Student Investigation Guide
Underline parts need to be completed at NKIEEC
Part 1: Identify and describe a reef ecosystem
Identify the ecosystem you are investigating.
In your journal, describe the ecosystem. Include:
•
a map of the area the ecosystem occupies
•
a list of the key abiotic components of the ecosystem
•
a list of the species that form the ecosystem
•
identification of interrelationships within the ecosystem
•
a list of the impacts on the ecosystem
•
links between the impacts and the interrelationships identified.
Part 2: Generate key questions to guide your investigation
With your partner/group, generate questions to guide your investigation of key species and
interrelationships of the ecosystem. Record these in your journal
Identify possible sources of data.
These could include:
•
photographic records of the ecosystem
•
observations from a field trip to the ecosystem including collection of data using a
transect or grid diagram Collected Field Data
•
data from secondary sources such as books and internet sources
TEACHER CHECKPOINT 1
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Part 3: Develop a plan
With your partner/group:
•
divide the questions for research
•
decide on your presentation format and identify tasks involved
•
develop a timeline for your investigation.
Record your timeline and plan in your journal.
TEACHER CHECKPOINT 2
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Andrew Gill (NKIEEC)
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Part 4: Research
Research data to answer your key questions. Include data about:
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the biotic and abiotic features of the ecosystem
•
interrelationships between the key species and the ecosystem
•
the current condition of the ecosystem
•
factors that impact on the ecosystem
•
responses of the ecosystem to changes.
All data from secondary sources should be clearly documented using a table such as Table
1 – Research template (see below). Research data can be shared within pairs but each
partner must have an individual record of the data in their journal.
Table 1 – Research template
WEBSITE TITLE:
URL:
DATE ACCESSED:
EVALUATION OF WEBSITE:
ORIGINAL DATA
SUMMARY OF DATA
IN MY OWN WORDS
Cut and paste.
Use dot points to show the
sections you will use.
Write your dot points in
sentences using your own
words.
TEACHER CHECKPOINT 3
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Andrew Gill (NKIEEC)
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Part 5: Analyse and evaluate your data
In your journal
•
Use tables, graphs and averages, where appropriate, to present your data.
•
Identify any relevant trends and anomalies.
•
Use data to explain the interrelationships within the ecosystem.
•
Use possible patterns, trends and inconsistencies in data to indicate the impact of
changes on the ecosystem.
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Suggest actions to manage the ecosystem to ensure its continued health.
Part 6: Propose recommendations
In your journal
•
Make a list of possible strategies for minimising the impact of changes on this ecosystem.
•
Identify data from your research that supports these.
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Propose recommendations for future management.
Part 7: Create a presentation
Develop your presentation for the committee. Your presentation should include the following:
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explanations of the changes to the ecosystem and their impact on its interrelationships.
•
recommendations for the future management of the ecosystem supported by research
A hard copy of relevant transcript, scripts, poems and slideshows should be submitted with
your journal.
You may choose to present your findings as either:
•
a speech with supporting visual presentation such as posters or slide show
•
a video clip
•
a PowerPoint or prezi presentation
•
a song or poem
•
other format to be negotiated with your teacher.
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Andrew Gill (NKIEEC)
STUDENT PROGRESS CHECKLIST
PART
RESPONSE
Task checklist
Progress
(location of
Started
evidence)
1
Journal
Ecosystem identified and described
2
Journal
Key questions generated
Possible data sources identified
TEACHER CHECKPOINT 1
3
Journal
Plan developed to guide research
TEACHER CHECKPOINT 2
4
Journal


Data relevant to questions recorded
Data sources correctly cited and evaluated
TEACHER CHECKPOINT 3
5
Journal

Data presented in tables, graphs and
diagrams as appropriate
Possible patterns, trends and
inconsistencies identified
Changes to ecosystem and
interrelationships explained
6
Journal
7
Presentation
Recommendations proposed
Presentation constructed
Submit journal and presentation with supporting documents.
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Andrew Gill (NKIEEC)
Finished