Welcome to the first on-line learning resource based in the tropical biodiversity glasshouse at the University of Reading. This learning resource is based on the GCSE level curriculum for biology and is designed to be used as an entire one hour lesson but may also be used for revision purposes. A lesson plan for teaching staff and supporting worksheets can be found through the links under the videos, these are in the form of PDF files and should be printed and distributed to each pupil.
This innovative learning resource focuses on the pond area shown in the photograph here and the population of Zebra Danios introduced as a method of pest control. As you watch the videos you will gain knowledge of the species that inhabit the glass house and begin to understand the interactions that occur between them. There is also a large emphasis on the components of ecosystems and adaptations within the Zebra Danios which have allowed them to be so successful. The worksheets provide a variety of thought provoking questions to assess pupils’ ability to interpret information and also provides an excellent opportunity to apply their previous knowledge of biological processes.
Simply press the play button and watch each video, you may wish to take notes as you watch. Once the video is finished please answer the questions on the corresponding worksheet before moving on to the next video. There is an additional worksheet which should be completed as independent learning.
If you experience any problems in streaming the videos please adjust the video quality using the ‘cog’ shaped settings button on the YouTube player control bar.
Video 1 – The Zebra Danio
http://youtu.be/bVZs_E8KT3c
Video 2 – The Ecosystem
http://youtu.be/gg-Suhed3l0
Video 3 – Feeding Behaviour
http://youtu.be/gZK-_4bpEeQ
My name is Christopher Abbott and I am a third year Biological Science student here at The University of Reading, this online learning resource was designed and built as part of my third year research project, I would like to thank you for using my resource based in the tropical biodiversity glass house. I hope you found it an enjoyable and helpful experience and I would welcome any comments or recommendations for improvements using the comment field blow the blog entry. Please note that all comments are moderated so it may take a day or so before your comment is publicly visible.
here is the link to the worksheets – worksheets PDF
here is the link to the lesson plan – Lesson Plan PDF
If you would like to use this learning resource at a later date please find our QR code provided below for your convenience, simply scan the code with a QR code reader app on your smart phone.
