, iMovie, Moviemaker or other presentation software

National Science Education Content Standards

Unifying Concepts and Processes: Evidence, models, and explanation

Standard A. Science as Inquiry: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry; Understandings about scientific inquiry

Standard C. Life Science Grades 5-8: Populations and ecosystems; Diversity and adaptations of organisms. Grades 9-12 Life Science: Interdependence of organisms

Standard E. Science and Technology: Understandings about science and technology

Standard F. Science in Personal and Social Perspectives Grades 5-8: Personal health; Risks and Benefits; Science and technology in society. Grades 9-12: Personal and community health; Natural resources; Science and technology in local, national, and global challenges

Standard G. History and Nature of Science: Science as a human endeavor

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills - Science 9-12 Biology and Environmental Systems

c.3.B. Evaluate promotional claims that relate to biological issues such as product labeling

c.3.C. Evaluate the impact of scientific research on society and the environment;

c.11.B. Investigate and analyze how organisms, populations, and communities respond to external factors;

c.3.B. Make responsible choices in selecting everyday products and services using scientific information;

c.3.C. Evaluate the impact of research on scientific thought, society, and the environment

c.3.D. Describe the connection between environmental science and future careers

Tags: Bioengineering, Careers with green emphasis, Careers in science related jobs, Organic foods, GMOs, Competition (food), Technology, Biotechnology, Genetics

The Case: Green Or Gene?

While meeting over coffee, John, Carlos, and Kara discuss what they are going to do after they graduate. While John knows exactly what he wants to do and plans to start graduate school in bioengineering, Carlos and Kara are still unsure. Both have had technical writing and communication classes.

"Hey, look at this position," Carlos says showing his iPhone search results for science-related jobs in the area. "They need an advertising specialist who will work for GreenGroceries. It's in Houston, pays over $45,000 a year."

Kara replies, "No way. Let me see that."

She grabs the iPhone and reads through more of the job description and notices something important. "Oh, you have to create a sample advertisement for the interview about the advantages of organic foods," she clarifies.

While Kara is monopolizing the iPhone, John starts searching the newspaper.

"Look, Carlos." John calls out. "Here's an ad for GreenGroceries' competitor, GeneCuisine. Same pay, basically the same job and requirements, but they focus on advertising products made from GMO's. You have to travel to market their products."

"Both jobs sound good, but what's the big difference anyway? Who cares if it's organic or GMO? Isn't all food production green?" Carlos asks.

Image Credit: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/science/gene-env/index.cfm

Investigations

The learning goals are for students to critically examine the topic of organic and genetically modified foods intended for human consumption. Students will utilize technology in order to examine science principles and communicate their findings.

Students will:

- Compare organic and genetically modified (conventional) food products using a blind taste test.

- Complete a know/need to know chart to assess prior knowledge of organic and GMO food production.

- Research organic and genetically modified food products.

- Create an informative message to promote either organic or genetically modified foods.

- Review other student groups' advertisements using a peer review form.

Investigation 1: Blind taste test (one 50-minute class period)

Students consider foods from the perspective of a consumer and do a blind taste test of organic and conventionally grown food products to see if they can differentiate between the two.

Investigation 2: (one class period for investigation, and one class period to share products)

Students work in small groups to conduct internet information searches to review findings on health and environmental risks and benefits of organically grown foods and genetically modified foods.

A variety of links to start the online informational search are provided in the next section. Students should evaluate the internet sites for credibility and bias as part of their searches and discussions.

Depending on class size and time allotted for information searches, part or an entire class period following the internet research would be needed for students to create, share, and discuss their products.

Resources to support you and your students

Videos

Genetically Modified Food or Organic: Do we have to choose? Video Lecture: UCSD's Maarten Chrispeels

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzpFaBiZUuE

Michael Pollan: The Omnivore's Dilemma Pc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFpjskn3_Pc

Nova's Harvest of Fear, including teacher guide

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/teachers/viewing/28gm_harvest.html

Salt of the Earth - Engineering Salt-tolerant Plants, available under Botany with lesson plan

http://www.sosq.vcu.edu/videos.aspx

TED Talk, What's Wrong with our Food System by 11-year old Birke Baehr

http://blog.ted.com/2010/11/29/whats-wrong-with-our-food-system-birke-baehr-on-ted-com/

Andrew Zimmerman: Bizzare Foods

http://www.travelchannel.com/tv-shows/bizarre-foods

Organic Foods

Organic tomato juice article

http://www.travelchannel.com/tv-shows/bizarre-foods

Mayo Clinic, Organic food

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/organic-food/NU00255

The United State EPA site on Organic Farming

http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/torg.html

The USDA National Organic Program Website

http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/

Organic Farming Research Foundation

http://ofrf.org/resources/organicfaqs.html

International Centre for research in organic food systems

http://www.icrofs.org/index.html

A business site with advantages and disadvantages of organic farming. and disadvantages organic farming.html

http://www.small-farm-permaculture-and-sustainable-living.com/advantages_and_disadvantages_organic_farming.html

Genetically Modified Crops

An interview with the father of the Green Revolution.

http://www.actionbioscience.org/biotech/borlaug.html

The Ecological Impacts of Agricultural Biotechnology by Miguel Altieri

http://www.actionbioscience.org/biotech/altieri.html#fullbio

Genetically Modified Foods: Are They a Risk to Human/Animal Health? by Arpad Pusztai

http://www.actionbioscience.org/biotech/pusztai.html

Information on potential health effects from the National Institute of Health

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002432.htm

Review of information on genetically modified foods

http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php

A site with diverse genome and genetic information e.cfm

http://www.nature.ca/genome/index_e.cfm

Interactive to learn about which foods are genetically modified and why [Click on Know Your Foods]

http://www.thetech.org/genetics/index.php

Resources for Storyboards, Commercials

How to write a 30 second commercial from

http://marketing.about.com/od/marketingtipsandadvice/a/30seccommercial.htm

Jason Ohler's website on digital storyboarding

http://www.jasonohler.com/storytelling/index.cfm

Resources for Classroom Interactions

Fun interactives for smartboards (like the timer used in the lesson)

http://www.triptico.co.uk/flashFiles/timer/timer.html

Student Products and Assessments

As a final product, students make a commercial that highlights key scientific arguments for either organic or genetically modified food using data gathered from team information searches. Commericals can be created using iMovie (Mac) or Moviemaker (PC). The commercials could then be posted to a school website or online. Students post their commercials and review at least two other groups' commercials for content using the peer review form. Provide a rubric for project requirements to students at the outset of the case and provide the peer review rubric to students prior to review of team's commercials. General instructions for student products are below.

Here are some guidelines from about.com on how to write an advertisement. Your commercial must be at least 1 minute long but no longer than 3 minutes. Include your three factors and three facts. The objective of your commercial is to have at least 30 seconds of information on the following:

- Who are you?

- Who is your company?

- What does your company do?

- How can you help?

- Why your prospective purchaser should act now?

Marketing Guidelines from about.com: marketing

http://marketing.about.com/od/marketingtipsandadvice/a/30seccommercial.htm

You may also want to use a storyboard to organize your commercial before you begin shooting.

The template from http://www.jasonohler.com/storytelling/index.cfm is a fantastic resource.

A related student project option is a public service announcement (PSA). Like a commercial it is short and aimed for a targeted audience. However, instead of trying to sell something, a PSA is about getting a message out. The audience for your students' PSA could be their class, all the students at the school, and other high school students.

Public Service Announcement Requirements

- Find at least 3 facts and/or statistics that illustrate the importance of your issue. These should get the audience's attention.

- Decide on your message. Your PSA needs to include at least three powerful solutions or advice about what students can do about this issue.

- Select pictures or video that matches the storyline. Use a storyboard to plan this out with your message and facts.

- Select music or record a voice-over. Make sure it works with the storyline !

- Write a slogan to tie your PSA together. It should match the storyline. Example: "Only YOU can prevent forest fires"

- Include all the sources for your pictures and info in your credits. Also include your name as the writer and director.

Rubrics.

Peer Review Student Assessment

Teaching notes and modifications:

The case is geared for freshman and sophomore high school students in an environmental science class covering a unit on land and resource use. It could fit in a wide variety of classes including biotechnology classes.

As written, internet access is the key material needed for the case. Two options for hooking students into the topic of food and its relationship with environment and technology are suggested. The first option involves purchasing from a local store or market samples of organic and conventionally grown food for a taste test.

To prepare for the blind taste test, pose the question: "Do you think you can tell the difference between food grown organically and food grown with conventional methods?" Pass out food samples labeled A &B (organic &conventional). Have students write the letter they think is organic on small pieces of recycled paper. Show data on graph and discuss.

For the organic and conventionally grown food samples, consider items that may be familiar and unfamiliar to your students. Fruits and vegetables are great options because they are almost indistinguishable when prepared. Local produce from a farmer's market is a possible source, although most large chain grocery stores now have sections for organic produce. If purchasing packaged foods, try to buy from the same brand if possible, such as yellow corn chips from Tostitos or orange juice from Tropicana. Another variation on the blind taste test could include different brands of bottled water and tap water. The taste tests can be effective in revealing students preconceptions about how organic foods would taste and sparking conversations about the impact of environmental stewardship and consumer choice.

Another way to hook the students to reflect on the topic of food is to pose the question, "What is food?" To encourage students to consider cultural and personal influences on food choices, show a video clip from Andrew Zimmerman's Bizarre Foods. Students could fill out a food preferences chart from items they saw on the video.

To prepare the class to read and discuss the case, consider using a system to designate readers, rather than calling for volunteers. This may be especially helpful early in the school year to establish an expectation of participation. Select student with the birthday closest to today (but not before) to read the case. Or have volunteers from the class read parts: narrator, Kara, and Carlos.

Once the case has been read aloud, have students fill out the question "What is the case about?" individually, then share with the rest of the class. Again have students individually consider what they may already know or might need to know in a case analysis chart. Discuss Know/Need to know chart as a class. Haves students highlight three questions they want to explore further.

From the class discussion about the case, anticipate that students will have ideas about food costs and health benefits. Students may initially know less about differences among conventionally grown, organic, and genetically modified foods.

Have students determine the major themes from their questions. These are their factors for advantages and disadvantages of different types of food sources, which they could fill in a chart like the one below as they conduct their information search using internet and other sources.

Depending on your students' previous research experience, some may need additional scaffolding to get going in a productive direction for their research. If additional supports are needed, consider using a guided question sheet, which also includes key background information and carefully selected resources. An example is provided below.

Introduce the commercial writing, storyboards, and IMovie. Familiarize students with the peer review form and rubric for requirements for the project.

Students work on commercials or public service announcements. Students evaluate each other's work on www.youtube.com or local school network and use peer review rubric to provide feedback.

In addition to using a public service announcement as a final product for one investigative case, it can serve at the end of the course as one way for students to review of all major content themes. Offer students choices about their topic. As students then share and discuss their announcements, the students reinforce their learning across the entire course.

