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Students will understand the role of energetics modeling in determining heat load in animals.

Students will understand how physiological, morphological, and behavioral characteristics allow animals to moderate their heat load.

Students will be able to construct a mechanistic model of heat load.

Students will know and be able to quantify the basic factors that influence the amount of solar radiation that reaches the Earth.

This teachable unit engages students and teachers in a way that is reflective of the process of scientific discovery, including: critical thinking, creativity and hypothesis testing. The unit uses pre- and post-class questionnaires, group brainstorming, group presentations and real scenarios; along with in-class and take home group and individual work, to assess and address misconceptions, and engage students in diverse and active ways.

Students are learning in a variety of ways. Using both individual and group work for model drawings and algebra allows students to process the material both orally and visually. Material is also presented in a brief PowerPoint lecture where students will see visuals and listen. Also, camel and pika pelts will be passed around to engage students' tactile learning. Animal examples are drawn from extreme environments worldwide. Recent and current research are used as examples in class to engage students with genuine scientific questions, yet to be answered, and draw on relevant current events; while the homework allows the students to pick one of two real scenarios and apply equations and concepts that they have chosen as applicable. Students are encouraged to draw on their own diverse ethnic, cultural and experiential backgrounds during an opportunity to select project topics based upon interest, while interacting and learning from their peers in small groups and during presentations.

Students will progress from questions focused on basic knowledge and comprehension to questions and activities necessitating application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation of the material. Primary activities include discussion of examples in class and a group presentation assignment. Class brainstorming and post-class questionnaires will also allow students to publicly and privately share their understanding and misconceptions.

Assessments are designed to gain awareness of misconceptions and monitor achievement of the learning outcomes for the students and instructor. For example, a brainstorming activity gives the instructor feedback as she/he monitors group progress during the first lecture. Students are required to hand in their PowerPoint presentations at the end of the second lecture. A post-class questionnaire is given to allow students to identify what they have learned and what they would like to know more about. Finally, a take-home exam (cooperation is encouraged) is given which allows the students to demonstrate their achievement of the learning outcomes.