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A lesson plan for a biodiversity survey that aims to examine the impact of humans on the environment. The lesson involves making detailed observations of a land plot, developing an understanding of the diverse populations of species and habitats that occur locally, and designing an investigation to observe how human behavior impacts biodiversity. The lesson includes activities such as counting species, collecting information on climatic and physical factors, and developing a conservation strategy. handouts and worksheets for the activities and assessments.
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INTEGRATED PESTMANAGEMENT
Dedicated to Reducing Pesticides
Focus Areas: Biodiversity; Science, Math Focus Skills: Observation, estimation, data collection, analysis, hypothe- sis testing Level of Involvement: MAXIMUM
To make detailed and accurate observations of a land plot
To develop an understanding of the diverse populations of species and habitats that occur locally
To design an investigation to observe how human behavior impacts biodiversity
What is the impact of humans on the population in a natural environ- ment?
There is a correlation between the amount of human activity and the populations of species of plants, arthropods and other animals.
The activity is used to introduce the significance of environmental stud- ies. The focus of the terrestrial biodiversity survey is to examine the impact of humans upon the environment. Through investigations, partic- ipants develop their own hypothesis about human impact and then test this on a previously examined site. Final analysis and discussion of the results allow the participants to develop a theory about the impact of humans upon the biodiversity. Participants are introduced to experi- mental design and the use of statistics to determine whether to accept or reject a hypothesis.
Logistics Time: 2 hours
Group size: one group with teams of 5 (1 recorder, 2 animal surveyors, 2 plant samplers)
Space: three to four sites will be needed for the sur- vey in order to see patterns. One site should have little or low human impact. A second site should have moderate impact, and a third should have high human impact (This can be run in the parking lot or football field.). A fourth site is where the participants will check their predictions. It can have any level of impact you wish.
Materials Golden Guide for Insects , Golden Guide for Weeds
thermometers
rope or twine
magnifying glasses
flag tape
hand lenses
bug viewers *
meter sticks
litmus paper
Handout 1 Species Count Tabl e *
Handout 2 Sample Master Tally *
Handout 3 Biodiversity Assessment Worksheet *
(^60 ) (^454050353025) 55
Preparations
Walk the land surrounding your building or home to determine potential sites. Select 4 or 5 sites. The plot size may vary, depending on the time allotted for the activity. One meter by one meter can be as effective as larger plots. Use flag tape or meter sticks to define the area.
Counting Species
If a population of species is too large to count, then ESTIMATE! Begin by counting the size of the population in a small segment of your plot.
Run the Experiment
Have the participants conduct their experiment and analyze the data. Present the data in a lab report and chart and display for group discus- sion. Did the results support the hypothesis? How can the results be checked mathematically?
Evaluation
Review and discuss as needed. Be encouraging, as this may be the first time the participants have ever designed their own experiment. Discuss how they will know if their hypothesis should be accepted or rejected. Avoid the use of We prove , We didn t prove , We suggest. Math teachers could introduce the ideas of sample sizes, significance and how math is used to decide what we accept or reject.
Site number: _________________________________ Date:______________________
Team members: ________________________________________________________________
Site description: ________________________________________________________________
Measure/observe and record the following information about your site:
Temperature (ground level): ____________ Soil color: ______________________
Soil pH: _______________________________ Meteorological Soil moisture: __________________________ (weather) conditions: __________________
Wind direction: ________________________
Use the Golden Guides to assist with identification of plant and arthropod species.
Plant Biodiversity Table
Arthropod Biodiversity Table
Other Species Biodiversity Table
Common Name of Species Number of Individuals Found Percent Cover of Site
Common Name of Species Number of Individuals Found
Common Name of Species Number of Individuals Found
Handout 2
Site 1 Site 2 Location: __ park ___________ Location: __ field ________
Site 3 Site 4 Location: _________________ Location: ______________
Site 5 Site 6 Location: _________________ Location: ______________
Total # of Plant Species: ____________________
Total # of Arthropod Species: _________________
Number of Plant Species
Number of Arthropods
Number of Plant Species
Number of Arthropods
Number of Plant Species
Number of Arthropods
Number of Plant Species
Number of Arthropods
Number of Plant Species
Number of Arthropods
Number of Plant Species
Number of Arthropods