Here are some possible issues that might be considered in an environmental science class:

- Land (mountain top removal, clear cutting forests, unsustainable farming practices)

- Water (potable water shortages, aquifer depletion)

- Air (smog, asthma, sick building syndrome, acid rain, hole in the ozone layer)

- Living systems- (disruption of food webs, pesticide resistance, antibiotic resistant bacteria)

- Biomes- aquatic and terrestrial (loss of tropical rainforests, loss of coral reefs, artificial eutrophication, desertification, loss of biodiversity)

- Human population growth (loss of arable land, lack of education for women, urban crisis)

- Energy resources (oil spills, coal mining dangers, climate change, energy waste)

- Waste (Pacific Garbage Patch, lack of recycling)

Possible extensions to Green or Gene:

1. For an extension on human health and nutrition with interdisciplinary math connections, have students investigate the caloric value of foods in the introductory activities. Then have students consider the following questions and do conversion calculations:

An active man who weighs 70 kg (154 lbs) maintains his weight if he eats 2,700 Calories per day. Unused calories are converted into stored fat at the rate of 1 kg per 9,000 Cal that are unused. If this active man consumes 3,600 Cal per day:

1. How many extra Calories per day is this man storing as fat?

2. How many extra Calories per year is this man storing as fat?

3. How many kilograms of fat is this per year (1kg=9,000 Cal)?

4. How many pounds of fat is this per year (2.2 kg=1 lb)?

5. Calculate your weight in kg. If you eat an extra 300 Cal per day (about 1 candy bar), how much will you weigh after 1 year?

2. For an online extension focusing on biotechnology, have students conduct a virtual lab that allows them to examine specific genes and transgenic plants, such as Virtual Plant Biotechnology and Genomics 2.0 at http://ppge.ucdavis.edu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=71&Itemid=137 or PBS's Engineer a Crop, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/harvest/engineer/.

3. For a hands-on investigation, compare features of genetically modified and non-modified plants from seeds to seedling stages. Obtain seeds of genetically modified and non-modified crops. Have students repeat an experiential activity like the blind taste test described above by recording careful observations of the seed—its color, size, shape, mass—prior to planting. Encourage students to make predictions about For classes with PCR equipment, a protocol for examining soy beans that have been genetically modified to be Roundup Ready® is available online at http://www.greenomes.org/.

LET THE CHIPS FALL WHERE THEY MAY

Authors:

Deborah Chabi, Dundee-Crown High School

Karen Lucci, Hopewell Valley Central High School

Rebecca Corrigan, Lincoln Park High School

July 2009, updated October 2011

ABSTRACT

Content: In search of snacks while surfing the internet, friends discover what cotton has to do with potato chips. Topics include oil extraction from foods and properties of oils, using cottonseed oil to solve historical and contemporary problems, and a personal nutrition analysis.

Investigations that may be linked to this case: Properties of oils, Interactive dietary assessment of food intake, Investigate careers comparing a historical context to a contemporary context.

Student products ideas:

Career connections: Registered dietician, Plant researcher, Food technology

Technology connections: Videos, Internet searches, Simulations

National Science Education Content Standards

Standard A. Science as Inquiry: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry

Standard C. Life Science: The cell; Matter, energy, and organization in living systems

Standard F. Science in Personal and Social Perspectives: Personal and community health; Natural Resources; Science and technology in local, national and global challenges

Standard G. History and Nature of Science: Science as a human endeavor; Historical perspectives

State Standards. Illinois Standards:

STATE GOAL 11: Understand the processes of scientific inquiry and technological design to investigate questions, conduct experiments and solve problems.

11.A.5a Formulate hypotheses referencing prior research and knowledge.

11.A.5b Design procedures to test the selected hypotheses.

11.A.5e Report, display and defend the results of investigations to audiences that may include professionals and technical experts.

STATE GOAL 13: Understand the relationships among science, technology and society in historical and contemporary contexts.

13.A.5b Explain criteria that scientists use to evaluate the validity of scientific claims and theories.

13.B.5e Assess how scientific and technological progress has affected other fields of study, careers and job markets and aspects of everyday life.

Tags: Food labels, Cottonseed oil, Nutrition, Registered dietician, Cotton, Oil properties, Lipid biochemistry

The Case: Let the Chips Fall Where They May

While waiting for a YouTube video to load, Raul noticed a pop-up ad for chips on the bottom of the screen. "That looks good. Got any snacks?" he asked.

Julia responded, "I don't know, my mom is on a diet. We usually don't have anything good to eat. Sometimes she buys low-fat chips."

"Found something," Julia called out, "How about these?"

"Great," Raul answered as he took the container. Taking a quick look at the nutritional information, he added, "It looks like your mom is wrong. They do have fat. In fact, they're made with cottonseed oil."

A surprised Julia replied, "Cottonseed oil? Really? Is this a new thing? My shirt is made of cotton; you don't cook with cotton. It can't be good for you. "

Raul shook his head and disagreed, "Why would they put something in your food that wasn't good for you? I'm sure it's fine. Cotton has been around for a long time. Here—have one."

Julia looked a bit tentative as she reached for a chip. "There are lots of other oils they can cook with, so why cotton?

Image credit: http://sgtradegroup.com/oil.html

Investigations and Resources

Investigation 1: Students complete a case analysis and complete the Know/ Need to Know Chart which allows them to explore their prior knowledge of oils used in food processing including cottonseed oil as well as share their questions. (Duration: two 50-minute class periods)

The Know/Need to Know chart may include student questions such as "What is the process to make cottonseed oil?" and "What foods contain cottonseed oil?" The following oil properties lab allows students to explore differences among oils.

1. Investigation of Oil Properties

1. Choose three foods (from the samples brought).

2. Prepare a data table for oil properties you will investigate.

3. Write the steps needed for each test that will be used.

4. Perform all tests safely.

5. Complete data table.

6. What new questions do you have about oils in foods?

2. Watch the following two videos for an introduction to the biochemistry of lipids. Write a summary paragraph on lipid structure and function to be shared in your written or oral lab report:

http://youtu.be/8V52HGEsjyQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xF_LK9pnL0

Background information on lipids you may use to enrich your paragraph on lipid structure and function:

http://lipidlibrary.aocs.org/plantbio/plantlip.html

http://www.eplantscience.com/index_files/seed.php

3. Final Products for your lab report: Make a blog entry, wiki report or yodio podcast to present your evidence for the presence of oils in foods and include properties of those oils in your report.

Investigation 2: Research to answer a student question that crosses content areas: "What are uses of cottonseed oil that could boost the stability of mankind?" (Duration: Two 50-minute class periods)

Directions: Compare the historical context of cottonseed oil to the contemporary context of cottonseed oil in the United States and evaluate how cottonseed addressed the needs of both time periods.

Day 1

1. Watch the following videos. Take notes.

http://youtu.be/XnxnBWVuW6g (cooking beignets with cottonseed oil video)

http://www.cottonseed.com/ (has a short video summary of the uses of cottonseed)

2. Read the following articles. Take notes.

http://www.pabook.libraries.psu.edu/palitmap/Cottonseed.html (history of cottonseed oil)

http://www.crisco.com/About_Crisco/History.aspx (history of Crisco- no mention of cottonseed oil, only pure vegetable oil)

3. Read from the following site to finish your research.

http://www.cottonseed.com/links/default.asp links to cottonseed oil and cotton organizations and statistics

Day 2

Production time for the illustrated poster comparing the historical uses of cottonseed to contemporary uses of cottonseed. Posters may be on paper or electronic at http://edu.glogster.com/.

Investigation 3: Students to analyze their food intake using an interactive dietary assessment (Duration: one 50-minute class period, 15 minutes in following class period)

Day 1

Follow the directions found at: http://www.mypyramidtracker.gov/

Day 2

Post on the class blog 3 important things you learned from the analysis of your diet and exercise.

Resources to support you and your students

Student Engagements

Pop Art, Design Your Own Can

http://www.pringlescancreator.com/default.aspx?locale=en_gb

Biochemistry Background

Make a Fatty Acid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xF_LK9pnL0

Molecules of Life: Biochemistry

http://umanitoba.ca/Biology/lab2/biolab2_3.html

Lipid Background Information and labs

The Lipid Library

http://lipidlibrary.aocs.org/index.html

Cyberlipid Center

http://www.cyberlipid.org/cyberlip/home0001.htm

Cold Spring Harbor Prospective in Biology online journal, full text articles available to students

http://cshperspectives.cshlp.org/search?fulltext=plant+lipids&submit=yes&x=11&y=9

Oil Processing as a cottage industry

http://en.howtopedia.org/wiki/How_to_Process_Oilseed_on_a_Small_Scale

Abstract of article about transcription factor regulating cuticle wax

http://www.plantcell.org/content/23/3/1138.abstract

Abstract of article about lipid and surface wax synthesis

http://www.jstor.org/pss/4265504

Article about lipid biosynthesis in plants

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC160893/pdf/070957.pdf

Online Botanical Encyclopedia

http://www.eplantscience.com/index_files/plant_lab_protocols.php

Lab protocol for estimating oil in oilseeds from ePlantScience.com

http://www.eplantscience.com/index_files/plant%20protocols/Lipids/Estimation_of_oil_in_oilseeds.php

Science Community Resources

U.K. Plant Science

http://www.plantsci.org.uk/about-us

Gordon Research Conference on Plant Lipids

http://www.grc.org/programs.aspx?year=2011&program=plantlipid

Student products and other assessments

Samples from 2010 PlantIT Summer Workshop

Rubric for Peer Evaluation of Poster

Teaching notes and modifications

This case and investigations fits well in a nutrition unit in a freshman biology class. Guiding questions for the investigations could include "What type of cooking oil is healthiest and what evidence would back up your claim?"

Investigation 1:

After reading the case and leading students through the discovery questions of the case (What is this case about? What do you know? What do you want to know?), there will be a short amount of time left in the class period, use that time to ask the students to search their neighborhood stores for food products processed with and /or containing cotton seed oil, peanut oil, corn oil, and other oils to compare. They may want to bring in other foods made from seeds such as sunflower seeds, cotton seeds, corn, peanuts, and almonds to be used for extracting oils. Be prepared to bring in your own samples for the oil extraction lab.

Lab tips: Students may work in groups of two or three to allow all foods to be sampled multiple times for comparison.

When preparing the data table for oil properties, ask the students "What will be included in the data table?" Give the students time to reflect on their prior laboratory experiences and design their data tables. Color, odor, density will be common responses.

Ask students "How will you get the oil from the food?"

Lab procedures for extracting oil for testing: (adapted from an Access Excellence Lab)

1. Weigh out 5 grams of a food sample

2. Crush food between two sheets of foil and pound with a hammer

3. Place crushed food in a glass beaker

4. Under a fume hood add 10 millimeters of acetone and swirl for one minute

5. Decant acetone into second beaker

6. Repeat steps d and e

7. Allow the beaker with acetone to remain under the fume hood overnight.

8. Repeat steps a-g for each food sample

9. Use the extracted oil for oil property tests. Students may choose to observe the following properties: color, odor, solubility, density, smell, brown paper bag test

Ask students "What safety measures need to be considered before extracting oil from foods?" Goggles, aprons, fume hood, don't eat or drink in the lab, Read the MSDS sheet. Have students write safety rules to be used in the lab and monitor that all rules are enforced.

