The Digital Learning Center for Microbial Ecology is a science education project under development at Michigan State University and is funded by the Nation Science Foundation. Each unit takes a particular location, subdivides it into more specific locations where microorganisms live, and explains what the different organisms do in each of these locations. Information is given about the lifestyle and anatomy of all of the organisms. Biological information is integrated with other scientific information. Color cartoon drawings and maps introduce each section and are used to illustrate concepts.
Many organisms also have electron micrographs accompanying the description.
Navigation buttons and click spots on the cartoon navigation maps allow the students to move to specific locations on the site. Students can access a glossary of the scientific terms by clicking on highlighted terms. Real life applications are given. The site also offers further investigation activities. Related WWW links are given within the specific sections.