W6: 8.4: LIFE ON EARTH

'Select any Biology website relevant to a column 2 content and evaluate it for reliability and validity using the Berkeley library resource.'

8.4: LIFE ON EARTH
8.4.2.3.2: Gather first-hand or secondary information to make observations of a range of plant and animal fossils.

Website: http://australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-story/australias-fossil-past : Australia's Fossil Past

This website I found particularly good to use to support Stage 5 students gather second-hand information to make observations of plant and animal fossils. It was easy to use and there was relevant information about plant and animal fossils but most importantly, the information was based on Australia where students can feel ownership and relevance to the fossils they are observing. There are many great images where students can relate the information read to the actual image of the fossil. Other information provided are details of the location the fossils were found, inclusion of Aboriginal history with relevance to the fossils and the era in which the plant and animal would have survived in.

When looking at whether this secondary source is of reliable and valid reputation, we need to ask ourselves "How consistent is this information compared to other reputable sources?" (for reliability) and "how was the information gathered?" (for validity). To test reliability, students should be encouraged to look for different websites or books using the same type of fossil and see if the information presented is identical or very similar. To test validity, students should be encouraged to do further research into how the information the website gives was obtained and do a little research using different websites and/or books to see if the results/information provided on fossils has been accurately obtained and if the inforamtion is accurate.


Reference:

Curriculum Support, Science, 2001 Vol. 6 No. 3
http://australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-story/australias-fossil-past