Overview of Module: This module introduces students to benthic organisms in the Phylum Foraminifera. The module also explains the concept of bioindicators and how scientists use these benthic microorganisms to monitor ecosystem health in coral reefs. Through interactive virtual/online activities, students can explore how environmental changes such as pollution, salinity variation, oxygen depletion, and climate change affect microscopic organisms living in sediments in coral reefs. This module encourages critical thinking about pollution, conservation, and environmental sustainability while helping students develop basic scientific observation and analytical skills. Summary of implementation plan and teaching notes The module was implemented in an online, K-12 pre-college environmental science setting at Concentric International Group of Schools oye Ekiti state, Nigeria. The online course was sent by Akwa Ibom State University, in Mkpat Enin, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria on a national assignment basis, using a semi-concurrent learning format. Students engaged with the module section by section through guided instruction, independent observation activities, worksheets, and class discussions. The implementation was aligned with the original structure of the OCELOTS module with some minor adaptations to support accessibility and student understanding. Challenges included low availability of devices, internet connectivity disruption, and difficulty in understanding the Gala platform. In response to these challenges, students were paired into small groups to share available devices and collaborate during activities. Printed worksheets and selected module materials were introduced and made accessible to enable students to be part of the evaluation process, be productive, increase their creativity and reduce dependence on internet access. Students analyzed simple datasets, observed images of benthic foraminifera, and connected biological responses with coastal/ecosystem health. Students show improved understanding of bioindicators, ecosystem monitoring, and the relationship between pollution and aquatic organism health. Some students did required additional guidance in interpreting graphs, understanding the scientific terminologies and connecting ecological patterns with environmental processes. In summary, the implementation successfully increased student involvement with environmental science and introduced students to important concepts in aquatic ecology, conservation, and scientific observation. This implementation also shows the value of combining digital learning tools with printed and collaborative learning strategies in settings with limited technological access. Supplementary attached resources include: The attached Bioindicator water quality assessment document includes: Guided Ecology Learning Activities Bioindicator water quality assessment Food web simulation with bioindicators Design a biomonitoring protocol Student worksheet - Bioindicators in aquatic ecosystems Support was provided by:Agrant from the United States National Science Foundation (DBI-RCN-UBE 2120141).
Mercy James (Mon,) studied this question.