On Friday, I took the AP Biology class to our outdoor learning environment (OLE). In the OLE there are several old stumps, cinder blocks, and other items that sit on the ground. For a quick lab, students placed a meter stick close to one of these items and then lifted the item out of the way. They took a picture as soon as they could and made observations. Under these items we found all sorts of invertebrates. Students kept the item off the area and took pictures and observations every two minutes for about ten minutes. They then replaced the item. On Monday, we will examine the photos and calculate density and biodiversity. We will also discuss the differences seen under each type of item.
Though my description above is a bit dry, the activity was really fun. One group saw a snake! I am excited to see how this progresses on Monday.
Talking and Teaching Science 