Using web resources for practical activities

Module 9.5.2 (Communication)


Plan , choose equipment or resources and perform a first hand investigation of a mammalian eye to gather first hand data to relate structures to function.


1st web resource: Cow's Eye Dissection (Exploratorium: The Museum of science, art and human perception) http://www.exploratorium.edu/learning_studio/cow_eye/doit.html


This website features a video where an"Exploratorium" professional expertly dissects  a cow's eye.
Step-by-step instructions are succinct and easy to follow.
  Links are also provided  for further information.
 One of the site's links is  PETAKIDS which presents an ethical argument against dissections.

PDF 

A  diagram of the eye and its components is presented prior to undertaking the dissection.
Each section of the investigation is clearly headed. e.g. " Here's what you need" and "Here's what to do". The methodology section has sharp visual aids to back up the textual material. Textual material is straight to the point.It is student-friendly as instructions aren't long-winded and daunting to read .
 Safe work procedures are  present throughout the methodology. Hazards are clearly identified and prevention strategies outlined. Once the investigation is over,there are simple steps to dispose of waste materials .
A good glossary is also included relating each structure in the eye with the function it performs.

Video Tutorial (7 min 57 secs)


The demonstrator has undertaken this procedure 4times a week for 3 years . Therefore, students should be able to follow the  procedure correctly. Visual prompts are presented throughout the demonstration,along with precise  explanations on the function of each part of the eye.
 The video will be good for all learners to observe how to undertake this investigation

2nd web resource: http://jbworld.jbs.st-louis.mo.us/science/resources/skeleton/eye/eyetitle.html


Each step of the procedure was provided with a visual aid  clearly labelling each part of the eye with connecting arrows. For example, the step that involved cutting around the sclera showed  exactly where to cut. However the textual explanations did not reveal similar clarity as these were too long-winded.Where were guidelines on how  to undertake the investigation. Was it to be done individually, in groups?    Neither safety procedures nor the disposal of  waste material were incorporated in the investigation.
 I  tried to google the author of the web page, but alas to no avail.

Evaluating a web site

The Search for Better health


Gather, process and analyse information from secondary sources to describe ways in which drinking water can be treated and use available evidence to explain how these methods reduce the risk of infection from pathogens


Web site: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/environment/water/nswhrp_microbiological.asp


UC Berkeley (2010), Evaluating Web Pages: Techniques to Apply and Questions to Ask, Retrieved on 1 September, 2011 from http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/Evaluate.html



1. The site is run by a government organisation (NSW Health) and you can tell this by the 'gov' within the URL

2. The website provides contact information including address, phone number, and email. The web page is also continually updated.

3. The page provides links to a number of sources e.g. Sydney Water & Hunter Water (sydneywater.com.au and hunterwater.com.au)

4. I 'pasted' the URL address into alexa.com to find if other web pages link to the evaluated page. I found that 20 292 sites were linked to web site.

5. The web site provides objective information regarding ways in which drinking water can be treated if it becomes contaminated.

Is it valid?
It does answer the question from the column 3 dot point from the module.

Is it reliable?
Information from various indicate that the information provided in the web site is reliable.