Biodiversity

in the Arboretum

 

This activity can be done all year round.

Students are divided into groups of approximately 10.

Time frame for this activity is approximately 2 hours.

This set of activities is set up differently than most of the activities at the Arboretum. The students are divided into groups and they do all the activities as a group in one area of the Arboretum. Each group of students does the same measurements and data collection in very different areas of the Arboretum. The students look at Abiotic, nonliving characteristics, and Biotic, living characteristics, of their mini-biomes. At the end they come together to compare their results so the students can see that the data from the field are different from the data in the oak-hickory, or piney forest demonstrating the diversity found at the Arboretum.

 

The Activity

Biodiversity

 

Activity

Students become scientist by studying different areas of the Arboretum with scientific instruments. They make observations and collect data that gives a thorough picture of the mini-biome they are working in.

Materials Needed

worksheet              pencil            clipboard          pH tests

thermometers          water          moister probes

light meters          bottles          sling psychrometers

baby wipes          trowels

 

Procedure

1. Abiotic investigation—take readings on ambient temperature, soil temperature, soil pH, relative humidity, and light

2. Soil investigation—determine if soil is loamy, clayey, or sandy

3. Biotic investigation—micro-hike, bird watching, and plant density

See the Docent worksheet

 

Alabama Course of Study for Science

This activity meets goals specified for grades K--#’s 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20,…1st--#’s 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25…2nd--#’s 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 20, 21, 23, 25, 26…3rd--#’s 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 13, 32, 39, 40…4th--#’s 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 41, 43, 46…5th--#’s 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 30, 48

 

Learning Outcomes

Students will become involved in the research process and understand why certain pieces of data are important to understanding the environment of the mini-biome they study.

 

Instrumental Objectives

SWBAT use and read scientific instruments. SWBAT read and record the measurements made by the scientific instruments. SWBAT observe and describe the plant and animal life that is evident in the mini-biome. SWBAT discover, discuss, and determine soil structure.

Biodiversity     

 

**Biodiversity Series created by Shannon Whitley and Kathryn Royall.

List of Series

Bats       Biodiversity       Earth Month       Flower Power

   Food Chain         Habitats           Insects       Tree ID

Leaves    Native Indians    Plants    Seeds    Senses    Soil    Trees 

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