1. Class groups
Make up groups to share the roles of recorder, measurer and identifier. Name your group after a famous scientist.
Your homework is to research scientists, choose one and find out what made them famous.
2. Group starting activity - the mini quadrat (plot) and worm count
Groups select a random mini-quadrat in the school grounds. Mark out the mini-quadrat at 200 mm square and dig 100 mm deep. Download the mini-quadrat recording sheet and record:
- The four most dominant species in the quadrat
- The ground cover - flora (plants) and fungi
- Fauna/live creatures
- The total number of worms found
- Look at soil type
Back in the classroom or lab:
- Establish some of the criteria which help distinguish flora, fauna and fungi.
- Observe the special features of flora fauna and fungi that enable them to survive in the mini-quadrat.
- Share ideas about the differences between flora, fauna and fungi.
- Email the location and the number of worms in each quadrat for the project database.
The numbers of worms found are a good indicator of soil health.
Discuss why scientists take samples rather than counting or measuring absolutely everything. Use this information to make an action plan.