Extensions for Investigation 1:

Illustrate a laboratory safety cartoon for using a fume hood for the acetone evaporation in the oil extraction lab.

Students may want to design and print a Pringles can label and draw their cartoon in their "designer" label http://www.pringlescancreator.com/default.aspx?locale=en_gb

Diagram and label a cotton seed and add "zoom enhancements" diagrams to illustrate products produced from cottonseeds

Investigation 2:

This activity can be used to assess how scientific and technological progress with cottonseed has affected careers and job markets and aspects of everyday life. Students will collaborate and illustrate the historical context of cottonseed oil compared to the contemporary context of cottonseed oil in a poster to share with the class.

Have students post their posters in the classroom and have their classmates evaluate. The following rubric may be used. Allow time for revisions before publishing photos of the posters in the classroom or on a bog, wiki, or Glogster.

Extensions for Investigation 2:

The science textbook company has issued a challenge: modify the career information on plants and lipids found in your old textbook.

Read the "what's new page" from the Lipid Library at

http://lipidlibrary.aocs.org/news/news.htm

Use Glogster (http://edu.glogster.com/) to design a supplementary page to add to your old textbook that highlights careers using plant lipids. Justify with facts why you added each career.

Investigation 3:

Use this investigation to introduce nutrition topics or the digestive system to your students.

At the website https://www.choosemyplate.gov/SuperTracker/default.aspx there is a PowerPoint to show your students how to sign up and use the free site.

Extensions for Investigation 3:

Where are lipids in plants? Not sure where lipids can be found in plants?

Check out this site: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC160893/pdf/070957.pdf for a summary of the location of lipids in plants in the first few paragraphs.

Sketch a plant found in your diet, label 5 sites where lipids are found in the plant. Photograph your diagram with your cell phone and share on the class blog or class wiki.

Links to other investigative cases in this e-book:

Other cases relating to cotton include Dilemma of the Imported Fabric, Tar Balls and Oil Sponges, and Fabric for First Aid.

MYSTERY AT THE FOOD KIOSK

Authors:

Linda Stevens, W.T. Hall Academy

Elizabeth Torres-Rodriguez, Jose Julian Acosta School, San Juan, Puerto Rico

July 2009, updated September 2011

ABSTRACT

Content: Friends vacationing in Puerto Rico stop at a roadside food kiosk and discover local foods made from plants they don't recognize and haven't eaten before.

Investigations that may be linked with this case: Students solve the mystery of the unknown menu choices by looking up recipes and discovering more about the plants used in them. Students will have an opportunity to compare fruits of the Musa species and complete a descriptive table to share. Students could then examine a variety of cultivated plants and conduct information searches to explore the biology and cultural uses of the foods. A field trip to a market or grocery store is the setting for student survey of biodiversity and plant parts. In a follow-up investigation students then dissect plant parts to examine their structures and cells to make inferences about features selected during the course of the plant's domestication to a cultivated crop.

Student products that may result from student questions:

Possible career connections: Travel Agent, Chef, Grocer, Hospitality Industry representative, Economic botanist, Ethnobotanist, Farmer, Agriculture specialist

Technology connections: Internet searches, Online databases, Online collaboration tools, Digital photography

National Science Education Content Standards

Unifying Concepts and Processes: Evidence, models, and explanation

Science as Inquiry: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry; Understandings about scientific inquiry

Life Science: Grades 5-8: Structure and function in living systems; Diversity and adaptations of organisms. Grades 9-12: Biological evolution; Interdependence of organisms

Science and Technology: Understandings about science and technology

Science in Personal and Social Perspectives: Grades 5-8: Personal health; Populations, resources and environments; Science and technology in society. Grades 9-12: Natural resources; Science and technology in local, national, and global challenges

History and Nature of Science: Science as a human endeavor; Grades 5-8: History of science. Grades 9-12: Historical perspectives

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills - Science 9-12 Biology and Environmental Systems

c.3.C. Evaluate the impact of scientific research on society and the environment;

c.11.B. Investigate and analyze how organisms, populations, and communities respond to external factors;

c.3.B. Make responsible choices in selecting everyday products and services using scientific information;

c.3.C. Evaluate the impact of research on scientific thought, society, and the environment

c.3.D. Describe the connection between environmental science and future careers

Puerto Rico Knowledge and Skills - Science 9-12 Biology and Environmental Systems

nc.A.2.4. Develop own conclusions on the analysis of the investigation on the society and the environment;

nc.A.5.1. Identify the environmental impact with the introduction of exotic food products;

nc.A.5.7. Propose alternatives to solve problems related to agriculture;

nc.A.7.1 Use technology as a tool in the scientific work;

nc.A.7.5. Analyze the impact in the agriculture in the environment.

Tags: Exotic foods, Useful local plants, Plant cultivation, Domestication, Biodiversity, Conservation, Taxonomy, Cultural uses of plants, Plant tissues, Plant body parts, Artificial selection, Food chemistry

The Case: Mystery at the Food Kiosk

Natalia and Ruben, on a trip to Puerto Rico to visit their friend Rebecca, were really enjoying the island. Today for the first time, they were going to see a tropical rain forest, El Yungue.

Ruben asked, "Do we need to bring a lunch? The drive from San Juan to Rio Grande looks to be about 40 minutes long."

"I don't think so," Rebecca answered. "There are food kiosks all along the road. We'll get a chance to sample new dishes and local produce from the island."

Natalia looked a bit uncertain, so Rebecca continued, "Puerto Rican cooking is a blend of Spanish, African, Taino who are native, and American influences. They use local seasonings and ingredients as coriander, papaya, cacao, apio and plantains. I love the Cocina Criolla cuisine."

Later that day, Rebecca pulled over to a colorful kiosk. Ruben and Natalia walked up to the counter looking impressed at the variety of colorful items posted on the menu. The deep fried food choices included Bacalaito, Mofongo, Pionono, Alcapurria, Pasteles, and Chicharron. A drink called Mavi looked interesting among the selections.

Natalia turned around to ask Rebecca about their choices, but she had disappeared. Clearly, the young woman behind the counter was waiting to find out what she wanted to eat.

Natalia ordered hopefully, "Mofongo and a Mavi, please."

Ruben asked, "What's that?"

Natalia replied with a shrug, "Something delicious, I hope."

Investigations

The learning goals for students are to recognize native and non-native plant species used in local food and consider how availability impacts local cuisine. They will compare fruits belonging to the Musa species and consider how and why they are used as foods. Students will gain an understanding of the functional anatomy of specific parts such as roots, tubers, and fruits to relate to their value as human foods. Students will identify local plants used in cooking which will reinforce their familiarity with taxonomic/hierarchical terms. Students will gain an awareness of the role of human artificial selection during the domestication process and cultural influences on foods. Extensions offer opportunities for students to gain awareness of cultivation history, genetic diversity of wild and cultivated species, and threats to biological and cultural diversity.

Students will:

- Select an item from the menu and describe the plant ingredients used for someone unfamiliar with Puerto Rican cuisine.

- Identify the part of each plant used in the menu item.

- Survey the food plants available in a local market (or selection of these brought to class) to evaluate diversity and types of plant parts represented.

- Work in small groups to identify foods of interest to investigate.

- Compare and contrast nutrient values, medicinal properties, taxonomic affiliation and other properties essential to their investigation question.

- Examine selection of plants to identify the plant parts eaten and special features.

Investigation 1: Using the Internet (25 minutes)

- Select an item from the menu and describe the plant ingredients used for someone unfamiliar with Puerto Rican cuisine.

- Identify the part of each plant used in the menu item.

- Is the plant local or introduced?

Investigation 2: Lab Observations (25 minutes)

- Compare external features of 2 or 3 fruits of Musa species (plantains and banana)

- Dissect these fruits and make comparisons including taste/smell

- Prepare a table of your observations to share

Investigation 3: Market Botany (two 50-minute class periods)

Students explore plant foods and examine diversity by surveying produce in a supermarket. One class period is needed for the field trip. In the next class period students contribute their data to a class data and analyze results.

Investigation 4: Compare and Contrast Biology and Cultural Uses (one 50-minute class period) Students gain familiarity with two plant foods of their choice that share broad morphological similarities. The case introduces students to bananas and plantains as an example. The resources section includes a number of related links, including http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/life/plants-fungi/seeds-of-trade/page.dsml?section=crops&ref=bananas&cat_ref=&region_ID=&time_ref=&page=index&origTimeID=&origTimePoint=&origTpTitle=&origPage

Students will collaboratively brainstorm other examples and then form small working groups to conduct internet research the biological properties and cultural uses of their selected foods.

Investigation 5: Cultivated Plant Parts (one 50-minute class period)

Provide students with a selection of plants. Students work in teams to dissect plants, use microscopes and stains to examine the plant tissues and cells that are used as human food sources.

An additional class period is needed for students to synthesize information from investigations 2 and 3 into a team poster and to hold a class poster symposium.

Resources to support you and your students

Supermarket Botany, Cultural Uses of Plants

Natural History Museum's Botany of Brixton Market

http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/life/plants-fungi/botany-brixton-market/index.html

Center for International Ethnomedicinal Education and Research

http://www.cieer.org/

Supermarket Botany information, describing organs of commonly eaten plants

http://www.personal.psu.edu/cjj7/Bio20/NoteBio20/Lect5B20.htm

Puerto Rican Food Kiosks and Recipes

Luquillo kiosks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6o5QvS557A

How to prepare a plantain

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wV18MAQsds0

Mashed green plantains

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=na_KCkGb6vs

Monthly Bilingual, Cultural publication for Puerto Ricans

http://www.elboricua.com/

Natural History Museum's Botany of Brixton Market

http://gicco.com/recipes/plantains.htm

Bananas and Plantains

Musa Germplasm Information System, with searchable collections and maps

http://www.crop-diversity.org/banana/

Plant Domestication

News release about research on plant domestication

http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/20914.aspx

Plant genetics resources and domestication

http://www2.bioversityinternational.org/publications/Web_version/174/ch05.htm

Resources and References for Geared for Teachers

Educational Resources and Outreach, with maize domestication slide show and diverse links resources.html

http://www.panzea.org/lit/ed_resources.html

New York Botanical Garden's Cultural uses of Plants: A Guide to Learning about Ethnobotany

http://ebooks.nybgpress.com/969u0/default

Identifying Macromolecules in Food Lab

http://www.slideshare.net/ilanasaxe/identifying-macromolecules-in-food

SEP Lessons: Testing for Lipids, Proteins, and Carbohydrates

http://www.seplessons.org/node/362

Student products and other assessments

A variety of student, team, and class products are possible during this series of investigations.

