Unlike physics or chemistry, biology is a science based in words. One of the first assignments every fall in Honors Bio is to memorize a list of about 125 Greek and Latin vocabulary roots. These are words such as erythro– (which means “red”) and cyte– (“cell”). Students need to master this long list in order to understand biology terminology better, so an erythrocyte automatically becomes a “red blood cell” in their mind.
When I look at the wiki examples, I see that good wikis are well-defined. Rules and expectations for participation are clear. The focus is limited. Tasks for students are simple, and the identity of the group is well-known. One of the most attractive, and seemingly successful sites is Welker’s Wikinomics http://welkerswikinomics.wetpaint.com/?t=anon
Another sign of success is when the students seem to have ownership in the site, such as at http://acrospire.pbworks.com/. It is their place, their information. And the content is organized in a way that the students choose (which gives it a better chance to be useful and not just words on a page).
And, the better sites seem to be fun: http://kcountingbook.wetpaint.com/. I can imagine the enthusiasm and excitement as this site developed. I bet it went more quickly than the teacher first imagined.
So, I’m thinking that one of the first wikis developed this fall in my class will deal with the definitions of those root words. Maybe students will choose a certain number of words, define them, and then post pictures of examples of those words in use. It will be clear, simple, fun, and “well-defined.”
Erythrocyte (red blood cell): http://www.becomehealthynow.com/body/cell/erythrocytes.htm
Arthropod (jointed leg): http://www.pbase.com/merriwolf/image/76631994
