Essential Question - "How can the scientific method of investigation be used to determine the appropriate amount of salt used on New Hampshire roads?"
This unit of study will introduce the main concepts of ecology and the role of individuals in an ecosystem. Please use the following course sequence as we progress through this unit. Each Unit is broken down into modules. Each module contains either a link or an attachment that can provide you with all of the materials that are presented in the classroom.
MODULES:
1.1 Introduction - NOTES: please see attachment section below to access class notes
* Introduction to experimental Design : Winter Rye Experiment - This experiment will help develop students' investigation skills and use of the scientific method. Students will design an experiment to determine the level of salinity that produces optimum growth in a population of Winter Rye. Please use the link to access lab results and handouts.
Experimental Design worksheets - see attachments
practice ws #1 (exp_designws1.pdf)
practice ws #2 (exp_ws_2.pdf)
practice ws #3 (exp_ws_3.pdf)
Scientific Design Article - Effect of Ethanol on Longevity of C. elegans
(Winter Rye Powerpoint explains vocabulary used in the experiment and identifies important information on Winter Rye growth -see attachments below)
How to label a PETRI DISH - use this link to view
1.2 Biology Scavenger Hunt - This activity will introduce students to certain biological, laboratory and technology topics that will assist their study in the classroom. Please see attachment section below.
1.3 Measuring Populations Lab - Students will use the principals of the scientific method to survey a population of YEAST. They will estimate the numbers of individuals in a population. Please use the link above to access lab results
Worksheets- see attachments
"Populations" (pop_ws)
“Population Density” (pop_density_ws)
“Changes in Populations” (wmfgraph.pdf)
"Communities" (comm_ws)
1.4 Care and Use of the Microscope Lab—Students will complete this activity to develop skills in using a compund light microscope to study cells. Please use link to access lab handout and results
1.5 Endosymbiosis Lab- Students will demonstrate their understanding of Symbiosis in studying the intestinal Protazoa that exist in a common ground termite. Please use the link to access lab results
1.6 Predator / Prey Simulation lab —Students will demonstrate their understanding of population interactions (Owls & Mice) by completing the predator / prey simulation. Please use link to access lab results and handouts
Unit 1 EXAM OBJECTIVES - see attachment section