Acquired Basic Laboratory and Field Research Skills

Microscopy and Sample Analysis

Students will learn foundational skills in cell and molecular biology, including the use of microscopes and sample preparation for image analysis.

• Dissecting Microscope: Used for viewing larger, three-dimensional specimens at lower magnification. Applications: Dissection, sorting, and observing surface features of samples.

• Compound Microscope: Used for viewing thin sections of specimens at higher magnification. Applications: Observing cells, tissues, and microorganisms.

• Field of View (FOV): The visible area seen through the microscope. Calculation: FOV can be estimated using a FOV measurement formula, often involving the diameter of the field at a given magnification.

• Total Magnification: Calculated by multiplying the power of the eyepiece lens by the objective lens.

• Image Measurement: Use scale bars or known references to measure leaf surface area, stomatal density, and other features.

• Leaf Circumference and Area: Calculate using measurements taken from images or direct observation. (for circular leaves)

Example:

• Measuring the diameter of a tree at breast height (DBH) is important for estimating tree biomass and ecological impact.

Acquire Basic Digital Mapping Skills

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Students will learn the basics of GIS and how to use it for scientific research, including mapping and metadata collection.

• GIS: A system for capturing, storing, analyzing, and displaying spatial or geographic data.

• Applications: Mapping tree locations, analyzing spatial patterns, and integrating environmental data.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Digitized Measurement Tools

Students will evaluate the use of digital tools for measurement and data collection in biological research.

• Advantages: Increased accuracy, efficiency, and ease of data storage and sharing.

• Disadvantages: Potential for technical errors, need for calibration, and reliance on electronic devices.

Acquired Communication and Record Keeping Skills

Scientific Process Skills

Students will develop skills in reading scientific literature, giving presentations, and maintaining research notebooks.

• Parts of a Scientific Paper: Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, References.

• Primary vs. Review Article: Primary articles present original research; review articles summarize existing research.

• Scientific Notebook: Should include hypotheses, methods, data, analysis, and conclusions.

Integrate Knowledge and Experience

Evidence-Based Teaching and Global Challenges

Students will learn to use scientific skills and computational tools to address global challenges and understand evidence-based teaching.

• Monitoring: Systematic observation and recording of data over time.

• Growth vs. Fixed Mindset: Growth mindset embraces learning and improvement; fixed mindset assumes abilities are static.

• Planning, Evaluating, Monitoring: Key steps in scientific inquiry and metacognition.

• Accuracy vs. Precision: Accuracy is closeness to the true value; precision is consistency of repeated measurements.

• Unit Conversion: Ability to convert between metric units (e.g., length, area, volume).

• Mean and Standard Deviation: Statistical measures of central tendency and variability.

• Percent Error vs. Percent Difference: Percent error compares measured to true value; percent difference compares two measured values.

• Global Challenges: Food insecurity, climate change, and the role of science in addressing these issues.

Acquire Foundational Mastery Concepts

Biological Systems and Properties

Students will describe and recognize key biological concepts relevant to living systems.

• Information Storage and Transfer: Living systems use multiple mechanisms to store, retrieve, and transmit information (e.g., DNA, RNA, proteins).

• Interdependent Relationships: Biological systems interact, leading to emergent properties.

• Homeostasis: The maintenance of stable internal conditions in biological systems.

Specific Objectives

• Defining a Tree: Criteria and characteristics used to classify trees.

• Leaf Structure: Use of leaf shape, arrangement, and anatomy to classify plants.

• Meristematic Plant Tissues: Types include apical, lateral, and intercalary meristems; vascular tissues include xylem and phloem.

• Leaf Anatomy: Blade, vein, petiole, cuticle, stomata, guard cells, etc.

• Transpiration: The process of water movement through plants and its evaporation from aerial parts, especially leaves.

• Stomata and Guard Cells: Structures that regulate gas exchange and water loss.

• Transcription Factors and Homeobox Genes: Proteins that regulate gene expression during development.

• Model Organism: Arabidopsis thaliana is used due to its small genome, short life cycle, and ease of genetic manipulation.

Acquire and Apply the Basic Concepts of Evolution

• Evolutionary Mechanisms: Genetic and environmental factors that drive the diversity of trees.

• Phylogenetic Trees: Diagrams that show evolutionary relationships among species.

Gain Maturity and Responsibility

• Collaboration Skills: Working effectively in research teams to characterize campus trees.

• Self-Evaluation: Assessing participation and contributions to team projects.

Example Table: Comparison of Primary and Review Articles