Know/ Need to Know Chart

Menu Mystery Solution (Investigation 1)

Comparative Features Table of Musa Fruits (Investigation 2)

Lab report on plantains: plant parts, tissues, and cells

Comparisons of biological properties and cultural uses of food plants

Team poster synthesizing findings of plant comparisons and inferences about the features selected by humans during the plant's domestication to a cultivated crop

Field report about plant biodiversity and cultural use survey

Effective points for informal formative assessment include the Know/Want to know case analysis and review of field report and lab reports prior to student teams creating their final products.

A rubric for assessing team posters is provided. Hold a Food Diversity Poster Symposium for teams to share and ask questions about each other's posters. A format for a field report is suggested below.

Rubric for Food Kiosk Poster

Teaching notes and modifications

The investigations can be modified for younger or older students and for different courses including Biology, Environmental Science, General Science. This case and its investigations could be sequenced after a diversity unit and before homeostasis or structure and function.

The investigations are ordered to first generate broad awareness about food diversity and to front-load the activity with introduction to tools and content students will apply in later investigations.

Although as presented five class periods are needed to complete the investigations and class presentations, the investigations could be modified to accomplish specific learning goals in three class periods. For example, if taking students on a field trip is not feasible, purchase a selection of plant foods that students may observe in class. Assigning components, such as the internet research on plant properties and cultural uses or poster preparation, for students to do as homework is also possible. Portions could be sequenced at the beginning of the term and then return to the case and additional investigations later.

In addition to reliable internet access, the other key resource needed is access to a market or grocery store that offers a diverse selection of produce. Materials used to create the student products are highly adaptable to any classroom: art supplies for hand-drawn posters to computer-generated files.

Supermarket botany is an engaging activity, easily adapted for learners at all age levels. It is selected to open this series of investigations in order to build background knowledge for the class on plant parts used, where plants grow and how they are eaten. The supermarket survey serves to develop research skills and introduce tools that students will apply in next investigation, specifically using online resources for research and using nomenclature on plant specific epithets, genera, and other taxonomic ranks.

After the field trip, have students tabulate the number of kinds of plants (use the hierarchy appropriate for your students' understanding, from morphospecies to families or ordinal ranks) surveyed and they types of plant parts represented. Discuss student responses to the guiding questions for the field report and address any student misconceptions that may be uncovered.

After reading the case aloud, students can collaboratively identify the issues addressed in the scenario and their understandings of these by using the What Do You Know/What Do You Need To Know chart. The case specifically introduces students to foods of Puerto Rico with an emphasis on plantations.

The case scenario could be easily adapted to other regions, both local communities in the U.S. and localities around the globe that may be of interest to your student population. For example, Texas teachers may find the Texas Department of Agriculture website http://www.gotexan.org/ helpful for information on crops currently grown there. Indigenous Native North American crops could be the focus and draw on resources such as, http://www.virginiaplaces.org/agriculture/natagri.html.

As presented the scenario guides students to consider differences between plantains and bananas. This could be an effective guided inquiry, with students also examining the color, shape, size and other features of produce brought into class or researched on the internet. It could also serve as an initial brief compare and contrast discussion leading to rich opportunities for student-directed open-ended investigations on questions about plants of their choice.

Student responses may uncover some of the following ideas:

In addition to domestication of various Musa species, possible avenues for student research include comparisons among potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava, yams, and taro (diverse starch resources from across the globe). Additional comparisons include tomatoes and tomatillos (or other members of the Solanaceae) or artichokes and cardoon. Have students brainstorm ideas as a class and then form teams to pursue questions for the subsequent investigations and presentation.

The final carbohydrate lab investigation could be conducted as part of the team investigations on biological and cultural properties of plants if student teams are investigating some starchy foods. Alternately, the class could be arranged in new teams to conduct the carbohydrate lab on a selection of plants you provide for the class.

Order in advance Lugol's reagent to test for the presence of starch. You may wish to also order Benedict's solution to test for the presence of simple carbohydrates - note the solution changes color when the Benedict's solution and simple carbohydrate are heated, so access to a hot plate in the class would be needed for that test.

Prepare students with lab safety instructions. An online slide show accessible to students could provide background information on stains: http://www.slideshare.net/ilanasaxe/identifying-macromolecules-in-food

Possible extensions:

1. To emphasize visual representation of data, as well as collaborative data collection, the class could developed map or diagram to display information as it is accumulated and annotated throughout the investigations. Obtain a world map. Have students collaboratively draw a generalized plant body, labeling roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruit and enclosed seeds, or obtain a poster. If students do not initially mention special structures, such as tubers, these could be added following the supermarket survey as students discover them. Following the field trip, display both graphics in place students will be able to reach and add stickies to or draw on. As bell work assignment, have students add their data to the diagrams.

2. Expand the quantitative skills in the supermarket botany investigation by introducing students to calculations of species richness and relative abundance. An article available online on Market Botany: A plant biodiversity lab module describes this for introductory undergraduate course: http://www.botany.org/plantsciencebulletin/PSB-2011-57-2.pdf. The taxonomic component of that lab could be modified for high school by recording species richness of plant genus and family only.

3. Introduce a new connection to the genetics of cultivated crops. Have students work in teams explore domestication of crops. An accessible news release (http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/20914.aspx) introduces current research on several economically, historically, and culturally important crops. If students would benefit from background on the tools and principles of molecular genetics studies, an engaging video introduction is http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/mmg_disp.cfm?med_id=61504. A great deal of information is available online about corn (maize), for example:

http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/news/070201_corn

http://www.koshland-science-museum.org/exhibitdna/crops01.jsp

4. Focus on global conservation problems that address science in society content standards. Have students examine relationships between agriculture and preservation of natural ecosystems. Have students develop background knowledge of this bio-social issue through readings, such as http://www.actionbioscience.org/biodiversity/bichier.html, or videos.

5. For a fun extension on cultural uses, have student teams research recipes from different regions of the world for plants they used in the second investigation.

OUT OF THE FRYING PAN, INTO THE FIRE

Authors:

Francisca Enih, Holland Middle School

Angela Turner, North Zulch High School

July, 2009, updated September 2011

ABSTRACT

Content: Global warming is predicted to become an issue for growing crops in the not too distant future. The warmer temperatures in present crop areas have been shown to cause decreases in yields. Between the warming that causes lower yield and the increase in population, plans need to be made in order to sustain or increase our crop yields to feed the world.

Investigations that may be linked to this case: Students use climate change predictions to predict a grain crop of high nutritive value that will do well in the U.S. under the expected higher temperatures. To prepare for this investigation, they first conduct information searches to about specific plant characteristics. Students will synthesize the findings of all investigations by presenting their evidence-based conclusions for the choice of a future crop.

Student products ideas:

Career connections: Climate scientist, Agronomist, Plant biochemist, Plant genetic engineer, Farmer, Nutritionist, Demographer, Humanitarian relief worker, Science Reporter

Technology connections: Data visualization through animations and simulations, internet research, online data access

National Science Education Content Standards

Unifying Concepts and Processes: Evidence, models, and explanation; Change constancy, and measurement

Standard A. Science as Inquiry: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry; Understandings about scientific inquiry

Standard C. Life Science Grades 5-8: Populations and ecosystems; Diversity and adaptations of organisms. Grades 9-12: Interdependence of organisms; Behavior of organisms

Standard E. Science and Technology: Understandings about science and technology

Standard F. Science in Personal and Social Perspectives Grades 5-8: Population, resources, and environment; Science and technology in society. Grades 9-12: Natural resources; Science and technology in local, national, and global challenges

Standard G. History and Nature of Science: Science as a human endeavor

State standards. Texas Essential Knowledge &Skills (TEKS) 8th Grade Learning Goals SCI8.2. The student uses scientific inquiry methods during laboratory and field investigations. The student is expected to:

SCI.8.2B Plan and implement comparative and descriptive investigations by making observations, asking well-defined questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and using appropriate equipment and technology.

SCI.8.2C Collect and record data using the International System of Units (SI) and qualitative means such as labeled drawings, writings, and graphic organizers. SCI8.2.D Construct tables and graphs, using repeated trials and means, to organize data and identify pattern.

SCI.8.2E Analyze data to formulate reasonable explanations, communicate valid conclusions supported by the data, and predict trends.

SCI.8.3 The student uses critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and problem solving to make informed decisions and knows the contributions of relevant scientists. The student is expected to:

SCI.8.3A In all fields of science, analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations by using empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing, including examining all sides of scientific evidence of those scientific explanations, so as to encourage critical thinking by the student.

SCI.8.11 The student knows that interdependence occurs among living systems and the environment and that human activities can affect these systems. The student is expected to:

SCI.8.11 B Investigate how organisms and populations in an ecosystem depend on and may compete for biotic and abiotic factors such as quantity of light, water, range of temperatures, or soil composition.

Biology Standards

Bio.3. Scientific processes. The student uses scientific inquiry methods during laboratory and field investigations. The student is expected to:

A. In all fields of science, analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations by using empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing, including examining all sides of scientific evidence of those scientific explanations, so as to encourage critical thinking by the student.

Bio.11. Science concepts. The student knows that interdependence and interactions occur within an environmental system. The student is expected to:

B. Compare variations and adaptations of organisms in different ecosystems.

Tags: Agriculture, Climate Change Predictions, Global Warming, Food Supply, Nutrition, Plant Distribution, Crop Production, Evidence-based Conclusions, Persuasive Writing, Environmental science, Biodiversity, Science and Society

The Case: Out Of The Frying Pan, Into The Fire

Pete beamed with pride at his display of beets, beans, and cabbages as he settled into a folding chair to catch up on the news and wait for customers at the Juneau Farmers Market. A headline on the need for new crop strains adapted to warmer climates grabbed his attention.

He turned to his friend Annie selling whole wheat baked goods in the next stall. "Annie, it looks like we're in for some changes ahead. Says here that rising temperatures will open up areas of the world, like Siberia and northern North America, currently too cold for crops and we'll be able to grow wheat in parts of Alaska."

"Let me see that article" asked Annie and she read on. "Oh dear," she said sadly, "there are also predictions of crop failures in many other places." "Listen to what one of the agricultural researchers, a Louis Verchot, says."

"We're talking about large scale human migration and the return to large scale famines in developing countries, something which we decided 40 or 50 years ago was unacceptable and did something about."

"Will we still be able to grow prize-winning cabbages if it gets warmer?" mused Annie's son Ethan.

Pete chuckled, then added more seriously. "Sure sounds like we'll have to consider more than growing cabbages."

Investigations

The learning goals are for students to gain an awareness of global warming and its affects on crop production. After doing a case analysis, students will assume the role of a special committee for Senator Reese Ikle. Their assignment is to evaluate grain crops for future growing conditions, which are expected to be 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit higher by 2100.

- Students compare nutrient values and other characteristics of different grain crops.

- Students will investigate necessary growing conditions for particular crops under consideration.

- Students will evaluate climate change predictions to predict crops that will do well in the US and choose one crop with high nutrient value and appropriate growing conditions to advocate for and provide supporting evidence.

