Science Core Experiments Directory | Science Home Page | Curriculum Home Page | USOE Home Page

Copyright © by the Utah State Office of Education.

Biology
Core Experiment

Standard ## 3520-08Investigate the interdependence of organisms with each other and the environment.
Objective ## 3520-0801Predict how changes in one part of an ecosystem affect the system.
ILOs:Make observations and measurements. Use integrated science process skills. Develop awareness of social and historical aspects of science. Understand science concepts, principles and systems. Communicate effectively. Understand the nature of science.		 Topic: Ecology

3520-08

Description of Activity

Activity Title: What's Going On There?

Activity Overview: Students will build a Land and/or Water ecosystem and use it to study the effects of variables on life contained in the ecosystem.

Duration: At least 1 week. Time for the plants or animals to respond and for students to collect and report data. Possibly longer depending on time required for skill building.


Background Information

The students will build a mini ecosystem. They will use this ecosystem to study the effect changes would have on a pond ecosystem. A change in one part of an ecosystem can upset the whole system. It might be good to have some articles for the students to read about how one thing caused a major change in an ecosystem.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Ensure inquiry: Do not tell the students what to study, they may study soil and water types, effects of adding substances to their system or the effects of other physical factors such as light and temperature.

Assign students to work in groups of 2 - 4.


Development of Laboratory Skills and Tools

You will most likely need to conduct one or several preparatory activities in which students learn to measure the types of things they'll encounter in their ecosystems. Tailor your activities to the equipment you have available. Realize that students will likely focus their inquiry efforts on variables they are familiar with and know how to measure.

Invitation to Learn

After conducting any necessary skill-building activities, discuss enclosed ecosystems such as those that have been built or proposed for human habitation.

The Problem: Tell students that you would like them to learn about these systems for themselves. Make your invitation to learn open ended. Show them the materials and experimental apparatus you have available for them to use and encourage them to supplement these in any way they wish.

Describe any practical guidelines to which students must adhere and, if you choose, outline the manner in which their inquiry will be evaluated. (See the Summary of Learning section of this document for suggestions on assessment.)

Safe Operating Procedures: Care must be taken with the use of cutting tools and the use of chemicals. Some of the substances the students might choose to use could be very toxic and not suitable for use. You might be able to suggest suitable replacements for the toxic chemicals.


Materials, Facilities and Resources:

2 liter pop bottles
milk jugs
soil
water
plants (radish, carrot, elodea, bean are some possibilities)
water animals (snails or small fish)
microscopes and materials for sampling microscopic populations
fabric
scissors
blades for cutting
materials to measure concentrations of salt, O2, nitrogen, fertilizer, sugar, acid, base, etc.

An appropriate and secure area to store the ecosystems will be needed.


The following laboratory sheet may prove useful in helping students to organize their work.

The following "Student Designed Experiment - Laboratory Report" may prove useful for students during the inquiry session.

Student Designed Experiment - LABORATORY REPORT

Name____________________________ Period _________


1.State the problem:
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

2.State your hypothesis:
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

3.Describe your procedure in detail and sketch your experimental setup:
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________






4.List the materials you will use
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

5.Identify the control and variables for your experiment.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________


6.Results:
TABLE (If needed)

















GRAPH





























































































































































7.Analysis of data.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

8.Conclusion.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

9.Were any problems encountered in carrying out the procedure?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

10.Were any problems involved in taking data?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

11.Did any ideas develop that can be used in future investigations?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

Summary of Learning

Assessment of learning: Base the assessment on the accuracy of the experiment and on the interpretation of the data. If they have taken accurate measurements and have a conclusion which does not exceed the scope of the data they should receive full credit.

Strategies to share findings: Have the students share their experiment and results in the form of a presentation to the class. It would require them to prepare posters or overheads to show their data and conclusions. The class may then ask questions of them and the presenting group should answer based on the data from their experiment.

Questions:
1.How can a pollutant be passed on to the water even though it was initially put on land?
2.Did your experiment show what you thought it would? Why? What would you have to change to make it better?
3.In the Great Salt Lake, where does the salt come from?
A.The people.
B.The mountains.
C.The rain.
4.Why might pollution build up in a lake?
A.No way for the pollution to leave the lake.
B.Too many animals in the area.
C.Not enough bacteria to clean the lake.
D.Too much water in the lake.

All rights reserved except those which may be granted under Sections 107 and 108 of the Copyright Revision Act of 1976. This document may be freely distributed in its entirety for non-profit purposes provided that the copyright notice is not removed. If you have questions concerning proper use of this material, or if you are interested in obtaining permission, contact the Curriculum Section Reception Desk at 801-538-7698.

This document was submitted for posting to the Internet by the State Science Specialist. Any questions concerning content should be directed to that individual.

Updated September 24 1997 by Michelle Dumas