AS / A Level year 1 BiologyOCR A

Biodiversity and Practical Activities

3 days

This three day course covers AS and A level year one content for the OCR A specification. Ecology topics which students often find difficult in exams will be covered comprehensively, with a focus on module 4: Biodiversity, evolution and disease.

Students will be introduced to the biodiversity of organisms; how they are classified and ways in which biodiversity is measured.

Students will develop their maths skills (10% of total marks). There will be plenty of guidance and time to carry out hands-on activities which count towards their practical endorsement for Practical Activity Group 3. They also have the opportunity to complete Practical Activity Group 1.

AS / A Level year 1 Biology: Biodiversity and Practical Activities 3 daysExample Course Timetable

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DAY MORNING AFTERNOON EVENING

1 Arrive Midday

Students will be greeted by FSC staff, with a welcome talk followed by a brief tour of the Centre and the local area.

Outline of the Course

Allocation of wellies/waterproofs.

Practical Biodiversity and Ecosystems

During this first session, students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a stunning, natural location, taking in its sights, sounds and smells. Inspired by their surroundings, students will take the lead in exploring, observing and being curious, asking ecological questions about the wide variety of plants, animals and habitats they encounter. This wider context will provide an ideal platform on which to build the rest of the course, helping motivate students and enabling them to take ownership of their learning, as well as giving them a feel for what the work of ecologists involve.

Choose one from:

Ancestry, Classification and Evolution

Data Analysis and Maths Workshop

Exam Skills Workshop

Maintaining Biodiversity and Resources

Practical Activity Group 1: Microscopy

2 Biodiversity Assessment and Sampling

Students will investigate a named habitat using a range of random and non-random sampling techniques in order to assess the biodiversity of that habitat. They will practise identifying and classifying a range of organisms and will consider variations within and between species. Sample data will be used to calculate species richness, evenness and diversity, including Simpson’s index of diversity. Factors that may affect biodiversity will be considered. The importance of carrying out baseline assessments in order to better maintain biodiversity will be stressed.

Choose one from:

Ancestry, Classification and Evolution

Data Analysis and Maths Workshop

Exam Skills Workshop

Maintaining Biodiversity and Resources

3 Practical Activity Group 3: Investigation

Students will work individually on an investigation which interests them, building on the knowledge and skills they have acquired during the week. They will complete PAG 3: Sampling. Teachers will have an opportunity to assess students against the Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC).

Depart at Midday

A final farewell from FSC staff as the students depart at midday. Please note: to ensure safe and quality learning

experiences for students, the timetable may alter depending on weather conditions and local factors at Centres.

Mathematical skills will be embedded throughout the field course, using real world contexts and data sets. Students will have the opportunity to select and use the chi-squared test, the Student’s t-test and the correlation coefficient.

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Ancestry, Classification and EvolutionStudents will start to formally consider classification, evolution and also their own goals for the rest of the course. Using the local environment and examples, they will consider the biological classification of species and the relationship to phylogeny. They will have the opportunity to discover how ecological thinking is transferred to other situations and to appreciate the career opportunities within ecology.

Data Analysis and Maths WorkshopThis session will give students the opportunity to refine and consolidate their mathematical skills. Students will be provided data sets from a range of investigations to be used as a basis to reinforce learning and ensure individual students develop a sound set of basic mathematical and statistical skills.

Exam Skills WorkshopThe main priority of this session is to ensure students feel confident in an exam situation while answering ecology-based questions. Before visiting teachers can request the focus of this session, such as statistical and mathematical, practical skills or one relating to professional field surveying techniques such as small mammal trapping.

Maintaining Biodiversity and ResourcesStudents will use local examples to explore the reasons and methods for maintaining biodiversity, such as key stone species, soil depletion and marine conservation zones. Case study examples will guide students from local to global contexts and provide opportunities for them to form judgements on different methods of maintaining biodiversity.

Practical Activity Group 1: MicroscopyStudents will have the opportunity to observe the structure of plants through a microcope. They will use a graticule and stage micrometer to measure parts of plant cells. They will also produce scientific drawings from observations, including detailed annotations.

AS / A Level year 1 Biology: Biodiversity and Practical Activities 3 daysEvening Options

Woodland surrounding FSC Juniper Hall in Surrey – this county has the highest proportion of woodland in the UK, at 20%.

Learning GoalsStudents will be immersed in a local habitat with the goal of enhancing their understanding of the variety and complexity of life. FSC field teachers will lead students through a series of practical and theoretical challenges and tasks, designed to stimulate students’ interest in wildlife, habitats and ecosystems. This session will provide the basis for the remainder of the course, outlining the wide range of habitats, organisms and basic underpinning of key concepts of biodiversity, classification and ecosystems.

Learning ObjectivesAll students will:l Discuss how biodiversity may be considered at a variety of levels.l Develop a set of basic identification skills.l Describe the factors affecting biodiversity.l Consider the ethical issues in the treatment of humans, other organisms and the environment.

Most students will:l Explain how scientific knowledge and understanding develops over time.l Explain their understanding of the biological classification of species using local examples.

Some students will:l Give named examples of biotic and abiotic factors which influence ecosystems.

