Inquiry Based Learning Using Instagram: Understanding Biotic and Abiotic Actors in a Pond Ecosystem
Location
Nessmith-Lane Atrium
Session Format
Poster Presentation
Research Area Topic:
MBI - Molecular Biology Initiative
Abstract
STEMstars/Molecular Biology Initiative (MBI) is a NSF supported program at Georgia Southern University that provides biology active-learning exercises to regional high school students. Social media has been used as a tool to enhance high school education, yet Instagram (a photo-sharing app), is rarely used in science classes. We developed an exercise for 9th and 11th grade environmental biology and biology students, integrating social media with the curriculum of teaching abiotic and biotic factors. We taught the module over two 50-minute class periods. In groups of four, students sampled fish, plants, macroinvertebrates, and amphibians of an on-site pond. Students also used a YSI-data-sonde to collect abiotic data such as dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, conductivity, and temperature. Students were able to connect important concepts by constructing foodwebs and foodchains. In addition, students were able to predict which species are vulnerable to fluctuations in abiotic factors. Students were encouraged to make further connections by taking photographs of abiotic and biotic factors they encounter on a daily basis. Photographs were uploaded to a shared Instagram account. This exercise follows curriculum to fulfill Georgia learning requirements while engaging high-school students using social media.
Presentation Type and Release Option
Presentation (Open Access)
Start Date
4-16-2016 10:45 AM
End Date
4-16-2016 12:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Alfieri, Jamie, "Inquiry Based Learning Using Instagram: Understanding Biotic and Abiotic Actors in a Pond Ecosystem" (2016). GS4 Georgia Southern Student Scholars Symposium. 178.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2016/2016/178
Inquiry Based Learning Using Instagram: Understanding Biotic and Abiotic Actors in a Pond Ecosystem
Nessmith-Lane Atrium
STEMstars/Molecular Biology Initiative (MBI) is a NSF supported program at Georgia Southern University that provides biology active-learning exercises to regional high school students. Social media has been used as a tool to enhance high school education, yet Instagram (a photo-sharing app), is rarely used in science classes. We developed an exercise for 9th and 11th grade environmental biology and biology students, integrating social media with the curriculum of teaching abiotic and biotic factors. We taught the module over two 50-minute class periods. In groups of four, students sampled fish, plants, macroinvertebrates, and amphibians of an on-site pond. Students also used a YSI-data-sonde to collect abiotic data such as dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, conductivity, and temperature. Students were able to connect important concepts by constructing foodwebs and foodchains. In addition, students were able to predict which species are vulnerable to fluctuations in abiotic factors. Students were encouraged to make further connections by taking photographs of abiotic and biotic factors they encounter on a daily basis. Photographs were uploaded to a shared Instagram account. This exercise follows curriculum to fulfill Georgia learning requirements while engaging high-school students using social media.
