Students graph the compiled data so that relationships can be seen between the numbers of organisms and abiotic factors. The class formulates hypotheses to account for any relationships observed. Once a month for remainder of year. Groups will continue to collect and compile abiotic and biotic data. Three days at end of year.
Experimental data is compiled.
Students graph the experimental data and determine if the hypothesis is supported or disproved. To use the river as the basis for studying the affects of pollutants on a closed ecosystem. Amount of group research into pollutants and the river system carried out by students themselves. Sophistication of statistical analysis of data. Andrews, William A. Freshwater Ecology.