AssessmentAn initial assessment, using a range of techniques, such as direct questioning of prior learning will take place as students start to explore the location and demonstrate the level of their personal connection to the natural world. The structure of the remainder of the course will be informed by this session and by future progress.

Learning OpportunitiesHaving the time to explore, investigate and discuss wild habitats, students will begin to develop their deeper understanding of, and personal connection to, the natural world. Students will be encouraged to develop their basic identification skills, ecological terminology and start to take responsibility for developing their own ecological questions.

TeachingSkilled FSC field teachers will direct students’ enthusiasm towards real life ecological research and highlight the reasoning behind the learning that will take place during their visit. This wider context will provide an ideal platform on which to build the rest of the course content, it will help motivate students and enable them to take ownership of their learning as well as giving them a feel for what a career in this area may involve.

AS / A Level year 1 Biology: Biodiversity and Practical Activities 3 daysPractical Biodiversity and Ecosystems

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Blencathra mountain near FSC Blencathra

Learning GoalsThe focus of this session will be to ensure that students have the opportunity to study a range of ecological techniques, including random and non-random sampling techniques in order to assess the biodiversity of that habitat. They will cover Simpson’s index of diversity and aspects relating to core techniques from Practical Activity Group 3, with a view to completing its assessment by the end of the course.

Learning ObjectivesAll students will:l Understand the difference between random and non- random sampling techniques.l Measure species richness and evenness and be able to use Simpson’s index of diversity.l Understand some ecological, economic and aesthetic reasons for maintaining biodiversity.l Understand taxonomy of named species using biological classification nomenclature.l Understand the different types of variation that exist between and within species.l Give examples of how named species are adapted anatomically, physiologically and behaviourally to their environment.

Most students will:l Be able to carry out appropriate mathematical (handling,

computational and graphical) techniques on fieldwork data.l Interpret Simpson’s index of diversity.l Give examples of ecological, economic and aesthetic reasons for maintaining biodiversity.l Understand the difference between in situ and ex situ conservation.l Name an example of a local conservation agreement to protect species or habitats.

Some students will:l Describe examples from all three different levels at which biodiversity may be considered (habitat, species, genetic).l Understand how the study of ecology links to ideas of personal lifestyle choices and a wider environmental sustainability.

AssessmentFormative assessment of this part of the course will comprise a rich mixture of extended opportunities for students to construct scientific meanings fully and accurately. FSC field teachers will ensure students have time to practise practical techniques, with teacher and peer feedback, which enable students to develop and refine their practical methods and procedures.

Learning OpportunitiesStudents will work in both theoretical and practical contexts, applying their knowledge and understanding, to appreciate how biodiversity may be considered at different levels. A variety of practical opportunities will be available to explore how different types of sampling is used to measure habitat biodiversity.

TeachingBy conceptualising the learning within a wild habit, FSC field teachers will introduce students to the practical and mathematical skills they need. As the day progresses students will take on an increasing responsibility for their own improvements using the FSC field teachers as a knowledge base to enable personal progression and development of individual targets.

AS / A Level year 1 Biology: Biodiversity and Practical Activities 3 daysBiodiversity Assessment and Sampling

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Pembrokeshire coast near FSC Orielton

Learning GoalsStudents will carry out an individual or small group investigation which they have planned the previous evening to enable them to use field sampling techniques, mathematical and analytical skills learnt earlier in the course to answer an ecological question. The investigation will be written up in the form of a scientific paper which includes a full reference list and correctly cited sources of information that has been researched from offline and online sources.

Learning ObjectivesAll students will:l Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate investigative approaches and sampling techniques to answer an ecological question.l Make and record observations and measurements in the field.l Process, analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative experimental results.l Use appropriate mathematical and graphical skills to analyse sample data.l Present information and data in an appropriate scientific format.l Use appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research and report findings.

Most students will:l Be able to use an appropriate statistical test to support sample data.

l Evaluate which experimental method is appropriate to meet expected outcomes.l Identify anomalies in experimental measurements.l Make synoptic links to other parts of the specification.

Some students will:l Understand how the study of ecology links to ideas of personal lifestyle choices and a wider environmental sustainability.l Begin to understand the relevance of these topics to a wider understanding of global issues.l Understand the precision and accuracy of measurements and data including margins of error, percentage errors and uncertainties in apparatus.l Refine experimental design by suggesting improvements to the procedures and apparatus.

Assessment

Assessment arrangements will ensure teachers have the opportunity to assess their students against the Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC). During the course FSC field teachers will monitor and develop students’ competencies in the range of CPAC skills to ensure they are familiar with the standards required of them in order to achieve a pass in the practical endorsement.

Learning OpportunitiesStudents will have the opportunity to carry out practical endorsement in areas PAG 3 and PAG 12, including writing up the report and research support that they might need. FSC field teachers will be on hand to provide resource support, and support to school staff if required.

TeachingFSC field teachers will provide a monitoring role, ensuring that safety guidelines are followed and that students are working within accepted practices.

AS / A Level year 1 Biology: Biodiversity and Practical Activities 3 daysPractical Activity Group 3 – Investigation

Please visit http://www.field-studies-council.org/outdoorclassroom/

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