An Exercise to Demonstrate Soil Microbial Diversity in Introductory Environmental Science Classrooms

摘要: High diversity of microorganisms in the soil matrix has been focus extensive research fields biology and microbial ecology, is a key concept that students environmental or biological sciences should understand. Two activities to demonstrate highlight challenges faced studying are presented here. Using bag (soil sample) containing different candy types microbes), explore isolation molecular techniques, two strategies used diversity, asked consider limitations these methods have understanding complex communities. In second activity use this collection construct mock-phylogenetic trees. These hands-on provide with fun way learn about diversity. Student assessment scores increased by 35% after participating results from final exam questions show high percentage studentsretained major concepts demonstrated during activities.