Association for Biology Laboratory Education

An Examination of Algal Morphology and Toxicity through Experiential Learning
 

Kelsey Andersen, McKenzie Bahl, Susan Wright, Paul Mendoza, & Sarah E. Ruffell

Advances in Biology Laboratory Education, 2020, Volume 41

https://doi.org/10.37590/able.v41.art21

Abstract

The purpose of this activity was to familiarize students with the key morphological traits of each algal phyla. With this knowledge, they select harmful and health species based on a dichotomous key, and discuss the resulting health effects if consumed. This exercise is designed for undergraduate students with basic knowledge of algal species as well as prior experience with classifying organisms and identifying morphological features. It can be completed individually or in pairs, and takes approximately one hour to complete. Students will progress through three stations, beginning with labeling microalgae and macroalgae diagrams. Once completed, they progress to the next two stations, where they will select toxic or non-toxic algal strains, using the dichotomous key and morphology, to simulate the creation of a toxic or non-toxic mixture. This exercise is unique because it provides experiential learning relating to basic algal morphology.

Keywords:  morphology, classification, algae, pedagogy, experiential learning, phycology

University of Ottawa (2019)