3.Realize and appreciate the role of scientific research in understanding the natural world. Recognize and describe the roles of controlled, manipulated and responding variables in scientific research. 5.Integrate research data and results into an understanding of and ecosystem. Describe and articulate the process of succession. Identify biotic and abiotic interactions affecting the makeup of a plant community.
Students make observations of changes in plant communities.
Generate questions based on observations and form possible hypotheses explaining observations. Light intensity and relative humidity are taken during walk. Major trees are identified with the use of taxonomic keys and instructor help. Discussion of value of native ecosystems as point of observation and comparisons. Review experimental design.