BIO 221 - Nature Study

1. Participate in the process of science.
   1. Make observations
   2. Design laboratory experiments
   3. Conduct experiments
   4. Formulate and test hypothesis
   5. Collect data
   6. Analyze data
   7. Draw conclusions
   8. Explain the evaluation and revision process of Science
2. Work collaboratively with classmates.
   1. Participate in laboratory experiments and field activities with 1-3 classmates or entire class.
   2. Share the workload of small group activities
   3. Share the responsibility of acquiring, cleaning and putting away laboratory and field equipment.
   4. Share ideas and respectfully receive ideas of classmates and other professionals associated with class lectures and field work.
3. Demonstrate the competent use of common instruments and technology in environmental/Ecological investigation.Objectves:
   1. Use microscopes and dissecting scopes
   2. Use binoculars and spotting scopes in field settings
   3. Use sound recording devices
   4. Use compass and read topographical maps
   5. Use live traps for small mammals
   6. Demonstrate capture, marking and release techniques for small mammals
   7. Use insect capture and release techniques
   8. Use equipment to establish fresh H2O profiles
   9. Use plant press for plant collection
   10. Use proper preparation and storage of study skins and preserved specimens.
4. Competently communicate about environmental topics.
   1. Read critically
   2. Write effectively - both to learn, formally
   3. Listen actively
   4. Speak effectively
   5. Develop and interpret graphs and flow charts and maps
   6. Compile a journal of activities and impressions obtained in outdoor settings while experiencing the Flora and Fauna of the multiple ecosystems in the Great Lakes area.
5. Demonstrate ability to think critically.
   1. Integrate concepts
   2. Solve problems
   3. Draw logical conclusions
   4. Make predictions based on evidence
   5. Identify trends and patterns
   6. Distinguish between simple cause and effect and simple correlation
6. Demonstrate appropriate preparation to participate in indoor laboratory exercises and outdoor field activities involving sampling, observing, identification, processing specimen and characterizing natural history of upper Great Lakes features.
   1. Participate in indoor laboratory activities and use appropriate equipment to conduct exercises.
   2. Participate in field activities and use appropriate equipment to conduct field activities.
   3. Demonstrate safe and appropriate behavior during indoor and outdoor exercises
   4. Use keys and resource books to identify organisms during indoor and outdoor exercises.
   5. Provide evidence of accurate behavioral and organismic interaction observational skills.
7. Describe how living and nonliving factors interact in the Great Lakes area.
   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
   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