A S S I G N M E N T :

M A K I N G Y O U R O W N D I C H O T O M O U S
K E Y U S I N G M A T H
( C R I T E R I A B , C , D )

S C I E N C E A N D M A T H S E C T I O N I D U

Laar & Berg is surrounded by nature. Global warming, pollution and the
increase of rural areas threaten natural areas, as we know it across the globe.
To protect nature it is important to inform people about the value of a certain
area. One way of telling if a part of nature is valuable is by identifying its
biodiversity. Biodiversity, in this case, is defined by the amount of species that
can be found in a certain area. To help protect the nature around Laar & Berg
you are going to help researches that want to identify the biodiversity. To do
so you are going to make a so-called dichotomous key for them. This will
make it easier for them to recognize the different species and therefore to
calculate the biodiversity. During this assignment you will learn that
classifying species is a smart way of using the math tool sets.

Math/ science IDU on sets and dichotomous key

THE ASSIGNMENT
Part 1: Dichotomous key (IDU Criterion B)
You are going to make a dichotomous key of at least 10 different plants that
can be found around Laar & Berg. In a dichotomous key you organise
organisms (living things) through form and commonality (things they both
have in common). Your goal is to help others, visiting the area, to identify
what kind of species they see. You can start by using the flora (book), the
Internet (http://www.floravannederland.nl/home/) or an app like Pl@ntnet to
figure out which species you found (learner profile: inquirer).
Furthermore you are also going to write a math version of your findings on
groups using Venn diagrams and sets as you have learnt during your math
lessons. In this way you develop a system to identify organisms.
You will work in pairs. Your science teacher will assign your partner for this
assignment. You have to compare your work with the work of other teams, so
make you sure you finish it on time!
Part 1: should include the following:
- Develop a usable dichotomous key, use pictures and drawings (to help
the user) of at least 10 plants you found around Laar & Berg (Ib learner
profile communicator)
- The correct binomial name in Latin and the normal English name of
each plant in your key
- Use the information you already know about plant groups and
dichotomous keys of chapter 4.6 and 4.7 of your Eduhint Bricks Biology
book, and show you used the information
- Make sure you use the correct characteristics to determine what plant
you have
- Make sure you include both flowering, non-flowering plants, mosses
and ferns
- Use the information of your math lessons (see ManageBac for more
information for the needed mathematical notation) to make the
following mathematical versions of your dichotomous key:
1) Make a Venn diagram of the key
2) Define sets based on your dichotomous key (for example: A={all
plants}). Explain the relations of these sets by using the
mathematical notation you have learned for subsets, supersets,
elements etc.

The first part of your assignment should be finished the 10th of November.
That day you will compare your results with others for part 2 of your
assignment in class. Therefor it is essential that you finish your work before
the 10th. You will find a planner on the last page of this assignment; this date
has already been included. Make sure you plan your work using this planner
Math/ science IDU on sets and dichotomous key

Math/ science IDU on sets and dichotomous key

Part 2: Reflection (minimum of 500 words) (IDU Criterion D)

You will reflect on your work by working with the your dichotomous key and
the key of one of the other groups. Your teacher will tell you which group.
Please refrain from voicing opinions on the work of other students in a
negative way. When giving feedback make sure to start and end with at least
two positive remarks.
Part 2: should include the following:
Reflect on your work. Answer the following questions essay style (learner
profile: reflective).
- Test your key: does it work?
- Let another team test your key: What do they find difficult? What do
they like about your key? Do you agree? What could you improve?
- Test the key of another team: What works well? How would you
improve your work now that you have seen the work of another group
- Compare your work with another team in your class: what could they
improve and what could you learn from them?
- What is the advance of a dichotomous key to identify groups?
- How did your understanding of sets (math) help you in understanding
the dichotomous keys?
- What is the advantage of using math style (Venn diagrams and
superset/subsets) to identify groups?
- What would be the disadvantage of just using the sets system?
- Which one (Venn diagrams, mathematical notation or biological way)
would you prefer for this situation?
- Would there be situations when the ones you did not choose would be
better? For which purpose? What do they indicate clearer?
- What could both methods learn from each other?

Math/ science IDU on sets and dichotomous key

Math/ science IDU on sets and dichotomous key

Part 3: Bibliography (criterion C strand 2 document sources)
- Create complete and correct bibliography of the sources you used. You
need at least 3 sources.
- You need to update your sources throughout your assignment. Your
teacher should be able to see your bibliography at any point.
- Strand 1 of this criterion will be tested during the test, the two
asessments will result in one final grade for criterion C.
The final deadline for the assignment is 15 November 2016 at 23:59. You
hand in by depositing your work in the dropbox of the assignment on
ManageBac. If you fail to hand it in by that time you need to stay at school
the next day (November 16) until its finished

Math/ science IDU on sets and dichotomous key

Tips:
Use Ecosia instead of Google!! Saving nature is our goal!
Use of chapter 4.6 and 4.7 from your Bricks Biology Book and the Math
powerpoint: Venn diagrams and supersets etc. This powerpoint is
available on ManageBac
You have to compare your work with others: Make sure you plan time
to do so!
Please leave the plants where they belong, do not cut them (Killing
them is not an option, we want to save them!). You can take pictures of
the plants to take with you
Use some plants you already know to save time
Ask feedback from your science and your math teacher
Use the information you got from your math teacher to ensure
synthesizing
Start your assignment with filling in the planner below!

Math/ science IDU on sets and dichotomous key

Lesson

Date

08-11-2016

Whom?

What has to be finished

before class?

What do I do in class?

Part 1

Hand-in- assignment

08-11-2016

09-11-2016

10-11-2016

15-11-2016

15-11-2016

23:59

15-11-2016

through ManageBac

Math/ science IDU on sets and dichotomous key

Math/ science IDU on sets and dichotomous key