Banbury Secondary Science Students went to Shannon Terrace in Fish Creek Park for Field School on Oct 29, 2015.
Students worked in "scientific teams" to examine interactions, abiotic and biotic features of three distinct ecosystems - grassland, aspen parkland and boreal forest. Students also explored how human impacts have influenced these ecosystems.
To foster an understanding of these three ecosystems, students were made aware of ecosystem components and interactions, as well as natural cycles and processes of change. Building on this knowledge, students investigated human impacts and engaged in studies that involved environmental monitoring and research. By reflecting on their findings, students became aware of the intended and unintended consequences of human activity, and recognized the need for responsible decision making and action.
The focusing questions were:
The key concepts addressed were: interactions and interdependencies, environmental monitoring, environmental impacts, producers, consumers, decomposers, nutrient cycles and energy flow, species distribution, succession, endangered species, extinction, and environmental management.
