Your assignment will be to observe, collect (sometimes), describe, draw, identify, and classify macro organisms, those that can be seen without a

Transcription

1 Organism Portfolio

2 Your assignment will be to observe, collect (sometimes), describe, draw, identify, and classify macro organisms, those that can be seen without a microscope. You will be expected (a) to cover a wide variety of organisms within the Protista, Plant, Animal, and Fungus Kingdoms, and (b) to investigate in depth and/or collect in depth within one category, to include a phylum, class, order, species, or genus.

3 You will be expected to maintain the Organism Portfolio in your existing science binder, or an alternate folder or binder. Supplies such as clear packing tape and plastic covers will be available to assist in the preservation and display of specimens such as leaves of trees or small insects.

4 Collection will be made only of those specimens that are so plentiful that collection will not stress the population of organisms. Example, leaves of a tree, ants, certain beetles, certain moths, discarded feathers of a bird, etc. Organisms must be dried and suitable for preservation inside a plastic sleeve.

5 Examples of specimens NOT to collect.

6 Details to record for each organism: Specimen included in portfolio? (Yes or No) Common name of organism Complete taxonomy of organism Date and location where found/observed Habitat Characteristics of organism How organism reproduces Stress factors for organism Comments, such as use, problems, history.

7 Example: the common dandelion

8 A creative way to display the pressed dandelion.

9 Another approach.

10 Another approach.

11 Taxonomy of Taraxacum officinale, the dandelion Kingdom: (unranked): (unranked): (unranked): Order: Family: Tribe: Genus: Species: Plantae Angiosperms Eudicots Asterids Asterales Asteraceae Cichorieae Taraxacum T. officinale

12 Dandelion, observed and collected on April 9, 2012 Seneca Ridge area near portables, 10AM Habitat : Grassy field Characteristics of organism: Low lying plant, with yellow flower, turns to white seed heads when mature, green leaves Stress factors for organism: Lack of sunshine means it won t grow well in forest, herbicides applied by humans can kill it. Comments, such as use, problems, history. Used for various medications, salads, even wines throughout history. Gardeners often attempt to pull them out, but dandelions regrow from the tiniest of root system left in the ground.

13 Dandelions reproduce in an unusual way. The flowers have pollen, and close up at night like many plants that reproduce with two parents (sexual). However, most of the time, the dandelion seeds are reproduced asexually (cloned) and are attached to parachutes to float in the wind and make many more dandelion plants.

14 In addition, there are many species of plants, animals, and fungi on SRMS and DHS grounds that have not yet been identified for certain. In some cases, it would be good to have a marker identifying the organism, like some of the trees. In other cases, it simply would be great to solve a mystery. For example, a pair of birds used to inhabit the top of the canopy, now are on the roof and the i.d. isn t at 100% yet.

15 Mysteries to solve: Exactly what species of bird is on the SRMS roof this spring? Mr. Peck is confident it is a Plover, but there are 40 species of Plover. He thinks it s probably a Killdeer, pictured to the left, and not a Wilson Plover, pictured to the right. If there s a patch of orange around the eyes for our SRMS bird, that can help.

16 Ground Rules.

17 1. While outdoors, you are still in class 2. Water fountain and restroom visits BEFORE heading outdoors. 3. Parental notification form must be returned by next week. 4. You must stay in eyesight of the teacher, except if working the garden plot. 5. You must not wander more than 30 meters from other students 6. If you are unable to work outside due to health, clothing, parental concerns, or behavior issues, then you will return to the school (solo) to work in ISR or library on alternate assignment. No Internet access. 7. Unless you have an APP such as Leafsnap to identify organisms, no electronics outdoors.

18 IN SCHOOL RESTRICTION work is to be quiet, solo, work, in Ms. McGill s room in the hallway close to the cafeteria. It is not punishment for students, but a suitable way to let the rest of the class conduct the outdoor activity while you continue to learn in school.

19 Rubric: Did the portfolio demonstrate that a careful study was conducted to collect and research information for the portfolio? Was there an appropriate quantity of specimens in the portfolio? Were four kingdoms represented? Was there a quality in-depth presentation on one or more organisms? Were the taxonomy and other information complete and accurate?

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