Comparing the size range distributions of Acacia collinsii in a burned and non-burned area of Palo Verde Park

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Taking it back to the classroom

Research methods such as these could be used by a class of students to compare any type of area that has been disturbed by human activity to an area not recently disturbed. Concepts of habitat fragmentation, invasion by exotic species, environmental change, and the effects of fire, including fire adapted species could be developed. The students could compare areas of different levels of human disturbance if a pristine area is not near campus. Examples of areas could include recent construction areas such as a ball park or golf course. When forming groups it is advised to use 4 students per transect. Two to record data (one records circumference and one records relative position) and two to walk along either side of the transect performing data collection. Species selected for study should be determined by the teacher before the activity and should be highly visible and is easy to identify (has a distinct leaf structure).