Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences

Earthworks
Earth System Science for Secondary Teachers

Krista Holman (Earthworks 2001)
keholman@hotmail.com

Tree Survey

Who: 9^th & 10^th grade general science students/biology students

What: Survey the distribution & type of trees within a designated park parameter using GPS/GIS technology

Why: To determine the changes in distribution/types over time.

Where: Heuston Woods, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio

When: Fall or Spring 2001-2002

Barriers/Constraints: Transportation

Materials: GPS, tree identification books, GIS software, field notebooks, plant presses

Methods:

1. Groups of students will identify/measure their research area.
2. Students will locate (using GPS coordinates) & identify all the trees within their research plot.
3. Photos, descriptions, & measurements will also be gathered for each tree.
4. Each tree site will be marked on a topographical map.
5. A color-coded map will be created illustrating the tree distribution type.
6. GPS coordinates will be entered into GIS software to create a computerized version of the tree map.

Connections: Project could also include: tree aging, rock type distribution, soil type

Extensions: Project database could be created to analyze changes over time.

Comprehensive Forest Analysis
Krista Holman & Jeremy King (Earthworks 2000)

What: Comprehensive Forest Analysis - What effects do climate and soil composition have on species diversity density.

When: Spring 2001 - During the spring of 2001 students will collect data 3-4 days for analysis

Why: Learning Objectives
1. To learn how to collaborate research with others.
2. To learn how to analyze data and draw conclusions from it.
3. To learn how climatic changes can affect tree diversity, density, and survivorship
4. To learn how soil composition can affect tree diversity, density, and survivorship
5. To learn basic tree identification
6. To learn how to use the scientific method to solve problems
7. To learn how to communicate research findings through both oral presentations and written research papers Where: Denison University Bioreserve ñ Students will organize research on the 350 acre reserve

Who: Jeremy, Krista, Students, Professors ñ Students from Hamilton TWP. and Circleville will work with their teachers, as well as, professors from Denison University

How: Collect, Analyze, Organize, & Share Data

• Student Research Groups will consist of students from both schools.
• Students will receive background info. From teachers and professors then will develop research projects.
• Data will be shared between group members via e-mail and video conferences.
• Students will get constructive feedback from professors.
• Students will present research findings in a scientific symposium.