Ethnobotany in
Belize: A WebQuest
Grade Level: 9-12
Author: Scott Byington, Cary, NC
Student activity
version
Background:
Approximately 25% of the medicines used in the United States have active
ingredients that are derived from plants. According
to the World Health Organization, 80% of the people in developing
countries rely on traditional medicines produced from plants. Shamans
are native tribal doctors and spiritual healers who utilize
their wealth of knowledge about the healing properties of
the indigenous plants to treat the sick. Some ethnobotanists
are actively working with Shamans to identity these unique
plants and explore the phytochemical properties. However,
habitat destruction, especially in developing nations, poses
a significant threat to the survival of these plants and
the development of future medications resulting from them. This
activity allows students to understand what ethnobotany
is, consider the effects of habitat destruction on ethnobotany,
and to explore the medicinal value of these plants.
Materials:
Students need
access to the Internet, the Ethnobotany
in Belize Activity
Page, and the "Ethnobotany
Questions" sheet (Word document).
Objectives:
Through the completion
of this webquest and a subsequent class discussion, students
will recognize the importance of these unique plants. Students
will be able to:
- describe
what ethnobotany is and what type of research is being
done in this area
- describe
the medicinal use of some of the plants found in Belize
- consider the consequences of not protecting the botanical resources
of Belize
Procedure:
Students can be
given a brief introduction to ethnobotany, or they can proceed
directly to the activity web site and begin working on the
WebQuest. Following the completion of the activity,
a discussion should follow. Some excellent resources
are found in the section below (these can be used by the
teacher for additional background, as possible discussion
topics, or could be the basis for student research).
Assessment:
Students will
complete, either individually or in small groups, the Ethnobotany
Questions sheet. Students may also be evaluated on
participation in a class discussion of ethnobotany at the
completion of the webquest. Students may also be assigned
specific areas of research (e.g., a particular plant or
treatment) for an additional assignment.
Resources/Further
Information:
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