Investigation 1: Evaluate Nutrient Values (Duration: one 50-minute class period)

Students explore foods grown as grain crops and data sources on nutritive value of various food crops under consideration. Have students compare nutritive values of various grains and research other possible uses of the plants grown as grain crops. An online resource that does not require registration before students enter a food item to search is:http://nutritiondata.self.com/

Investigation 2: Examine Plant Growing Conditions (Duration: one 50-minute class period)

Students conduct internet information searches to find current locations and environmental conditions of the different crops under consideration and the growth requirements for those plants.

National agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency provide online resources covering major crops in the US, such as http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/ag101/crop.html. Land-grant universities often have resources about plants used locally and plants that are part of research areas, such as http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/Indices/index_ab.html. Seed producers also often provide details about the growing requirements of their seed stocks, for example http://www.mbsseed.com/planting%20chart.htm

Students use the findings from the first two investigations to build background knowledge on plant characteristics in order to identify possible crops to consider further in the third investigation.

Investigation 3: Use climate change predictions to predict crops that will do well in the US in the future (Duration: one 50-minute period, presentations/discussions could extend into another class)

Students examine the data on climate change over time and climate change predictions for the U.S. Online animations and simulation of climate change can help students visualize changes over long time scales and across geographic regions.

An interactive map with global temperature change is NASA's Climate Time Machine: http://climate.nasa.gov/ClimateTimeMachine/climateTimeMachine.cfm

An interactive database with climate monitoring for the contiguous United States is available at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/cag3/cag3.html

Videos of climate projections are also included in an accessible 201O Scientific American Article: http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/2010/11/15/climate-projections-visualizing-global-warming-in-the-round/

Students use the information on climate change predictions for the US to make a prediction about which plant species could be grown for crop production under the expected warmer conditions in the coming years. Students justify their selected crop with evidence gathered in all three investigations.

Resources to support you and your students

Background information

Global Warming Affects Crops, Food Supply

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW1Z_FIS9zY

Black, Richard 2006. New crops needed to avoid famines. BBC Website accessed 7 June 2011

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6200114.stm

Harmon, Katherine 2010. Climate projections. Scientific American. Accessed 5 October 2011

http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/2010/11/15/climate-projections-visualizing-global-warming-in-the-round/

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

http://www.ipcc.ch/

Nutrient values for foods

Self.com's searchable database of nutritional information

http://nutritiondata.self.com/

Versagrain.com's searchable database of nutritional information

http://www.versagrain.com/nutritional-value-of-corn.html

Plant distribution and growing information

U.S. Department of Agriculture and National Agriculture Statistics Service document Planting and Harvesting

http://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/Usual_Planting_and_Harvesting_Dates/uph97.pdf

Purdue University's Center for new Crops and Plants Products, including a searchable database

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/Indices/index_ab.html

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency site on Crop Production, including information on major crops, glossary, references, and interactive quiz

http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/ag101/crop.html

The United States National Arboretum interactive map of USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html

PlantsMaps site with interactive distribution and range maps

http://www.plantmaps.com/

A look at Alaska Agriculture

http://www.agclassroom.org/kids/stats/alaska.pdf

MBS Seed, a company website with extensive information and planting charts

http://www.mbsseed.com/

Climate change data and climate resources

National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Global Climate Change site

http://climate.nasa.gov/

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate site, with links to videos, career profiles

http://www.education.noaa.gov/Climate/

NOAA's U.S. Climate at a Glance interactive map, links to current and past temperature and rainfall

http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/cag3/cag3.html

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, A global Warming Primer

http://www2.ucar.edu/news/backgrounders/understanding-climate-change-global-warming

EPA's Future Climate Change Models site

http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/science/futurecc.html

ersagrain.com's searchable database of nutritional information

http://maps.grida.no/theme/climatechange

EOS-Webster, free searchable collection of Earth Science data

http://eos-webster.sr.unh.edu/home.jsp

Time Zone, Weather, Sunrise data and more from around the world

http://www.timeanddate.com/

U.S. Maps

United-States-Map.com site with 48 contiguous states in black and white outline US map with states

http://www.united-states-map.com/usa7241z.htm

NOAA's US map with mean annual air temperatures for recent years

http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/documentlibrary/clim81supp3/tempnormal.pdf

Student products and other assessments

Informal formative assessment throughout the case investigations, with review of student findings at each step.

Rubric for assessment of student product synthesizing evidence.

A brochure of findings with evidence to support decisions.

Instructions below are provided for students to prepare an informational brochure for a Senator describing their choice of the crop and reasons for the choice including its nutrient value and any other factors they deem pertinent.

Prepare a brochure showing your choice of a crop that will be good for our warmer future and giving evidence for your decisions. You will be asked to present your brochure to your classmates. The brochure may be done on the computer using a template or you may use paper and pencils/markers.

Now it is up to you. Because of the changes in climate, new crops will be needed that can withstand warmer temperatures or the crops will have to be grown in different areas. There will also be less land for farming due to increased population.

Senator Reese Ikle of the Environmental Concerns Sub-Committee has asked your group to investigate future grain crop production for the United States. Overall warming trends indicate that average temperatures will increase, maybe as much as 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit, by the year 2100. Some scientists are working on genetically modified crops, but we can also use non-genetically modified crops by moving them to different growing areas or we can use crops that are known to be more heat tolerant.

You have been asked to investigate grain crops. Because you want to get the best return on the fuel and space used for production, find a grain that has good nutrition value and any other considerations you think are important. It can be a crop we already use but can be grown in new locations, or crops that are not presently grown much in the US.

Rubric for Out of the Frying Pan Informational Brochure

Teaching notes and modifications

As it is presented, the case investigations focus on honing students' information search and synthesis skills in order to develop evidence-based conclusions. The investigations are ordered to build on findings of successive information searches prior to addressing the more complex parts of the problem of evaluating climate change data and developing predictions. A minimum of three class periods is needed for students to complete investigations and class presentations of student products. Life science, environmental science, and biology classes are all good fits for the case.

Reliable internet access is the primary resource needed during the class periods students conduct the preliminary data-gathering activities. Materials used to create the student products are highly adaptable to any classroom: art supplies for hand-drawn brochures to computer-generated files.

After reading the case aloud, students can collaboratively identify the issues addressed in the scenario and their understandings of these by using the What Do You Know/What Do You Need To Know chart.

Student responses may uncover some of the following ideas:

With initial ideas about the case revealed, the students then begin to focus background content. The suggested YouTube video frames the global climate change problem within a local context for students to more easily grasp. Students are then introduced to the role they will play as member of a special committee for Senator Reese Ikle assigned to evaluate grain crops for future growing conditions, which are expected to be 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit higher by 2100. This sets the stage for the three investigations and the student product creation.

Collaborative learning opportunities include teams working together to gather data on nutrient value and plant growth requirements, in discussions of interpreting climate change and predicting crops that would grow well under future conditions, and in peer-review of brochures. Knowledge building within a class could be further emphasized if teams are responsible for sharing specific information back to the class. For example, teams within a class could choose to investigate future crop predictions in a different growing region of the U.S.

The investigations can be modified for younger or older students. This case could be sequenced after a unit on nutrition and as an introduction to climate and weather. For high school students, the case could fit well in an ecology biosphere and biomes unit and lead into to evolution or plant nutrition. The case is well suited to classes benefiting from the scaffolding of assigning a uniform question and product for the entire class. It is easily adapted to feature on local growing conditions or different crops of interest. Teachers wishing to encourage student-centered question options could offer students choices in the climate scenario investigated and products created.

Possible extensions are given that could connect students' new knowledge on plant growth to physiology. For a focus on Science, Technology, and Society, an extension is offered for students to investigate food shortages across the globe and possible solutions.

Possible extensions:

1. Have students explore relationships between temperature and photosynthesis and transpiration by conducting team hands-on investigations. The widely used leaf disk floatation experiment, e.g., http://serc.carleton.edu/sp/mnstep/activities/26481.html, can be adapted to examine temperature, but bear in mind that the light sources produce heat as well as light. A wide array of suggestions for photosynthesis, transpiration and other experiments are available from the UK website Science and Plants for Schools, e.g., http://www.saps.org.uk/secondary/teaching-resources/134-photosynthesis-a-survival-guide

2. Have students read the "New crops needed to avoid famines" 2006 article by Richard Black, which inspired the case. Accessed 7 June 2011 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6200114.stm. Arrange class into small working groups with each responsible for researching weather-related food shortages in a different region of the world. During a round-robin sharing, the class could collaboratively produce a graphic depicting global patterns of famines and identify possible solutions to problems of food production and distribution.

Links to other investigative cases in this e-book:

See Change or Survival for a case on evolutionary adaptations of plant morphology and physiology to environmental conditions. The case leads to a performance assessment for students to construct a "super plant" that has adaptations to live in a specific environment.

Other cases in this e-book that address nutrition include Mystery at the Kiosk, Let the Chips Fall, Field to Plate. For other biodiversity cases see, Mystery at the Kiosk, Change and Survival, and Don't Pick the Flowers.

TAR BALLS AND OIL SPONGES

Authors:

Francisca Enih, Holland Middle School

Dale Faughn, Caldwell County High School

Angela Remeika, Summit International Preparatory School

July 2009, updated October 2011

ABSTRACT

Content: An oil spill, used as an example of a system in crisis, is discussed during a family vacation. Topics include oil spills, tar balls, oil spill cleanup, oil booms, cotton and collaboration of scientists.

Investigations that may be linked to this case: Students will participate in an inquiry lab to develop and test a hypothesis. Students will collaborate in a jigsaw activity to explore a system in crisis with the focus being on careers that related to the 2010 Gulf Coast oil spill. Students will analyze an article and make their own recommendations for oil spill treatments.

Student products that may be produced from students questions:

Possible career connections: Oceanographer, Biological engineer, Science journalist, Marine biologist, Environmental lab technician, Environmental consultant

Technology connections: Digital photography, Internet searches, Simulations, Video

National Science Education Content Standards

Unifying Concepts and Processes: Evidence, models, and explanation

Standard A. Science as Inquiry: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry

Standard C. Life Science Grades 5-8: Structure and function in living systems; Diversity of organisms, reproduction of plants

Standard F. Science in Personal and Social Perspectives: Science and technology in society

Standard G. History and Nature of Science: Science as a human endeavor; Nature of science

Tags: Oil spill, Inquiry lab, Marine biologist, Oceanographer, Environmental consultant, Investigative cases, Science and technology, Environmental science, Cells, Biochemistry

The Case: Tar Balls and Oil Sponges

Traveling down from Chicago to the picturesque town of Pensacola was an annual event for Don's family. Despite the long drive, his older brother jumped out of the backseat as soon as the car stopped. He ran to the water's edge - excited for a day of swimming, fishing and jet-skiing. Don scrambled to join him with his father not far behind.

"Look," Sam announced, "There are black, squishy things in the water and all over the shore."

"I'll bet those are tar balls," their Dad offered. "I was really hoping the oil spill wouldn't reach this far."

