Inquiry-based Learning in Plant Ecology: Students Collect the Field Data, Ask the Questions, and Propose the Answers

Document Type

Article

Journal Title

Teaching Issues and Experiments in Ecology (TIEE)

Publication Date

2004

Abstract

This laboratory activity is designed to teach upper-level students in a plant ecology course how to collect data on plant populations (distribution and abundance), formulate hypotheses to explain observed patterns, and write a research proposal to test their hypotheses. This is a semester long project requiring 13 * 2 ¾ hour lab classes. Motivation for hypothesis generation is a planted plot populated by seeded and volunteer plants. Students, working in groups of 2 or 3, make qualitative observations, collect plant distribution data, collect and analyze abiotic variable data, propose and research questions, and propose a series of experiments to answer these questions. All proposed hypotheses must be based upon the qualitative and quantitative observations made by the students. Hypotheses are generated by the student groups, reviewed by the instructor, and mutually agreed upon, after revisions, by students and instructor. Students individually prepare a written proposal and also present details of their proposals in small-research groups.

Comments

This article is freely available on the web.  

Publisher Statement

Teaching Issues and Experiments in Ecology (TIEE) iis a peer-reviewed web-based collection of ecological educational materials. TIEE is a resource for busy ecology faculty who are looking for new ways to reach their students, or who perhaps want to learn more about teaching and learning.

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