In this workshop, we will explore threats to biodiversity (HIPPO) using HHMI Biointeractive resources, including Designing Solutions to Preserve Biodiversity and Wild Hope short films. We will also model solution-design strategies that consider personal values, as well as social, cultural, and environmental impacts.
Using NGSS three dimensional design, this workshop will focus on what students need to know, how they process that knowledge and how that knowledge guides their solutions. Participants will use the jigsaw approach, a cooperative learning strategy in which “expert groups” familiarize themselves with a specific concept, then recombine into “jigsaw groups” to share and synthesize knowledge.
Participants will Use HHMI Biointeractive resources to assist students in identifying the key threats to biodiversity loss: Habitat Loss, Invasive Species, Pollution, Population Growth and Overharvesting. Learn instructional methods for analyzing and devising potential solutions to these threats. Collaborate with fellow educators to discuss effective practices for teaching about biodiversity loss. Learn about additional HHMI Biointeractive tools and resources.
Fungi are eukaryotic organisms commonly found in soils and can act as pathogens, leading to diseases in plants, animals, and humans. Valley Fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection prevalent in arid and semi-arid areas. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicates that the distribution of this fungus may be shifting due to changing environmental conditions. During this workshop, participants will: Explore the ecological role of fungi and learn about Valley Fever's genetic links to specific populations. Engage in a role-playing exercise as researchers conducting a collaborative study to test soil samples for the Coccidioides fungus. Understand the procedures for extracting and amplifying fungal DNA samples. Perform agarose gel electrophoresis using MiniOne equipment to check for the presence of Coccidioides in soil samples. Analyze group data to identify areas with high rates of Valley Fever infections. Discuss how climate change affects the spread of fungi and the occurrence of Valley Fever. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of potential solutions to minimize fungal infections. Discover teaching strategies to inspire students and incorporate an engaging biotechnology narrative
Elephant populations are facing threats from many sources, including illegal ivory poaching. This workshop introduces participants to the work of scientists who are tracking African elephant populations and identifying factors leading to their decline. The workshop session will integrate concepts of population ecology, biodiversity, ethics, and molecular ecology. The workshop will emphasize integration of NGSS science practices including: asking questions and defining problems, developing and using models, planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, and constructing explanations and designing solutions. Participants will run gel electrophoresis to determine where illegal poaching is occuring, bringing an engaging story and biotechnology skills to their students. In this hands-on session participants will Examine the role of elephants as a keystone species and reasons for population decline. Take on the role of Wildlife Crime Scene Investigators to analyze DNA samples from confiscated ivory using gel electrophoresis. Identify the elephant population the tusks came from by comparing the genotype to an elephant DNA database compiled from dung samples representing various forest and savannah elephant populations. Compile data to determine the location of ivory poaching hotspots. Evaluate possible solutions to the elephant poaching crisis
Discover how DNA evidence plays a pivotal role in optimizing agricultural practices and selective breeding to benefit both farmers and consumers. Use agarose electrophoresis to determine genotypes for bulls and cows for a gene responsible for a key milk protein needed for quality cheese production. After genotyping, use Punnett Squares to see the possible outcomes after crossing, then make a recommendation to a dairy farmer which bulls and cows to invest in to increase the chances of having the ultimate Ca$h Cows!
