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Earthworks
Earth System Science for Secondary Teachers
Microclimate Study (Earthworks 2002)
Learning Objectives: Students will compare microclimates in three different areas across the township and identify any discernable differences.
Where: Lake Orion School District using 3 Middle Schools spread out over 6 miles.
Who: 8th grade students, 100 from my classes, unknown how many at other schools.
How: Students will record a set number of weather related parameters simultaneously. Data will be recorded and then analyzed using inter-school e-mail between schools. Students will look for trends and patterns.
When: Over a period of 2-3 months at least 2 times a week from late winter to early spring.
Potential Barriers: Cooperation from teachers at other schools. Availability of same types of recording equipment.
Extensions: Relate local weather trends to regional and national trends. Possible tie-in with local television station to be a certified weather watcher.
Ecology Site Analysis Project (Earthworks 2001)
Who: High School Students
Why: To determine the ecological impact of the construction area damage.
Where: Construction damaged area on Nature Center Property.
When: Conducted twice a year, minimum, over a period of years for comparative reasons.
How:
Class will be divided into 2 teams of approx. 12 students each. One group will study the damaged area, given enough time, in one or two sessions to complete the site analysis. The other group will study a comparable site.
The results of both studies will be compared to determine the ecological impact of the disturbance. The studies will be repeated a minimum of twice per year to study progress and possible seasonal changes. The same site will be studied for a series of years to determine short and long term healing and regeneration of the land.
GPS may be used to ensure consistency of study site location.
Possible Barriers/Constraints: Time and scheduling is dependent on teacher. When the teacher presents ecosystems, when the class fits into our schedule, and when transportation is available may affect the consistency of data collection.
Advantages: Study can be adapted to any disturbed area, natural or man-made. Materials are very basic, not expensive and readily available.
Project Connections: Disturbed wetlands or waterways tested using hydrology techniques. More soil impact studies.
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