The inquiry idea starters listed below were created as part of the Schoolyard Ecology for Elementary School Teachers (SYEFEST) project.
Idea Starters:
- Color Bugs: SYEFEST project to discover what colors different kinds of insects are attracted to and why.
- Dandelion Determinations: Estimate the number of dandelions in a schoolyard lawn.
- Tree Transects: Compare how the tree species vary from the edge to the interior of a forest by sampling tree saplings and adults along a transect.
- Bagged Branches: In this study you will have a chance to investigate first hand the process of transpiration, or the loss of water from plants via evaporation.
- Ant Cafeteria: What foods do ants prefer and why?
- School Traffic: Discover the effects of human traffic on the soil communities in your schoolyard.
- Nature Preserves: This exercise introduces students to the measurement of biological diversity.
- Beat Sampling: Compare how the insect species vary from the edge to the interior of a forest by beat sampling tree saplings along a transect.
- Quadrats: This field study is designed to build confidence in conducting the initial parts of the inquiry process in schoolyard ecosystems.
- Tree Key: Learn how to make your own tree key.
- Giving Up Density: Ask questions about how giving up density changes in different habitats.
- Seed Preferences: This study lets you explore some of the fascinating adaptations small seed eaters have for finding, choosing, and handling seeds in the schoolyard.
- Telltale Bait Stations: Learn to identify species that live in your area by tracking their visits to baits you can set up.
- Litter Bags: Learn about decomposition and the reasons behind it.
- Wings on Seeds: Discover how and why seeds are transported from one location to another.
Other Activities:
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