Review for:Lets Make a Microbe

posted: on December 30, 2007 at 5:51PM

Biology

Origin of Life

I wanted students to think about what makes a living organism and how non-living organic molecules can be combined in such a way to create a life.

Honors or Advanced, Intro or Regular

I had students use this web activity in small groups each with there own tablet computer. As they went through each step they discussed what the analogy really represented in living cells. They discussed the research that had be completed to find evidence of each step of the origin of life and figured out how it fit in the model of the origin of life that we had discussed in class. As an extension activity students can do more reading on the experimental evidence.

Provides visualization or animation, Increases modeling skills, Provides a virtual lab, Increases access to scientists, Provides practice or tutorial, Provides additional content, Increases student engagement and motivation

I think the model is easy for students to use and the analogies are very accessible for a variety of skill levels. The descriptions of the step and the reality checks can lead to great discussions about the origin of life. I especially think the explanations of experimental evidence are helpful.

The model is a little simplistic. For some students it might seem too easy especially if they not reading carefully. I think this activity works best after students already have gone over various hypotheses about the origin of life. They need knowledge to be able to discuss and expand on what the activity presents. If they do not have background knowledge this will seem to simple. I do not think this would be a good introduction to the origin of life.