Science Communication, Group L

Activity 2

"Biodiversity Bits"

Expand the biodiversity website started by Group K; on the site:

• scientists, experts, and passionate people provide insight into the different aspects communicating biodiversity to the public;
• the opinions of a wide range of South Africans about biodiversity are featured.
   
  

• endangered
  ecosystems,
• plant
  conservation
• animal
  conservation
• genetic
  diversity
• genebanks
• government
  policies.

List of selected
Topics

1. Complete the Biodiversity WebQuest to familiarise yourself with some reliable sources of information about biodiversity.
    
2. Choose a topic related to any aspect of biodiversity that interests you.
    
3. Use the internet to find a suitable expert on the topic.
   Hint: Look for a quote that represents your own opinion about the topic.
    
4. Create a folder on the H drive and name it with your group name followed by the words “biodiversity website”. Save any images and quotes that you would like to use on your page here. Each person in the group should contact one expert.
    
5. Contact the expert - see below.
    
6. Compile a short biography of the expert you want to quote on the Biodiversity Bits webpage. If you cannot find any information about him/her, aks for that in your e-mail as well. If possible find photo of the expert and get permission to put in on the Biodiversity Bits page.
    
7. When you receive your answer, add it to your biodiversity folder and create you page for the website.
    
   

Contact the expert via e-mail or telephone to

1. ask for a quote about diversity;
2. ask permission to use their quote and
3. ask for a tip or advice from him or her on how to communicate the science of biodiversity in different ways to a wide variety of audiences.
4. also ask permission to use the photo of the expert with the CV you compiled.

Your letter should state:

• who you are and what project you are involved in;
• why you want the specific person’s opinion/answer to you question;
• by when you need the answer and
• what you will do with the information you receive.

My topic is "bat conservation". To search the web for an expert I started with the search terms "bat conservation" in Google and selected the "pages from South Africa" button since I am looking for a local expert.

Following one of the links, I learn more about an expert, Mrs Rudi Horak:

"During 2004 Mrs Rudi Horak, director of Sci-Enza, the science centre at the University of Pretoria,started a project called "Amalulwane" which is an environmental awareness program to inform and educate the community about the ecological and economic value of bats. This project deals mostly with schools in the rural areas of Malelane and Komatipoort because it is a high-risk malaria area and therefore aims to educate the community that some insectivorous bats are mosquito eaters, hence contributing to the controlling of malaria."

I write her a letter / e-mail:

Hoora!

Write a thank you reply and tell the expert where he/she will be able to view her quote.
 

If you do not receive a reply within 2 weeks of your e- mail, approach another expert.
 

Irene Schoeman

• A