New+Orleans+City+Park

= New Orleans City Park =

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A Study of Biotic and Abiotic Systems in Wetlands
https://sites.google.com/site/couturieforestarboretum/


 * [[image:photo4.jpg width="152" height="200"]] || [[image:photo1.jpg width="200" height="200"]] ||  || [[image:photo3.jpg width="200" height="200"]] || [[image:photo2.jpg width="152" height="200"]] ||

**Project Description**
The AP Environmental Sciences class conducted field study in May 2011. The primary goal was for students to use technology to conduct inquiry-based, science investigations to promote their interest in the long and short-term effects of natural and -made environmental changes. Students conducted field-based research to identify and analyze environmental problems.

Couturie Forest and Arboretum in City Park was chosen by our class for the study because is a natural refuge within an urban area. Hurricane Katrina destroyed a majority of the forest, but through the hard work of volunteers, over 2,000 trees have been planted since. Therefore, students could observe the effects of both natural and man-made environmental changes. Five groups of students each marked off a 10 m x 10 m square area in which to conduct the study. Each group began by taking inventory of the various plants and animals in the area. Each species of flora and fauna was photographed to later be identified. Next, a light absorption test was done to determine the amount of sunlight which made it through the canopy. In addition, a photo of the canopy was taken in order to determine the percentage of cover. Next soil and water samples were taken and analyzed.

**School/Teacher**
Thomas Jefferson High School, [] Judy Schmollinger

**Project Details**
Field Research included: • Using GPS units to record latitude and longitude of study • Using Labquest Light Meters to measure light levels and determine canopy cover • Conducting Water Analysis • Conducting Soil Analysis • Using Labquest Temperature Probes to record soil temperature • Using Digital Cameras to record flora and fauna for identification of species • Using Netbooks to record data and download Labquest information for analysis • Using Flipcams to document study for class presentations

Follow-up work included: • Analyzing data collected and writing conclusions • Constructing a website using Google Sites • Each group was responsible for contributing a page to the site • Each group was responsible for designing an activity for their page that related to the study


 * Final Student Product - Google Site address:** https://sites.google.com/site/couturieforestarboretum/


 * Group 5 constructed a website that they linked to the above site:** http://group5fieldtrip.webs.com/

http://s929.photobucket.com/albums/ad139/Kaylalouise93/Biodiversity/?albumview=slideshow http://www.flickr.com/photos/62583203@N08/page4/
 * Student photos of study:**

Crossword puzzle at http://www.proprofs.com/games/crossword/test-your-knowledge/
 * Student produced lessons located on website:**

**Contacts**

 * **Name** || **Contact Information** ||
 * Judy Schmollinger, Teacher || judy.schmollinger@jppss.k12.la.us ||
 * Elizabeth Towe, Technology Integration Specialist || elizabeth.towe@jppss.k12.la.us ||
 * Jim Morrison, City Park Volunteer Coordinator || __jmorrison@nocp.org __ ||