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Case Objectives:
Objectives for Hobbit case
Content Objectives
By completing the case, students will be able to:
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Define species using the biological, morphological and ecological species concepts
Describe evidence found at the Flores site: including skeletal remains, tools, etc.
Compare data that support explanations such as microcephaly, dwarfism,
malnutrition,vitamin D, human variation with the explanation that Homo florensiensis
is a new species.
 Explain potential causes and modes for speciation( allopatric. peripatric, parapatric,
sympatric)
 Explain two ways that show one can date fossil finds
 Discuss selection pressures on islands .
 Present arguments about genetic drift, founder effect as potential explanations of the
hobbits.
 Identify and compare 3-4 methods of measuring species differences
 Evaluate scientific explanation proposed and detail further evidence requires
 Explain reason why so few fossils have been found
 Describe statistical approaches to measuring morphological differences
 List factors that might affect speciation. Divide them into genetic and environmental
influences.
 List factors that might affect extinction. Divide them into genetic and environmental
influences.
 Discuss pro and con evidence for the statement “ Homo florensiensis is a new
species in the hominid line”
 Outline an experiment or study that would resolve the issues raised above..
Process Objectives
By completing the case, students will be able to:
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Use a box chart
Research issues pr questions that you have using the web and primary literature.
Pose clear questions and hypotheses about species differences.
Find evidence pro and con for an argument and evaluate the quality of the evidence.
Distinguish the perspective of the author of a paper or book chapter.
Question assumptions that underlie scientific explanations.
Develop persuasive arguments using evidence and values.
Begin to recognize bias.
Recognize that scientists often disagree.
Find, recognize and critique primary resources.
Articulately present a summary of research on a topic.
Explore the basic methodology of problems and cases.
Define the role of teacher in PBL as a facilitator rather than an instructor.
Address ethical issues that arise from applications of science.
Begin to evaluate whether science is objective and value free.