Ecology in a Three Module Format

 

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2014, Volume 35

M. Carmen Hall & Sheryl Shanholtzer

Abstract

The choice between depth and breadth is a common dilemma in most courses. We found that to be particularly true when developing our environmental science labs. The students in our environmental science classes are primarily non-science majors who may not have taken another science course before enrolling in this class. We developed the labs to work as stand alone modules that take place over the course of three weeks. In this workshop we introduce you to the ecology module. We begin our exercise by mapping a study area using Google Earth and using digital resources to explore the study area. From our information we identify two different habitats within our study area. Our exercise is continued by conducting a plant and animal survey in the two habitats. We conclude our exercise by comparing the importance values (plants) and diversity (animals) in the two habitats.

Keywords:  biodiversity, Plant Ecology, terrestrial ecology, survey, importance values, diversity index

University of Calgary (2013)