BIO 221 - Nature Study

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific process and logical reasoning.
   1. Describe basic assumptions in science.
   2. Explain why correlation does not imply causation.
2. Develop a simple experimental design as a means of investigation and as a way of thinking critically.
   1. Formulate a clear and testable hypothesis.
   2. Design an experiment to test the hypothesis (includes experimental groups and control group).
   3. Identify all variables.
   4. Collect and analyze data.
   5. Discuss the results and draw conclusions.
   6. Share experience gained verbally and in journal form.
3. Communicate about biological and environmental topics.
   1. Successfully read a passage of text to gather and share information.
   2. Employ writing to communicate ideas appropriate to the discipline.
   3. Read, write and speak effectively about an environmental topic
   4. Compile a journal of activities and impressions obtained in outdoor settings while experiencing the flora and fauna of the multiple ecosystems.
4. Demonstrate the appropriate use of instruments and technology
   1. Practice the use of common field instruments and equipment.
   2. Practice the use of common laboratory instruments and equipment
   3. Practice appropriate techniques for collecting data and taking measurements in the field.
5. Demonstrate appropriate preparation to participate in indoor laboratory exercises and outdoor field activities.
   1. Participate in indoor laboratory activities
   2. Use appropriate equipment to conduct exercises.
   3. Participate in field activities
   4. Use appropriate equipment to conduct field activities.
   5. Demonstrate safe and appropriate behavior during indoor and outdoor exercises
   6. Use keys and resource books to identify organisms during indoor and outdoor exercises.
   7. Develop accurate observational skills.
6. Describe how living and nonliving factors interact in particular ecosystems.
   1. Identify abiotic and biotic factors in each ecosystem identified.
   2. Describe the niches and habitat concept
   3. Distinguish between a population, community and ecosystem
   4. List index species of all ecosystems studied
   5. Describe the energy flow through an ecosystem
   6. Explain the cycling of nutrients, such as nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus through an ecosystem.
   7. Describe the process of natural selection as it operates to adapt an organism to its habitat
   8. Recognize the role of all organisms to their environment
   9. Relate abiotic factors to kinds of organisms found in the community
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of ecology and how they relate to the human community.
   1. Define an ecosystem.
   2. Describe the structure of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
   3. Explain how energy drives geochemical cycle of elements in an ecosystem.
   4. Describe pyramids of energy, biomass and numbers of an ecosystem.
   5. Explain the effects of human activities on ecosystems.
   6. Explain why precipitation and temperature and/or altitude can influence the type of biome existing in a given area.
   7. Identify the characteristics that vary between biomes and provide examples.
   8. Explain the competitive exclusion principle.
   9. Describe the process of succession and identify areas in various stages of succession.