Grade 7 Science Unit 2: Ecosystems Ecology Lab Report Today we are going to spend the period talking about your first lab report. I will take time to discuss the sections that will be required to be included, pointing out the information to be in, and the formatting of, each section. Following that we will look at the rubric used for this project. When we view the rubric I will inform you of the areas where marks are most commonly lost I am doing this so you put extra care into these areas. This is your first of three lab reports this year. The expectation is that this is a learning process. This report will seem very difficult, and will take quite a while to complete. By the end of the year you will find the writing of a proper lab report much easier, and you will become more efficient in doing so. Please pay very close attention today, as this knowledge will help you to complete this task.
Your lab report needs to include the following sections: 1. Purpose In a couple short paragraphs, explain the scientific reason as to why you are writing this lab report. (What were you supposed to learn?) «The first paragraph should be a short explanation of what an ecosampling is. This is not a paragraph with a lot of details, it is concise, but still explains the main idea clearly. «In a second paragraph describe, briefly, what an ecosampling is used for Why would someone do an ecosampling? 2. Equipment Provide a dot jot list of everything you needed in order to do the experiment. Include images of the equipment (one image with all is fine). Could include a diagram showing how the equipment was setup. Keep this to a maximum of one page (should be less). 3. Procedure Provide a numbered, step by step, description of your actions to obtain the results. Be sure your instructions are clear. Keep this to a maximum of one page (should be less).
4. Observations Include both data, in a table, and a series of paragraphs communicating your sensory observations in writing. Your table of results should explain what was found in your quadrants name, description, image (must have an image for each organism). In writing, indicate what other types of organisms (or anything else abiotic) you saw at the creek, but not necessarily in your quadrant. Include drawings of what you saw. You may use pictures you took, but not internet pictures (internet images are not your observations). Indicate what information you obtain by using your senses (seeing, touching, smelling, hearing.) Think about both your quadrant and the rest of the creek area (weather, lighting, etc.) Note: These are descriptive paragraphs, not stories. 5. Discussion Answer, in detail, the following questions explicitly, each in a new paragraph: «What information does a scientist obtain by doing an ecological sampling? «Do you feel this exercise allowed you to obtain a good understanding of the kinds of organisms found at Tuck Creek? Why or why not? «What other organisms do you assume are in the creek area that you did not see? Provide details as to why you think so. «How would you use these results to determine the total number of organisms at the creek area? For the second half of your discussion, discuss any other thoughts you may have based on the experiment. Discuss multiple, personally chosen, discussion topics.
6. Additional Information The last section of your mark comes solely from information I do not request. For example, I have not asked for a title page, including one will get you marks towards this section. Include multiple additional components, each showing an understanding of the topic (i.e., a glossary of terms). On the next three slides we will look at the rubric used for this lab report, and for all your lab reports. You will note that this is not a basic rubric, it is very detailed. In fact, if you read it carefully, it is almost like a set of instructions to guide you to a better mark. Please pay close attention to the specific details I give you as we discuss this rubric.
Let's have a look at the online resources you have Eco Sampling Webpage Your lab report is due in 2 weeks. Do not wait until the last few nights, as it will not be done to the best of your ability.
Ecology Lab Report Example Lab Reports I do have some examples of lab reports completed in previous years. If you wish to see these, please come see me at one of my available breaks. Here is a digital example: *Note: Observational images were drawn in after printing.
Attachments 2 6 Student Example Lab Report.pdf