"An oil spill, here? Did an oil tanker hit something like that one in Alaska?" Don asked.

"No," Dad explained, "A deep water oil well accidentally released unrefined petroleum into the Gulf earlier this year."

"Well, it sure messed up our beach." Sam said. "If it was a deep water accident, how did all this oil get here?"

"Once the oil is released, it rises to the top of the water," Dad continued, "Then the wind and currents push it around."

"Can't they just clean it up before it gets pushed around?" Sam suggested.

"They try to do that by floating oil booms around the source of the oil," explained Dad, "But the oil spreads quickly."

"So, do the booms act like big oil sponges, Dad?" asked Don. "Sort of... I think they use cotton." said Dad. "Cotton?" both boys repeated.

Image Credit: http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=950863

Investigations

The learning goals of this series of investigations are for students to gain an awareness of environmental crises and consider the science used to solve these problems. Students design an experiment based on oil in water and absorption. (This includes basic properties of lipids.) They conduct follow-up investigations to synthesize their findings as recommendations and further explore the interdisciplinary approaches to solving problems.

Students will be able to:

- complete a case analysis including identifying what they know and what they need to know as they collaboratively explore the case

- evaluate the impact of the 2010 Deep Water Horizon oil spill in the Gulf Coast

- propose solutions for mitigating such disasters in the future

- recognize that a clean environment is necessary for human and wildlife survival

- recognize that ecosystems are required for human industries (such as fishing)

- recognize the responsibility of large corporations to maintain safe practices

- understand the governmental role in clean-up

- understand the role of scientists in asking questions and designing solutions and prevention

- use flip-cams or cell phone cameras

Investigation 1: Students will generate and develop a hypothesis of their own choosing to test. (Duration: five 50-minute classes)

To focus the investigation in the first class period, students watch video the spread of an oil spill, such as Ocean currents http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pE-1G_476nA&feature=related or other of the suggested video resources and consider ideas in the case.

On day 2, students begin to design an experiment to test their hypothesis. This may include the simulation of an oil spill using a cooking oil in a container of salt water and construction of oil booms containing different materials. Students set up their experiments, collect and analyze data on days 3 & 4.

Resources for experimental setup and data collection from Science Buddies: http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_guide_index.shtml?From=body. On day 5, students complete and share their investigation reports.

Investigation 2: Students will make their own recommendations for oil spill treatments (Duration: one 50-minute class period)

After doing their experiments, students read the New York Times article "Weighing the Risks of Coastal Oil and cleanups: http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/30/weighing-risks-of-coastal-oil-and-cleanups. This sets the stage for students to make oil spill clean up recommendations. Have students choose a points of view and audience. Then prepare a 2-minute Yodio podcast of their recommendations.

Investigation 3: Students will explain relationships between collaborating scientists as they investigate a system in crisis. (Duration: two 50-minute class periods)

Students will use a jigsaw activity to explore the relationships between collaborating scientists as they investigate a system in crisis. Student will be divided into 6 groups and each group will read and report on an area presented at this website http://www.whoi.edu/deepwaterhorizon/.

After reporting on each separate area, students will form new groups to generate a flow chart illustrating the collaboration between the different science fields as the crisis was investigated.

Resources to support you and your students

Videos

Ocean Currents likely to carry oil to Atlantic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pE-1G_476nA&feature=related

Boomclips.com Sham Wow comic relief video

http://www.boomclips.com/videos.aspx/video~how_to_clean_up_the_oil_spill/How_To_Clean_Up_The_Oil_Spill/Funny_videos/

Cotton and cotton byproducts useful in oil spill cleanup: Qg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emjcmeQG_Qg

Using hair in booms

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuJLrNCspXs

Methods of cleaning the BP spill

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n21s-8wi46k&NR=1-

Alpacas help with oil spill

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuJLrNCspXs

Cousteau Returns to Gulf

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7FEGAWdlZo

Background Information

What are Tar Balls

http://www.restorethegulf.gov/sites/default/files/imported_pdfs/external/content/document/2931/771127/1/Tar%20Balls_070810-1.pdf

Science in a Time of Crisis from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

http://www.whoi.edu/deepwaterhorizon/

Science in a Time of Crisis from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

http://www.restorethegulf.gov/

Cotton Role in Gulf Clean Up Article

http://cottontoday.cottoninc.com/sustainability-future/Cottons-Role-in-Gulf-Clean-up/

Non-woven Cotton in Gulf Clean Up article

http://www.greeningofoil.com/post/Nonwoven-cotton-to-the-rescue-in-Gulf-spill.aspx

New York Times article- weighing the risks of oil spill cleanup

http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/30/weighing-risks-of-coastal-oil-and-cleanups/

Resources for Teachers: Products, Technologies, Labs

Graffiti

http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/graffiti/

Science Buddies

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_guide_index.shtml?From=body

Student products and other assessments

This rubric may be used for students to assess their learning during the case.

Teaching notes and modifications

The case and investigations are geared to high school students and could fit in biology, environmental science or general science courses. As presented, the three investigations could take 8 class periods.

Investigation 1. Day 1: Students read the case aloud and then students will do a Think-Pair-Share to discuss the case. As a class-wide discussion, have students complete a Know/Want to Know Chart. Student responses may uncover some of the following ideas:

Students will use their questions to initially generate a hypothesis to test. To focus the investigation, students will watch video the spread of an oil spill. Have students conduct internet research to obtain background information for their hypothesis. These student investigations could be conducted as team research, with each team member responsible for his/her own final lab report.

Day 2: Students will design an experiment to test their hypothesis. All experiments must be approved by the teacher before data collection begins. Experimental Designs must include question, hypothesis, materials, safety rules to follow, procedures for data collection, empty data tables (with dependent and independent variables identified). Resources for experimental setup and data collection from Science Buddies: http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_guide_index.shtml?From=body

Days 3 and 4: Students will set up their experiments and complete data collection and analysis. They may use the flip-cams or cell phones to record data for their lab reports as well as hand recording data.

Day 5: Students submit lab reports should include research question, hypothesis, materials, safety rules, procedures for data collection, completes data tables, photographs of results, conclusions.

After doing their experiments, students the New York Times article "Weighing the Risks of Coastal Oil and cleanups: http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/30/weighing-risks-of-coastal-oil-and-cleanups/

Investigation 2. Suggested directions for students:

1. Choose your point of view and the audience for your podcast:

British Petroleum management

Gulf Coast Residents

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Wildlife management

Botanist

Marine Biologist Cotton producer

2. Write and produce a 2 minute Yodio podcast with recommendations for oil spill cleanup treatments. (Note: A two-minute video or a live "performance" could be substituted.)

Investigation 3.

The jigsaw activity adds to the collaborative learning environment by allow students to share information and perspectives with additional class members. Ensure that students can move about the room easily to form new groups. Designate a place for the flow illustrating the collaboration between the different science fields as the crisis was investigated that all students can easily see and reach. Butcher paper may be used for their product. If computers are available, the flow chart may be made using Literary Graffiti found at http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/graffiti/

Possible Extension for Investigation 3:

Students may use the following chart to assess careers associated with the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Go to the following site. http://www.whoi.edu/deepwaterhorizon/

Read your assigned section and fill in the table below. Be ready to share with the group. Generate new questions to be addressed.

Links to other investigative cases in this e-book: Other cases relating to cotton include Dilemma of the Imported Fabric, Let the Chips Fall, and Fabric for First Aid.

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS REVEILLE?

Authors:

Ruben Cortez, George Washington High School

Juan Munoz, Tafolia Charter School #2

Lucy Condon, Burbank Middle School

July 2008, updated June 2011

ABSTRACT

Content: A beloved statue has been stolen. Detective Sarah and special investigator Tony are on the case, examining evidence from the crime scene and suspects. The evidence consists of pollen, plant fragments and fibers. Note: This case is easily modified for your own institution. See The Case of the Missing Statue in the Teaching Notes.

Investigations: Students read the case aloud and complete a Know/ Need to Know Chart . They will generate questions that class, field, and lab investigations can help them address. Students will collect and examine pollen as well as common clothing fibers. They examine the evidence, prepare drawings of pollen and fibers with measurements, model pollen for shape, color and scale, complete a table of their findings and draw conclusions about which suspect is likely to be the thief.

Student Products:

Career connections: Police detective, Palynologist, Forensics Specialist

Technology connections: Light microscope, Scanning electron microscope, Online pollen directory. Could add digital LM photography

National Science Education Content Standards

Standard A. Science as Inquiry: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry; Understandings about scientific inquiry

Standard C. Life Science Grades 5-8: Structure and function in living systems; Diversity and adaptations of organisms. Grades 9-12 Life Science: Behavior of organisms

Standard F. Science in Personal and Social Perspectives Grades 5-8: Science and technology in society. Grades 9-12: Science and technology in local, national, and global challenges

Standard G. History and Nature of Science: Science as a human endeavor

Tags: Pollen, Palynology, Forensics, Fibers, Cotton, Wool, Polyester, Police work, Microscopy, Classification, Slides, Modeling, Scanning electron microscopy, Biology, Botany, Nature of science

The Case: Where in the World is Reveille?

Tony is an investigator working for the College Station police department. Tuesday morning he answers a phone call.

"Morning, Tony." Sarah said.

"Good morning, Sarah." he replied

"Sorry to wake you on your day off", said Sarah, "but can you come down to the Texas A&M campus?"

"Sure, what's going on?" Tony asked.

"Well, Tony, it looks like someone broke into the Sam Houston Sanders Corps of Cadets Center and stole the statue of Reveille, the Texas A&M mascot" she replied.

"Wow, who would do such a thing?" asked Tony.

"That's what we're trying to figure out", she said, "Can you come down as soon as possible?"

"No problem, I'll be there in 10 minutes " Tony responded as he checked his watch.

Fifteen minutes later, Tony pulls up to the crime scene. He notices Sarah walking to meet him. "Sorry I'm late. Traffic was bad this morning."

"No problem, I'm just glad you made it" said Sarah. "This is what we have so far, the only evidence we've found is a small piece of cloth found near the crime scene"

"Was there anything special about the cloth?" Tony asked.

"Well, so far we've found some kind of grass clippings, sand, mud and what looks like pollen stuck to it" said Sarah. "Oh, we also know the statue was there at 2 AM and discovered missing around 6 AM."

"Any suspects?" asked Tony.

"Actually, we have a list of eight individuals who were spotted near the scene between 2 AM and 6 AM this morning" said Sarah. "Let's go for a ride and check them out."

After spending the day interviewing and collecting evidence from each one, Tony and Sarah narrowed the list to four possible suspects.

"The only thing that connects these four suspects to the crime is the fibers and pollen found on their clothes" explained Sarah.

"Sounds like a job for a forensic trace analyst." Tony laughed as he stood up and started down the hallway toward the lab. "Now we wait..."

Image Credit: http://di106.shoppingshadow.com/images/di/75/6d/33/4d59687430576a3566624b7a4a4250536c5f51-149x149-0-0.jpg

Investigations

Students will read the case out loud and do a case analysis. They will complete a Know/Need to Know Chart based on their prior knowledge of plants and pollen as well as generate questions. The following investigations will help them answer some of their questions.

