Wrapping up G3

Yesterday we wrapped up G3 by learning about Biomagnification and the disruption of the Ozone Layer.  Check out the embedded PowerPoint in the post below with the information.

Today we learned about the river continuum concept, which Mr. Merritt will be talking more about on Academic Travel.  We also spent time going over each of the tests you will be doing and started G2.

We leave on Tuesday morning. You must be all packed, ready to go with your lunch made, bladders emptied, and in our classroom at 8:30am. 

Simpson's Diversity Index

Today we learned about the Simpson's Diversity Index.  We used the data in the PowerPoint below (starting on slide 4).  After you have calculated the D values for each of the three sets of data, go to slide 6 click through the PowerPoint to answer the questions on the back of the Simpon's Diversity Index Sheet.

Impacts of Humans on Ecosystems

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Conservation of Rainforests & Invasive Species

In the first class of this week, we focused on conservation of rainforest species, as well as revisiting invasive species.

Please bring a computer to class tomorrow, as we will be learning how to calculate the Simpson's Diversity Index for species.

Also, remember that you were given an extension on the temperature data analysis.

Using Vernier Probes: Events with Entry

On Friday we went out to various locations on campus and learned how to use the Vernier Temperature Probes.  For Academic Travel it will be important for us to be able to use the "Events with Entry" feature to collect our data.

Depending on which class you are in, we either went to five or six locations on campus. To compile the data, I only used the data from locations 1 - 5.

In case you've forgotten, here are the locations:

Location 1: Number 5 on the outdoor basketball court (uncovered)
Location 2: Number 15 on the outdoor basketball court (covered)
Location 3: The blue sign for "Library & Palestra"
Location 4: The grass in front of the Library
Location 5: The Swiss Flag pole

You have been emailed an Excel file with the data as well as a PDF with information about Data Collection & Processing for Internal Assessments and what you need to do with this data.  Read this information carefully.

A printed copy of this assignment is due at the start of class on Wednesday.  This will be assessed using IB criteria and will count towards your overall grade.

Today we went out to the field below the library and used a 10 x 10 meter quadrat with randomly selected 1m x 1m squares to examine the species diversity in the area.  Who knew how many different species were in that little field!

A selection of some of the species

An arthpod on the underside of a piece of clover.

Tselmeg sketches and counts the species in her quadrat.

No homework tonight, enjoy your night off.  Tomorrow we will be using Vernier Temperature Probes to create a temperature map of campus and learn how to use the "Events with Entry" setting.  We will use this method of collecting data on academic travel.

Starting Quadrat Sampling

Today we went out to the field behind the library and students selected a 10 meter x 10 meter area to use for their quadrat sampling.  After clearly marking the quadrat, students chose two numbers out of a beaker act as X and Y co-ordinates to select a one by one meter square to sample.

Tomorrow please go directly to the field.  Make sure to have your notebook and something to write with.

Reviewing Interactions, Learning about Niches and Sampling

Today we reviewed the different types of interactions organisms can have as well as the factors that influence the distribute of both plants and animals.

Moving forward, we finished the guided notes packet and started to talk about different types of sampling.  On Wednesday, you will practice sampling using both a transect and a quadrat, since these are sampling techniques we will use on Academic Travel.

You have two parts for your homework:

Part 1:  Use the example below (from slide #12 of Mr. T's Option G1 PowerPoint) and find the following information for an organism from your food web. 

You need to include:
The scientific name of the organism
A description of its habitat
Nutrition
Predators
Interactions with surrounding species
Reproductive habits.

You must also cite your sources for this information.

Part 2:
Read and take notes on page 352.  Complete the DBQ.  Relax, it's a three point DBQ.

This is due on Wednesday.

Topic 5 Test

Today students had a test on Topic 5: Ecology & Evolution.  When we return from fall break we will continue with Option G and get ready for Academic Travel.

Interactions between species

First: Don't forget that you have your test on Topic 5 tomorrow!

Today we finished G.1.2 and most of G.1.3.  To see many of the video links and examples from class today, click through Mr. T's PowerPoint below.

Community Ecology

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And now for a more light-hearted example of mutualism:

Dichotomous Keys & Option G

Today (or tomorrow for H period) students completed the tree ID using the dichotomous key and created their own dichotomous key for a group of arthropods.

These two activities wrapped up Topic 5.  Moving forward, students were given a new 'student syllabus' for Option G.  Students were also given a guided notes packet, that will help to organize their notes.

We started Option G by outline the factors that influence the distribution of plant and animal species.

Your homework is to study for your test on Topic 5 on Thursday.