Investigations in Urban Soils - Baltimore Ecosystem Study

Draft 2 - (9.28.04)
Soils Urban in Investigations
Investigations in Urban Soils: Earthworm Populations
Sequence of Activities, Concepts, and Skills
Activities Concepts* Skills
BACKGROUND
Day 1: Introduction to Investigation
Students read and discuss a scientist’s invitation to
study earthworm populations in different habitats. They
discuss the importance of soil and choose a study site in
their community.
Days 2 – 3: Getting to Know Earthworms
Students become familiar with earthworms by observing
them in the classroom and learning their relationship
with the soil and other organisms
a. Soil
b. Earthworms
c. Decomposer
organisms
d. Nutrient cycle
e. Make objective
observations
a. … background
research
STUDENT INVESTIGATION
Day 4: Preparation
Students form research teams, view a map of the site
and select habitats to investigate. They watch a
demonstration of worm sampling and discuss the
importance of sampling consistency.
Days 5 – 7: Earthworm Investigation
Students sample earthworms from their test plot, and
record observations about the plot. The next day, they
process their results.
USING BES DATA & FOLLOW-UP
Days 8 - 9: BES Data Comparison
Students compare their findings to BES data on
earthworm populations. They note other measurements
BES scientists made and choose 2 – 3 that they can
make to enhance their data.
Days 10 - 11: Return to Investigation
Students return to their sites and make the specific
measurements they decided on. The next day they
process their results. The class discusses possible
explanations for results.
ASSESSMENT
Days 12 – 16: Report to Scientist
Students prepare reports for scientist on earthworm
distribution and habitat characteristics in urban
ecosystems. They also predict the outcome of future
investigations based on their findings.
c. Populations and
habitat preference
e. Scientific inquiry
f. Data gathering
d. Change in
earthworm
populations over
time and space
l. Negative results
(e – f, exotic
species)
k. Evidence for
conclusions
m. Communication
a. Make
predictions
b. Design
investigation
d. Use tools
e. Make accurate
observations
f. Transform data
c. Explain how
investigation
answers question
h. Use data to
support
predictions
b. Design
investigation
e. Make accurate
observations
f. Transform data
g. Communicate
data
h. Use data to
draw conclusions
*Only key words from each concept have been included here - click Concepts above to see full
concepts aligned with state and national standards.
page 16 Baltimore Ecosystem Study
– Investigations in Urban Soils