- Students will collect and analyze samples of pollen found in the field.

- Students will use a compound microscope to determine detail of the pollen samples on their slides.

- Students will draw these samples and create a model of their sample using styrofoam balls, play doh, and pipe cleaners.

- Students will observe the function of the SEM (Scanning electron Microscope) and view pollen as it is magnified through the process of the SEM.

Investigation 1. Collecting and viewing pollen

Students will collect pollen from at least two different flowers, prepare microscope slides, and make observations using the compound microscope, including drawings. If the plants are supplied, they could be told these were plants from the crime scene.

They may go outside and collect pollen from plants on school property. Alternatively, they may collect pollen in the classroom from flowers. Have at least two kinds of flowering plants. If the plants are supplied, they could be told these were plants from the crime scene.

Students will use a small paint brush, Q-tip, or toothpicks to brush some pollen from the flower onto a glass slide with double sided tape on it. Or they can collect pollen into glassine envelopes. Back at the lab, they can make a wet mount, using water and brush the pollen into the water and cover with a cover glass. Make a separate slide for each flower.

Students should draw the pollen shapes they observe and label them according to the kind of flower they are from (teacher may supply this information)

Investigation 2. Forensic Trace Analysis of Pollen and Fibers

Students will compare and contrast pollen samples to determine the best match sample. They will write specific characteristics of the slides and compare to the slide of evidence from the crime scene to determine the correct slide sample.

Students will be given 4 different prepared slides. Each slide is representative of elements found on 4 different suspects. They should include the following

Suspect 1: polyester fibers, pollen not from the plants near school

Suspect 2: wool fibers, pollen IS from the plants like those near school

Suspect 3: cotton fibers, pollen IS from the plants near school

Suspect 4: mix of polyester and cotton, some pollen like from school, some not.

Crime scene slide: cotton fibers, only pollen from near school.

See resource list for places to find images of cotton, wool and polyester. If you have the technology, students can take digital pictures of their slides with their cell phones.

A Forensic Trace Analysis evidence sheet may be used.

Preliminary analysis: (Compare and contrast findings and propose a hypothesis about which suspect is most likely)

Investigation 3: Modeling of pollen

Students will prepare a scale model of the pollen from one of the suspects and/or the crime scene. These models will be made with Styrofoam balls covered with modeling clay and embellished with pipe cleaners, buttons or other materials.

Working with scales can be a piece of this, but you need to be able to measure their field samples. Proportionality will be a more useful measure of success

Scanning Electron Micrographs or light micrographs of the different pollens may be a useful resource for the students if their samples were not clear, although it is best to use theirs ! ! .

Perhaps show them the professional micrographs after their pollen is done. Or have them exchange their pollen with another group and use the online keys to figure out what species they are. See the resource list for links to both SEM and light microscopy of pollen.

Students may use one of the online resources listed below to classify their pollen.

Investigation 4: Scanning Electron Microscopy

If possible, a field trip to a hospital or research facility with a scanning electron microscope would be an ideal addition to this project. Many universities and many hospitals have these machines. Check with the geology or earth science departments if there isn't one in biology or agriculture.

Alternatively, students could be given information about SEM and an image of the machine, such as that listed in the resources.

Students could be asked to distinguish between SEM and LM micrographs.

Resources to support you and your students

Pollen resources

See the PlantIT Pollen http://www.myplantit.org/resources.php

and a later version at

http://bioquest.org/scope/workshop_forms/project_template.php?project_id=492

Images

You might also provide images of cotton, wool and polyester fibers such as can be found at http://www.microlabgallery.com/ClothingFiberFile.aspx MicroLab Gallery. Free to share photos of stuff under the microscope. Includes many natural and synthetic fibers.

The Project Gutenberg EBook of Textiles and Clothing, by Kate Heintz Watson http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/21534 including such as this one of wool

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/21534/21534-h/images/img037.jpg

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/21534/21534-h/images/img031.jpg and this of cotton

Students should draw elements as seen on the slides.

They should make a comparison of the 4 slides with the slide of material found at the crime scene to find a slide similar/identical to the crime scene.

They should eliminate at least two of the suspects.

Images of Pollen may be found at

Science and Plants for Schools Pollen Image Library

http://www-saps.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/pollen/pollen/

Graphical search of pollen shapes, very useful From the Newcastle Pollen Collection graphics sketch.htm

http://www.aqua.org.au/AQUA/Pollen/search_graphics_sketch.htm

Background information on pollen

http://www.vcbio.science.ru.nl/en/virtuallessons/pollenmorphology/

Scanning electron micrograph images: USDA (this is searchable by scientific plant name)

http://pollen.usda.gov/AtlasSEMPlates/SEMicro1.htm

Search page

http://pollen.usda.gov/search_site.htm

Information on SEM

http://serc.carleton.edu/research_education/geochemsheets/techniques/SEM.html

http://serc.carleton.edu/images/research_education/geochemsheets/techniques/UWSEM_250.jpg

Connections to careers

Information about careers in forensics

http://www.criminology.fsu.edu/faculty/nute/FScareers.html

Tony's specialty is Forensic Trace Analysis. Here is a link to information about that career

http://www.forensiccareers.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=32&Itemid=35

Forensic botany information from Botanical Society of America \

http://www.botany.org/PlantTalkingPoints/crime.php

Forensic Palynology links

http://www.bioquest.org/myplantit-2008/july-10-2008.php

Careers involving SEM or other electron microscopy require a strong science and math background, a bachelor's degree and above, and special training (offered at many universities and hospitals).

Student products and other assessments

1. Case Analysis sheet. What kinds of questions do students ask? Consider the depth of knowledge (Bloom taxonomy level they are asking. How many questions are scientific? Also, the case analysis sheet is a good diagnostic for assessing the class.

2. Investigation 1: students will be preparing slides of pollen. Check for labeling, careful notations of the types of plants they come from.

3. Students will prepare the police report, backing up their decisions with scientific evidence

4. Pollen models: check for scale calculations as well as similarity to the actual pollen.

5. Possible half page reflection on the field trip to the SEM facility.

Rubrics

Teaching notes and modifications

The case is designed for high school biology and could be part of the student's introduction to the microscope or part of plant reproduction.

Introduce (about 25 minutes) with the students reading the case out loud. Then conduct the case analysis (what is this case about, then 5 minutes for small groups to generate questions).

Investigations may be done in any order, but the order given is recommended. If there are no flowering plants outdoors at the time of year you do this case, use cut flowers (donated by a florist) or other indoor plants in flower. Investigations should be based on student questions. The investigations found in the case are likely to help students answer their questions about how plant forensics can be helpful. Students will see that pollen is unique for each plant species and consider properties such as size, color, shape, etc. Prepare some samples of fibers with mud, pollen, etc. for investigation 2, which may be completed in one lab period.

The Case of the Missing Statue

Authors: Ruben Cortez, Juan Munoz, Lucy Condon. Revised by Margaret Waterman to show adaptability.

Tony is a special investigator working for the City police department. At 7:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, the home phone rang. Tony struggled to wake up as he picked up the phone and cleared his throat. "Hello?"

"Morning, Tony. It's Sarah," Sarah said.

"Oh, hi," he replied to Sarah, a police detective he worked with sometimes.

"I'm sorry to wake you so early on your day off," apologized Sarah, "but can you come over to City Junior/Senior High School?"

"Sure. What's going on?" Tony asked.

"Well, Tony, it looks like someone broke into the Athletic Center and stole Big Cat," she replied.

"Wow, who would do such a thing?" asked Tony. Big Cat was a bronze statue of the very popular school mascot, much loved by students and alumni alike. In fact, he was a mascot for the whole city.

"That's what we're trying to figure out," she said. "Can you come down as soon as possible?"

"No problem, I'll be there in 10 minutes ! " Tony responded as he checked the time on his phone. Fifteen minutes later, Tony pulled up to the crime scene and saw Sarah walking to meet him.

"Sorry I'm late, Sarah. Traffic was bad this morning."

"No problem Tony, I'm just glad you made it," said Sarah. "So, this is what we have so far." She held out an evidence bag containing a small piece of cloth from near the crime scene.

"Was there anything special about the cloth?" Tony asked.

"Well, it looks like some kind of grass clippings, sand, mud and pollen stuck to it" said Sarah.

"Oh, we also know the statue was there at 2 a.m. and discovered missing around 6 a.m."

"Who noticed, the night guard on his rounds?" Sarah nodded in response. "Any suspects?" asked Tony

"Actually, we have a list of eight possible suspects who were spotted near the scene between 2 and 6 this morning," said Sarah. "Let's go for a ride and check them out."

"Just a minute," Tony said. "I'd like to look at the crime scene." Tony and Sarah walked over to the school building. "It looks like that low window was forced," he said.

"I think so too. But they walked out the gym doors with Big Cat. No fingerprints, but the doors were open," Sarah said.

Tony made notes about the plants near the window, took some pictures with his phone, and also took some samples from the scene.

Later that day, tired after their interviews with the eight suspects and collecting evidence on each one, Tony and Sarah narrowed the list to four possible suspects.

"The only thing that might connect these four suspects to the crime is that they have stains and pollen on their clothes," sighed Sarah.

"Sounds like a job for a forensic trace analyst. Wait, that's me ! " Tony laughed as he stood up and started down the hallway toward the lab.

Image credit: http://www.free-photos.biz/images/architecture/memorials/thumb/statue_to_the_cat_panteleimon_in_kiev.jpg

4

The Value of Collaborative Creation

A constructivist learning environment has more than one definition. Wilson (1996) views it as a place where learners may work together and support each other as they use a variety of tools and information resources in their pursuit of learning goals. How remarkably well that describes what unfolded as teachers developed investigative cases during the summer PlantIT workshops and enacted cases in their classrooms. In this closing chapter we share some of our observations and perspectives about the value of generating knowledge through collaboration. As a community of learners, we witnessed its impacts on what teaching materials were developed and how learners engage with cases where group work and information technology can be flexibly integrated throughout an investigation, from sparking question ideas to communicating findings.

The cases presented here cover many major themes in biology. They offer options for using cases across curricular requirements, regardless of your geographical location or student population. Appendix 1 lists the cases according to broad biology content areas: cells; biochemistry and biotechnology; biodiversity and adaptation; growth, development and reproduction; nutrition; ecology and environmental science. Science inquiry skills and scientific practices are integrated in all cases. Most of them also have strong components of science in personal and social perspectives.

As expected for interdisciplinary materials, any one case includes several biological themes. For you as a teacher, this offers flexibility for when to use a particular case based on your curricular sequence, students' background and the resources present in your class. The Out of the Frying Pan case, for example, could work equally well for middle school students to introduce a climate and weather unit or after a unit on nutrition. Green or Gene could be adapted for a high school biotechnology elective or an environmental science class. The Dilemma of the Imported Fabrics case could be sequenced early in the school year to reinforce microscope skills and prepare students for future microscopy work, or when covering cells.

