We prepped this Activity over 2 class periods by reading the website explanations and examples. Then we set-up our "mock reef" in the classroom just like the one in the TSI workshop. We used three patterned sheets, 18 shoe boxes and all of the blue tickets, orange 1/2 cards, pink index cards, and green popsicle sticks that TSI provided for "organisms". We used the transects, quadrats, % coverage and all the data sheets. Each Table Group had 4 students, who each participated in the Sampling Activity by having a chosen role. We wrote it up in their Learning Log (lab journal) and had a class discussion before answering the Activity questions. It took 5 class periods, but it is still not really 'done' because their math skills are very weak. I think I will just use this Activity as an Intro to a much bigger lesson on Sampling in the future. We are simply out of time for this Activity now. I wish I had started it earlier in the year and could keep going or go on a field excursion! The kids loved it! But we only have 3 weeks left of school and science labs are only once a week.
Tue, 05/21/2013 - 21:48
yes, this activity can stretch out. i decided to take the class to the beach to cover sampling again and apply the skills being covered, giving purpose. i hope this activity will set some skills.
Wed, 05/08/2013 - 13:20
Wow! That is a LONG lesson! I think I did it in one long afternoon, but I didn't do the percent cover, I just did the first 2 methods. Did you have your class help you set up the site? I also agree about the math skills - it took some time with my kids as well! Great job spending so much time on it! They must have looked forward to it each day!