Center for Earth and Environmental Science
Indiana University ~ Purdue University, Indianapolis

.Discovering the Science of the Environment
http://www.cees.iupui.edu/education/DSE
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IUPUI
School of Science

Department of Earth Sciences

Woodland Investigation

Programs currently being offered in Woodland Investigation include:

Woodland Soil Study
Woodland Ecosystem Investigation and Comparison
Tree Monitoring
Bird Observations

Woodland Soil Study

Description:  Utilizing both technology interface and observation skills, students collect and analyze data to draw conclusions about the quality and type of woodland soil at their site.  Soil investigations include analysis of soil texture, moisture, temperature, infiltration rates, color and identification of decomposers.  Students use Vernier LabQuest scientific handhelds, soil temperature and moisture sensors, soil core samples, and soil texture and color charts.

Length of Program:  Two visits per participating class. First visit (classroom) will be introductory, occur either inside or outside, with or without trailer, for a typical class period.  Second visit (trailer) will follow program description, occur outside, with trailer and equipment for 1.5-2 hours.  For ease of programming, classroom visit should occur the day before the trailer visit.

If school schedule allows, the program can be one day, 3 hours.

Program Availability:  September 2, 2008 – November 28, 2008 and March 30, 2009 – June 12, 2009.

Site Requirements:  Access to forest or natural wooded area

Cost:  None.  All equipment, teaching materials, and technology are provide free of charge.

Indiana Academic Standard and Environmental Education Guideline Alignments:

Indiana Academic Standards for Science and Math

Excellence in Environmental Education - Guidelines for Learning (Pre K - 12)

To schedule a program or receive more information, please contact Brooke Furge, Education Specialist.

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Woodland Ecosystem Investigation and Comparison

Description:  Students investigate the concept of biodiversity by conducting scientific ecosystem investigations in two different environments.  Data collection and measurements for each ecosystem include:  date, time of day, weather conditions, wind speed, air temperature, soil temperature, water temperature, infiltration rates, soil sample, plant transect, and animal observations.  Different methods of data collection – scientific handhelds and sensors, personal observations, and experimentation – are used throughout.  Collected data is analyzed and conclusions drawn about overall biodiversity of the ecosystem.

Length of Program:  Two visits per participating class. First visit (classroom) will be introductory, occur either inside or outside, with or without trailer, for a typical class period.  Second visit (trailer) will follow program description, occur outside, with trailer and equipment for 1.5-2 hours.  For ease of programming, classroom visit should occur the day before the trailer visit.

If school schedule allows, the program can be one day, 3 hours.

Program Availability:  September 2, 2008 – November 28, 2008 and March 30, 2009 – June 12, 2009.

Site Requirements:  Access to forest or natural wooded area

Cost:  None.  All equipment, teaching materials, and technology are provide free of charge.

Indiana Academic Standard and Environmental Education Guideline Alignments:

Indiana Academic Standards for Science and Math

Excellence in Environmental Education - Guidelines for Learning (Pre K - 12)

To schedule a program or receive more information, please contact Brooke Furge, Education Specialist.

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Tree Monitoring

Description:  Students map and mark tree locations, collect scientific data and monitor changes in local woodland trees.  With tree monitoring tools used by researchers, students measure a tree’s height and diameter, map its location, and use personal observation skills to note changes in the surrounding environment – shade to sunlight ratio, height and location of understory vegetation, evidence of animals, etc.  Information is collected annually or biannually and compiled.  Changes to trees are monitored and conclusions drawn about overall ecosystem health.

Length of Program:  Two visits per participating class. First visit (classroom) will be introductory, occur either inside or outside, with or without trailer, for a typical class period.  Second visit (trailer) will follow program description, occur outside, with trailer and equipment for 1.5-2 hours.  For ease of programming, classroom visit should occur the day before the trailer visit.

If school schedule allows, the program can be one day, 3 hours.

Program Availability:  September 2, 2008 – November 28, 2008 and March 30, 2009 – June 12, 2009.

Site Requirements:  Access to natural wooded area or landscaping trees on school property

Cost:  None.  All equipment, teaching materials, and technology are provide free of charge.

Indiana Academic Standard and Environmental Education Guideline Alignments:

Indiana Academic Standards for Science and Math

Excellence in Environmental Education - Guidelines for Learning (Pre K - 12)

To schedule a program or receive more information, please contact Brooke Furge, Education Specialist.

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Bird Observations

Description:  Using guided scientific inquiry, students explore and evaluate local bird habitat.  Students collect scientific data, observe, count and identify local birds using binoculars, and analyze data against a given habitat criteria.  Findings are used to evaluate local areas and determine whether the habitat is suitable for different bird species.  Students discuss findings and suggest best management practices to further enhance suitability of their site.

Length of Program:  Two visits per participating class. First visit (classroom) will be introductory, occur either inside or outside, with or without trailer, for a typical class period.  Second visit (trailer) will follow program description, occur outside, with trailer and equipment for 1.5-2 hours.  For ease of programming, classroom visit should occur the day before the trailer visit.

If school schedule allows, the program can be one day, 3 hours.

Program Availability:  September 2, 2008 – November 28, 2008 and March 30, 2009 – June 12, 2009.

Site Requirements:  Access to woodland/prairie ecosystem, bird feeders, or other bird viewing space

Cost:  None.  All scientific equipment, teaching materials, and technology are provide free of charge.

Indiana Academic Standard and Environmental Education Guideline Alignments:

Indiana Academic Standards for Science and Math

Excellence in Environmental Education - Guidelines for Learning (Pre K - 12)

To schedule a program or receive more information, please contact Brooke Furge, Education Specialist.

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Brooke Furge
Education Specialist
IUPUI Center for Earth and Environmental Science
723 West Michigan Street, SL 118
Indianapolis, IN  46202
bfurge@iupui.edu

 

We are pleased to announce that Veolia Water Indianapolis has made the lead philanthropic gift to this program. We have also received significant funding support from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, Eli Lilly and Company Foundation, Dow AgroSciences, Duke Energy, Hoover Family Foundation and Indianapolis Power & Light Company with proposals currently in review by additional foundations and corporations.

For more information about the program and opportunities for program sponsorship, please contact us.
 

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Center for Earth and Environmental Science
 School of Science
 Indiana University~Purdue University, Indianapolis
 723 West Michigan Street, SL118
 Indianapolis, IN 46202
 www.cees.iupui.edu
 cees@iupui.edu