Baker Woodlot LabFriends Reconstructing ISB

April 12, 2010

Educational Objectives• The students will:– Make observations of the world around them.

– Understand and apply the scientific method to various biological topics.

– Form conclusions based on experimentally derived data.

Instructional Objectives• The students will:– Model a hypothesis dealing with tree ecology.

– Design and implement an experiment that tests the created hypothesis.

– Collect, organize, and analyze data from an experiment.

– Form conclusions based on data analysis.

Assignment• Working in groups, students device an

observational experiment dealing with tree ecology

• Hypothesis and corresponding prediction will be made

• Data that test the prediction will be collected from Baker Woodlot

Potential Ideas• Tree size vs location• Tree health vs location• Size vs species• Health vs species• Location vs species• Size vs proximity to others• Infection by fungus• Vine growth

Assessment

• Each group will construct a report that organizes, analyzes, concludes their data as it relates to their original hypothesis

RubricCriteria Expectations

Organization and Clarity The post-lab is organized and constructed in a manner that makes it easy to locate and identify components. Students use appropriate titles, headers, and sub-headers to facilitate organization. Entries are type written (including graphs/figures). Writing is clear and understandable.

Principle Students are able to draw connections between the objectives of the current lab and broader subjects and questions in biology and ecology.

Hypothesis and Predictions Students have clearly articulated the hypothesis and prediction relevant to this lab.

Methods and Data Analysis Students provide detailed accounts of the methods used in the lab. Students include all relevant protocols, materials, and procedures, including those for data analysis through original writing.

Conclusions Students clearly and concisely summarize their results with reference to the original hypothesis being tested. Conclusions are logical and sensible based on the data presented.

Adapted from BS-110 post-labs rubrics

Potential Background Reading• Schaetzl et al 1989.pdf• Schwarz et al 2003.pdf• Scull and Harman 2004.pdf