Package Description: A habitat study of the diverse plant and animal life in our woodland ecosystem using a selection of sampling techniques and methods.
Junior Certificate Ecology:
Students will investigate a study site examining organisms including woodland invertebrates and general flora and fauna. A range of techniques and equipment are used (e.g. square and point quadrats, line transect, light-intensity meters, classification keys, sweep nets, pooters and Cryptozoic traps) to observe, examine and record data collected.
The physical and behavioural adaptations of the ecosystem will be explored to aid understanding along with briefly considering the impact of invasive species. An ecology work booklet is provided for each student to record observations and notes to take back to the classroom for further analysis.
Leaving Certificate Ecology:
Students will investigate a study site examining organisms including woodland invertebrates, small mammals and general flora and fauna. A range of sampling techniques and equipment are used (e.g. square and point quadrats, line transect, pooter, mammal trap, classification keys etc.).
The physical and behavioural adaptations of the ecosystem will be explored along with the effect of biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors on plant growth along with briefly considering the impact of invasive species. A variety of environmental factors will be recorded (light, temperature, relative humidity, soil pH, slope angle) to aid further analysis and understanding. An ecology work booklet is provided for each student to record observations and notes to take back to the classroom for further analysis.
Curriculum Areas:
- Science, Ecology, Geography (Geoecology)
- Physical Education
Skills Used:
Questioning, Observing, Analysis, Classification, Investigation, Recording, Communication, Selection of Sampling Techniques, Teamwork.
Estimated Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours
Price: €15 pp