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How many people run the Invent a Species project?

Mike Skomba

I thoroughly enjoy this project in my Big History class. We run two rounds of it. One class period they develop their idea, their wikipedia, and a one slide pitch with an AI photo. The class gives feedback on the project's scientific literacy and then the groups made any needed modifications before they create the models. We have a rule that students cannot spend money. They have to use cardboard, materials from the art department, or repurpose materials at home. One student 3-D printed their project because they like to dunk on it projects. All good. 

  • Very cool   Would you mind sharing a a bit about how you held students accountable to make it rigorous? I ask because - though I don't currently teach BHP - I've found my attempts to result in some very fluffy responses. Maybe that's fine but if I get to teach it again, I'd like the work to be grounded in real scholarship. 

      You've also done a cool variation of this project, yes?

  • in reply to Adam Esrig

    Hey Adam- i feel you on that one. I’m not sure if it’s the best approach for all classes but my course is a senior elective. I have the students claim test the presenters. There has to be a case study of the mutation or some kind of systematic reasoning. Incomparable species mating, marvel-type origin stories, etc are disqualifying. The usual environment stressors are climate change or human interference. I introduce the project at the beginning of the unit and then we dive into the intellectual history — Darwin, Wallace, Watson Crick and Franklin. By claim testing the presenters, both the presenters and spectators have a chance to show mastery of content in the discussion. 

  • in reply to Adam Esrig

       I love the repurposing of art materials and materials from home to make models of their species as well! Did you provide a list of material suggestions or did you just leave it open? 

    I do this project this February! It has always been a must do activity in my BHP class due to the creativity and excitement it always sparks. We do the wiki page, image & then in class presentations. AI photos have been a cool new touch that I also have been using for the past couple of years. I am always on the hunt for new photo AI websites to direct students towards for this project. Did any in particular work really well this year for you and your students?