Module 3 Intro
1. Module 3 Intro
1.33. Lab
Module 3—Ecosystem Diversity
Lab
Up to this point, you have been preparing for “Investigation 3D.” However, you now have a choice of activities. This may be teacher directed or student directed. Because it is not always possible to obtain the necessary equipment or find suitable field study locations, there is also a Virtual Lab that you may choose to complete. The skills you have been practising up to this point are also applicable to this lab. If you were working in a group, you may continue to do so.
The virtual lab compares an aquatic ecosystem with a terrestrial ecosystem. Please read through this section even if you are choosing to do the virtual lab. The information below is applicable to the virtual lab.
Lab 1. Investigation 3D: An Ecosystem Field Study
You have been preparing for your field study throughout this lesson. In this investigation you will sample and compare study sites from the two similar ecosystems you chose in TR 2. You will use the tools you chose in TR 3 to help gather information about the biotic and abiotic components of these ecosystems. The purpose of this investigation is to
- observe and measure abiotic and biotic characteristics of ecosystems
- apply classification and binomial nomenclature to the species in your study
- analyze the interactions and connections of abiotic and biotic characteristics within your chosen ecosystems
- evaluate the accuracy and reliability of measuring instruments used and identify the degree of error
- work co-operatively and share data and ideas
Click here for the handout that will guide you through this investigation. You can print this document if needed. You may also refer to page 106 of the textbook. However, parts of the investigation have been modified. You are required to complete an experimental plan before you complete your field study and field report.
OR
Lab 1. A Virtual Field Study
If you are doing the Virtual Field Study, click for a description of what you will be required to do.
Once you have read/printed this document, you may proceed to the Virtual Field Study. You are required to complete an experimental plan before you complete your field study and field report.
Remember that you must submit the appropriate experimental plan and field report at the end of this Assignment. Both report formats are found in Module 3: Lesson 6 Assignment. You will be submitting a field study report for Investigation 3.D OR a report for the Virtual Field Study. You are not required to do both reports unless requested to do so by your teacher.