Description
Grades 9–12.
- Simulate the importance of biodiversity
- Use quadrat or transect sampling to determine population density and biodiversity
- Calculate the Simpson and Shannon-Wiener indices
Study the Biodiversity of a Simulated Community
Students simulate the impact of a disease on monoculture and biodiverse communities with a fun, interactive simulation. They consider how biodiversity affects the stability of an ecosystem and how human populations can affect biodiversity.
Use Data to Calculate Indices of Community Diversity
Students perform transect and quadrat sampling on a theoretical population. They use the data to determine the biodiversity of a population based on species richness, the Shannon-Wiener index, and the Simpson index.
In the final activity, students select an actual habitat, plan a data-collection method, and describe the habitat’s diversity using 2 different indices. Kit includes enough materials for 32 students working in 8 groups of 4. Receive a FREE digital Teacher’s Manual and Student Guide with kit purchase.
Includes
- 32 Monoculture Community Cards
- 32 Biodiverse Community Cards
- 8 Population Sheets
- 1 Transparency Quadrat
- 100 Index Cards
- 8 Rulers
- 1 Yarn Skein
- 32 Wooden Probes
- 1 Teacher’s Manual with Reproducible Student Guide