Prelude to the Case

This case focuses on the invasive aquarium strain of Caulerpa taxifolia to introduce students to issues about invasive species. Specifically, students learn to identify some of the traits that make a species potentially invasive and explore how individual decisions can have big impacts on the ecosystem. The case uses a story/handout that sets the stage combined with a New York Times article for further background.

This case is called a “clicker” case because it was designed to be presented in a class that uses personal response systems, better known as “clickers.” The case study is presented in class via PowerPoint, with multiple-choice questions sprinkled throughout the “lecture.” Students are expected to answer the questions as they arise using their clickers. Many instructors allow students to consult with their neighbor before clicking in their answer. The entire approach encourages student participation even in the largest of classes. The use of clickers in combination with case studies is described in greater detail in the article “Clicker” Cases: Introducing Case Study Teaching Into Large Classrooms.

Go to the handout

Go to the PowerPoint presentation (~5 MB)

Go to the teaching notes

Date Posted: January 23, 2010.