More importantly, the multiple content connections provide you with opportunities to help your students to retain and build their understandings. The ability to connect and relate knowledge across various scales, concepts, and representations in and across domains is difficult for students to master. Teachers can help develop this competency, which is emphasized as one of the science practice skills in the College Board's (2012) revised Advanced Placement Biology course, by intentionally drawing attention to these connections. The example case presented in Chapter 2 could very effectively be used to help students relate knowledge across scales. Paul's Puzzle introduces pollen at the cellular level as students explore its morphology and identification, at the organism level as students consider it's role in a plant life cycle, and at the ecosystem level as students investigate plant distributions and climate. Research on how memory is formed backs up the importance of intentionally returning to concepts and building on them. When information is connected to other pieces of information and accessed frequently, the ability to recall it is improved.

The wide array of content included in these cases was a direct result of collaboration among workshop participants and facilitators. We could not have predicted at the outset the particular suite of cases would have been developed from the workshops. In each of three workshops, we selected a couple of content areas: pollen and remote sensing; seed biology and ethnobotany; bioinformatics and cotton fibers. Providing example cases using each topic gave workshop participants experience as learners working together on cases. Seeing multiple cases also offered participants a range of ideas for adopting, adapting, or developing their own cases. Teachers added their unique voices and perspectives from their own interests and experiences as they worked together on cases.

The extensive cross-fertilization of ideas while teacher teams developed case materials was enhanced by the diverse school settings represented. Participants taught in private, public, rural, urban, middle school, high school, and college settings. As teachers extended and connected their case ideas, the curricular breadth of cases expanded. The biodiversity, adaptation, nutrition, and ecology cases in particular were developed because they addressed curricular requirements in courses the workshop participants taught in their schools. Collaboration on cases—whether initiated during the workshop or continuing beyond it—often leads from one idea to another. A colleague not present in the workshop suggested the combustion tests in the Dilemma of the Imported Fabrics. On hearing about the burn tests, a workshop teacher with connections to the Oak Ridge National Lab and aware of the lab's recent research on research for fire and stain resistant fabrics suggested nanotechnology extensions could be added to that case to that case for chemistry classes. Possibilities for adding depth and breath to each case are seemingly limited only by exposure to new ideas and the time to develop them.

Fundamental to the workshop design was collaboration time. It was embedded throughout the process of experiencing cases as learners, developing cases in teams, and reviewing how cases worked with summer students. This time to exchange ideas was highly valued by workshop participants. As one teacher phrased it: "It is invaluable to be able to talk with other teachers (even informal time) so that we can help each other to see how to use what we are learning when going back to the classroom and also to be able to bounce ideas off each other." Exposure to diverse, unfamiliar and conflicting perspectives has been shown to foster creativity. With an abundance of possibilities generated, group review and critique can then serve to winnow the field down to the most promising ideas for the problem at hand.

In addition to building on ideas, a significant benefit of collaborative case development was the opportunity to pool efforts selecting effective resources and investigation tools. In today's world of RSS feeds, Twitter tweets, and digital media, there is no shortage of information easily accessible on our computers or hand-held devices. In the popular news, such as Begley's (2011) article "I Can't Think," raises concerns that the deluge of information is causing digital overload and impairing individuals' decision making. The explosion of information output and information sources impacts all aspects of society. It has been clear for some time that neither students nor professionals in their field of study can master all disciplinary knowledge. Instead individuals equipped with research and information fluency have the critical skills to search, locate, evaluate, and use appropriate information and digital tools. The International Society for Technology in Education is one of several organization leading technology literacy efforts. Their National Education Technology Standards provide examples of grade-level appropriate student learning activities that integrate well with case learning activities.

Finding age-appropriate and scientifically accurate online resources can be a challenge for classroom teachers and students. There are a number of online educational resource collections, including the National Digital Science Library (http://nsdl.org/), to use as helpful starting points. And new websites, such as Instagrok (http://www.instagrok.com/), regularly appear on the scene to help set the stage for classroom investigations. During the PlantIT workshops we witnessed the power of word of mouth from teacher to teacher about which online sources and tools have been effective in the classroom.

Collaboration time during the workshop to try out resources and materials also allowed teachers to share their expertise using research tools and lab technology with each other. Microscopes serve as an excellent example of this as they were key equipment to several of the workshop cases and the microscopes available in classrooms differ widely. Workshop teachers had opportunities to exchange views on advantages and disadvantages of various microscope brands and time to teach each other to use several inexpensive digital scopes. These productive exchanges drove home the importance of front-loading time in the workshop to explore resources and tools in small groups before needing to use these to solve a case.

In taking the investigative cases back to the classroom, the benefits of collaborative learning experienced by the teachers could be transferred to their students. The participants not only implemented versions of cases they developed during the workshops, but also adaptations of cases other teacher teams created. Remarkably consistent feedback from teachers is the excitement and focus on learning their students have when engaged in the cases.

"The students really got into it." This teacher's comment encapsulates the students' feeling of inclusion and motivation during case learning experiences. Beginning the school year for a chemistry class with an adaptation of Tar Balls and Oil Sponges, the workshop participant students' discussion of problems caused by the oil spill and solutions extended out of the class. Their initial conversation begun in class continued through lunch period. In collecting information for the case, one of her student teams interviewed students around the school asking what they knew about the oil spill and included videos as part of their presentation. One team brought in a large fish tank to show how oil can affect water and experimented with different booms to evaluate how the oil could be absorbed to build their evidence-based conclusions. Other student teams created posters as final products to hang in the classroom. These open-ended investigations open the door to student creativity and empower them to take charge of their own learning. The research on collaborative learning shows that the active exchange of ideas in small groups solving problems together promotes critical thinking (Gokhale 1995). Investigative cases offer an effective way to include collaborative learning in the classroom. In the teacher's words, "... the students love cases and the freedom to research and explore what they are interested in. I have had multiple students tell me that chemistry is different from other classes because we focus on learning new things, not just focus on doing work. Out of the mouth of babes, right."

Inclusion. Motivation. Active engagement. When these factors come together, students are invested in learning and the dynamics tip in favor of academic achievement. Student motivation and interest have profound impacts on career choices as well as academic achievement (Maltese and Tai 2010). Cases tap into the individual interests, thereby welcoming all students into the process. The National Research Council (2004) has called for significant changes to traditional curriculum, instruction, and school organization in order to improve opportunities for learning and succeeding by all students in school.

Substantial education reforms may appear slow in coming, with change occurring one classroom at a time. However, today's students are part of a rapidly changing and increasingly networked world. Looking ahead it is difficult to predict how new technologies and tools will continue to transform our educational systems and workplaces. The opportunities for creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking they experience in class now are essential to prepare them for whatever the future holds.

Appendix

These appendices list the cases by broad categories of the content area covered, technologies and tools introduced in the investigations, and career connections included in the case scenario.

Appendix 1 — Content Area.

There are many possible ways to group the subject matter focus of the investigative cases presented in this book. We chose to categorize the cases according to major content areas common in curricula and textbooks: (1) Cells; (2) Biochemistry and Biotechnology; (3) Biodiversity and Adaptation; (4) Growth and Development and Reproduction; (5) Nutrition; (6) Ecology and Environmental Science. The case of Don't Pick the Flowers has a focus on flower structure and function, which is represented by listing the case in both Biodiversity/Adaptation and Growth and Development/Reproduction. Most groupings are clear cut; for example, cases with a focus on climate change are listed in Ecology and Environmental Science.

Appendix 2 — Technology and Tools.

Four general types of technology are generally included in the cases. Imaging technology and tools includes microscopy, online digital image libraries, digital photography, tools for analyzing image data, such as ImageJ, and for visualizing data. Internet tools and databases include online searches to locate and manage information to answer science questions using data as evidence. Animations, simulations, and real-time data sources, which are particularly helpful for students to build their conceptual understandings and skills interpreting data, are grouped separately from databases. Communications technology includes a wide collection teaching tools such as whiteboards or videos to use as introductory hooks, class collaboration tools such as Google docs, and social media and personal technologies such as Yodio for audio podcasts created on cell phones and multimedia presentation tools such as story boards for student products.

Appendix 3 — Career Connections.

The case scenarios mentioned an enormous diversity of jobs, which we have arranged by six employment types often encountered on job search boards. Careers listed in the Science category include research scientists and technicians in specific fields, such as ethnobotanist, biochemist, bioengineer, marine biologist, or horticulturalist, and general discipline such as demographer or statistician. Agriculture careers include agricultural specialist and farmer. Environmental careers include applied science positions and intersections of science and business such as landscaper. Within the Business grouping are careers in the floral industry, manufacturing, hospitality, law enforcement and marketing. Health Care jobs represented in the cases include dietician, emergency medical technician, pollen counter, and relief worker. Communications careers included journalist, writer, reporter, illustrator, and photographer.

Appendix 1 — Content Area.

Appendix 2 — Technology and Tools.

Appendix 3 — Career Connections.

References

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Authors and Contributors

Lataya Berry

Academy of Information Technology and

Engineering

Stamford, Connecticut

Deborah Chabi

Dundee- Crown High School

Carpentersville, Illinois

Cynthia Castillo

Edcouch-Elsa High School

Edcouch, Texas

Genevieve Chung

Broward College

Davie, Florida

Lucy Condon

Burbank Middle School

Houston, Texas

Rebecca Corrigan

Lincoln Park High School

Chicago, Illinois

Ruben Cortez

George Washington High School

Chicago, Illinois

Francisca Enih

Holland Middle School

Houston, Texas

Dale Faughn

Caldwell County High School

Princeton, Kentucky

Suzanne Fulgham

W.T. Hall Academy

Houston, Texas

Vanessa Geraldi

Lawrence High School

Cedarhurst, New York

Nadia Habig

Timberlane Middle School

Pennington, New Jersey

Claire Hemingway

Botanical Society of America

St. Louis, Missouri

Torrye Hooper

Houston Academy for International Studies

Houston, Texas

Amit Kashi

Riverdale/Kingsbridge Academy

Bronx, New York

Toni Lafferty

C. H. Yoe High School

Cameron, Texas

Karen Lucci

Hopewell Valley Central High School

Pennington, New Jersey

Juan Munoz

Tafolia Charter School #2

Uvalde, Texas

Tun Ong

Chavez High School

Houston, Texas

Natalie Pickett

Dobyns-Bennet High School

Kingsport, Tennessee

Andrea Stawiery

Addison Trail High School

Addison, Illinois

Ethel Stanley

BioQUEST Curriculum Consortium

Beloit, Wisconsin

Angela Remeika

Summit International Preparatory School

Arlington, Texas

Linda Stevens

W. T. Hall Academy

Houston, Texas

Sandra Thornton

Broadwater Academy

Exmore, Virginia

Elizabeth Torres-Rodriguez

Jose Julian Acosta School

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Angela Turner

North Zulch High School

North Zulch, Texas

Margaret Waterman

Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, Missouri