Despite torrential rains on Friday 18th June, the spirits of our Sixth Form Biologists could not be dampened. Committed to a day of Ecology Fieldwork, students moved their practical experiments into Peckover Hall to begin investigating responses in invertebrates, to light, dark, humid and dry conditions.
Jo Toovey, Biology Teacher, remarked “Biologists normally spend a few days on a rural fieldtrip to carry out this work. Due to Covid-19, we are compromising by using the varied habitats on the Park. There are many different habitats, from managed grassland to natural meadow and woodland.”
She continued “Some students do not fully appreciate the level of diversity that we have on the Park, and this is a great opportunity for them to find out more. We hope that this will spark their curiosity and encourage enthusiasm for learning about the natural environment around us.”
Before drawing up their choice chamber findings, students analysed their woodlice data using appropriate calculations, descriptive and inferential statistics.
In the afternoon, groups then went on to study the effect of light intensity on the growth of ivy, collected from the woods adjacent to 10-acre field.
The following week, more pleasant weather allowed the Sixth Form to take their quadrats out onto the Park. Tasked with researching the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on the growth of plants in particular habitats, students looked at; fungi, tree canopies and mown vs unmown grass.
Take the next step by selecting an option below, or if you want to drop us a quick message, you can do so with the form.
Δ