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Maritime Forest Study
by Melanie Jenkins
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Objective
- Students will be able to identify several plant and animal species
from the Maritime forest.
- Students will be able to take abiotic data correctly.
National Standards
A. Teachers of science plan an inquiry-based science program for
their students.
C. Teachers of science engage in ongoing assessment of their
teaching and of student learning.
D. Teachers of science design and manage learning environments
that provide students with the time, space, and resources needed for learning
science.
Summary
During a coastal field trip students will observe organisms in the
Maritime forest and hypothesize why they grow in the manner in which they
do.
Prerequisites
Appropriate for 8th grade integrated science, 10th grade Biology, Environmental
Science. Level depends on assessment activity.
Materials & Equipment
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Soil thermometer
- Sling psychrometer
- Anemometer
- Compass
- pH meter or paper
- Individual bottles of distilled water
- Baggies for soil collection
- Field guides
Procedure
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Students will record abiotic data for dry air temperature, wet bulb temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, wind direction, soil temperature, soil pH.
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Either during the trip or back in the classroom, make comparisons between this ecosystem and the beach and/or marsh ecosystem. Incorporate abiotic data and
general observations about species diversity.
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Record species of plants and animals found here. Note the density of the canopy, number of vines, shape of trees, number of insect species (even if you can't
identify them you are aware of them!).
Assessment
Charts and graphs of data are good. Comparison papers are super for
checking understanding of this ecosystem and the dynamics of the coastal
environment as a whole. Plant collections or photo collections are
good if you have the time and want to study the taxonomy.
Extension
Use in conjunction with the Marsh Ecosystem Study and the Beach Study.
Resources
lab by Melanie Jenkins
photo by Melanie Jenkins, bay side Cape May, NJ 7-18-98
use field guides appropriate to your area
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