Bio 102 - Field Projects

We will use parts of the Scientific Method-

Observations
Form a Question
Develop a hypothesis
Devise an experiment to test your hypothesis
Accept or reject your hypothesis – remember, it doesn’t mean you “proved” it if you       accept it, although you can definitely reject it. Using the scientific method, you would then refine your hypothesis and start again, but that will not be part of this project. 

You will, however, state your results and conclusions, and have some sort of way to graphically present data in your  paper. 

The Project Overview - You are encouraged to work in pairs:

1.      Develop a question, and focus your study on a two-way comparison – such as 2 different environments, or the end-points of an environmental gradient.  For example:  to identify effects of current land use patterns on water quality

 

2.      Research the problem and see what other researchers have found;  you only need to have a page or so of background.

 

3.      Select appropriate locations for water quality testing, depending on the type of question you decide to ask.  For example, you could test and compare water quality in Trout Creek (not restored) and Cold Creek (restored)

 

4.      Learn to use the equipment needed to carry out the testing

 

5.      Develop a sampling regime using the equipment and write it up as a set of methods for your experiment.

 

6.      Run your experiment, write up your results and display your  findings in graphs or tables for ease and clarity.  Let me know if you need help with stats.

            7.   Make your conclusions, and in the process, describe whether you accept or
            reject your hypothesis. 

Here are a couple of websites that will aid you in this process.  

http://www.isd77.k12.mn.us/resources/cf/SciProjInter.html

http://forest.mtu.edu/kidscorner/face_nf.html

Timeline:

Wk. 6 - come up with a research experiment, write a brief description, submit it at lab

Wk. 9 – Submit a draft of your write up, receive it back week 10 with comments to incorporate

Wk.  11 Submit final copy

For questions or comments, please contact Sue Kloss - kloss@ltcc.edu