Ecosystem Observations

(Download the MS Word version of this document.)

Purpose

To observe an ecosystem in its entirety.

Procedure

1. Obtain something that will define an area (hula hoop, square foot PVC plots, 4 flags with string, etc.)
2. Place the 'area' in a place that will not be disturbed.
3. Get down and observe your area; record
   • Observations of soil, rocks, erosion, etc.
   • Observations of insects (types, numbers)
   • Observations of plants (types, numbers)
   • Observations of animal evidence (tracks, scat, etc.)
   • Observations of human effects (litter, tracks, etc.)
   • Observations of dead matter (leaf litter, etc.)
4. Repeat observations once a month throughout the school year ideally (allows students to actually record the changes over the seasons).