Elk Island National Park of Canada
Senior High School Program
AQUATIC ECOLOGY 2
Participation in a hands-on field study introduces students to a marsh ecology. The examination of several aspects of a freshwater ecosystem has students gathering and analyzing data, and discussing biotic and abiotic factors influencing the ecosystem. Identification of vegetation, and vertebrate / invertebrate communities has students learning about diversity. The interrelationships between communities / species is discussed in the context of energy and matter exchange (i.e. food webs). Equipment provided.
Alberta Curriculum Connections:
GRADE 11 - BIOLOGY 20 - Unit 3 Energy and Matter Exchange in Ecosystms
Outdoor Program. Can be adapted for indoors in inclement weather.TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY
A hands-on exploration of various terrestrial ecosystems will show students the diversity of biomes and the communitites contained within them. As well, students will collect and record relevant data on biotic and abitotic ecosystem components and how such factors can contribute to the changing of terrestrial and aquatic communities. Equipment provided.
Alberta Curriculum connections :
- GRADE 10 - SCIENCE 14 - Unit D- Investigating Matter and Energy in the Environment (1999 draft)
- GRADE 11 - BIOLOGY 20 - Unit 3 - Energy and Matter Exchange in ecosytems
- GRADE 11 - SCIENCE 20 - 20 Unit 2 - Changes in Living Systems Unit B - Changes in Living Systems ( 1999 draft )
Outdoor Program.POPULATION DYNAMICS
Elk Island National Park has higher densities of hoofed mammals per square kilometer than any other wild area in the world, with the exception of the Serengeti Plains of Africa. Examination will be done on predator / prey relationships and their influences on population. Elk Island National Park's unique feature of the boundary fence and its impact on wildlife management will be discussed. The long-term impacts of fire suppression on an ecosystem are analyzed in respect to populations, ecosystem stability and species diversity. Students will quantify species diversity, biomass and productivity. Equipment provided. A tour of the bison handling facility is optional.
Alberta Curriculum connections:
- GRADE 12 - BIOLOGY 30 - Unit 4 - Changes in Populations and Communities
Outdoor Program.FIRE ECOLOGY
After decades of total fire suppression, Elk Island National Park is re-introducing prescribed (controlled) burns. A field study of this process allows students to experience first hand a prescribed burn site and a fire suppressed (unburned) area. Vegetation plot analysis, measurment of abiotic factors and plant identification is performed at each site. Students then analyze the need for habitat reclamation and species diversity through secondary succession (both artificial and natural). Equipment provided.
Alberta Curriculum connections:
- GRADE 11 - BIOLOGY 20 - Unit 3 - Energy and Matter Exchange in Ecosytems.
- GRADE 11 - SCIENCE 20 - Unit B - Changes in Living Systems (1999 draft)
Outdoor Program.