Peer Review

Marvelous Mini-beasts

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Overview:: This creative activity is designed to teach 7-11 year olds about the concept of adaptation – the process whereby a species evolves characteristics that enable it to survive in a particular habitat. Using mini-beasts as the example, students learn about how different types of mini-beasts are adapted for particular things such as moving, escaping predators and finding food. Working in groups, students are asked to design and create their own new species of mini-beast. Students then present their new species to the rest of the class and explain how their particular species is adapted to feed, move, escape from predators etc.
Type of Material:: Presentation
Recommended Uses:: in class, homework, group and individual work
Technical Requirements:: Microsoft Office (Word and PowerPoint)
Identify Major Learning Goals:: Students will learn about different types of mini-beasts and their various adaptations. Students will learn the principles of adaptation by animals to their environment.
Target Student Population:: Students 7-11 and the teachers who will present the material to the students.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Teacher must know how to download and run a Power Point Presentation.

Rating:
Strengths:: This activity has been accredited by the British Science Association and can count towards the CREST Investigators SuperStar Award. For more information on the CREST Investigators programme visit the British Science Association website. The Learning Goals are clear and the teacher's guide is complete. It is a combination of problem-solving, creativity, science, and research in one lesson.
Concerns:: None. Excellent slides in the Power Point showing how animals adapt to their environmental niche.

Rating:
Strengths:: "By creating and designing a new species of mini-beast, students learn how different species of invertebrate are adapted to survive in particular habitats." Good teacher notes and PowerPoint with excellent slides. The lesson materials provided include plans for creating groups, time on task, habitat insights, setting deadlines, and suggestions for items to be included in the task.
Concerns:: Teachers do have to download the PowerPoint to their computer to show to class.

Rating:
Strengths:: Materials presented in manner that makes it easy for teachers and students complete task.
Concerns:: None

Other Issues and Comments:: Materials presented in familiar formats (PowerPoint and documents) that make it easy for students to utilize skills while researching about species and habitats. We could not determine when the material was updated, although the material is not such that it would need frequent updating.
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