Course Description
Overview of natural history of animals, fungi and plants, including classification, diversity, adaptations, and basic curator skills; emphasis on integration into pre-college science curricula.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be required to integrate course concepts
into current science educational research theory. Students will
demonstrate this mastery through "graduate only" essay exam
questions.
Athena Title
NATURAL HIST EDUC
Non-Traditional Format
In addition to the lecture hours, students are required to attend at least one day field trip on a Saturday.
Undergraduate Prerequisite
BIOL 1104 or BIOL 1108-1108L or permission of department
Graduate Prerequisite
BIOL 1104 or BIOL 1108-1108L or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will be able to classify major groups of animals, plants and fungi, identify physical and behavioral adaptations, and prepare specimens for classroom use; utilize or create natural history kits & curricula for K-12 classroom use; recognize major contributors to the field of natural history, including individuals that worked in Georgia, such as Abbot, Bartram and Audubon.
Topical Outline
Introduction to natural history Natural history of the southeastern US Geological history of Georgia Environment and organisms; major groups of organisms Plants Fungi Preparing plant and fungi specimens for classroom use Invertebrates Insects Preparing insect specimens for classroom use Fish Reptiles Amphibians Birds Mammals Microbial world and its influence on natural history Mycorrhizae Parasites of Monarch butterflies