Transcript A2 ECOLOGY COURSEWORK

A2 ECOLOGY
COURSEWORK
SOME HINTS AND TIPS TO
GUIDE YOU
THE PLAN (A)
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2 .... Suggest relevant procedures to be used
and select appropriate equipment to carry out
task.
4 .... Design a plan in which enough relevant
factors are taken into account and controlled in
order to obtain valid data.
6 .... Describe obs, measurements and
precautions neede to obtain valid quantitative
data
8 .... Provide explanation for the procedures,
describe method for data collection and method
of analysis including a stats test; include
hypothesis to be tested.
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Setting The Scene
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Start with the aim
Intro Cats Ear – give its CV
Describe it, its life cycle etc.
What habitat does it thrive in?what affects
habitat
Any competitors?
What about ideal conditions?
Then use synoptic material to explain the
biology of factors affecting its growth and
distribution.
Then method and stats test.
How Shall I Order It?
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The plan should be written in the future tense.
Order it in a logical and flowing sequence
Title
Aim
Info about Cats Ear –Its CV
Also describe the area of study and school location
Add a map and compass direction
What is the size of the area and are there any special
features
Human effects? Trampling, gardeners etc
Synoptic material relating to plant growth and distribution
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The abiotic factors you think you will
measure – relate to importance.
Your method – make it valid and reliable
Your apparatus list should come first in the
method
The stats test - explain how you will
analyse the data and test statistically for
significant differences etc
2 marks
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A simple equipment list and description of how
you plan to collect data
E.g. I will divide the quad into squares and
randomly sample 30 in each one using quadrats
and data loggers etc... I will record % cover in
each quadrat in each area. Factor X and Y will
also be measured in each quadrat.
No worries about validity or reliability or
precautions.
4 marks
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You need to be much more precise about your
technique and precautions
How will you divide each area up?
Show us
How will you decide on the number of quadrats
to do? Is it practical?
How will you measure the abiotic factors in a
controlled way?
What will you avoid.. Statues, dandelions eyc
6 MARKS
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This requires even tighter controls and
detail on technique.
How can you choose which grid squares
to sample in an unbiased way?
Show us
Exactly where and how will you use data
loggers each time?
Where will quadrats be placed exactly?
6 marks
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Are you collecting a reliable sample size?
Explain.. 10% rule, time, stats test etc
What precautions should you take when
measuring?.... Where will you stand?
What about the timings of the sessions?
How will you judge % cover?
8 MARKS
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All about choosing, justifying, managing and
telling us how you will statistically analyse the
data
What test are you choosing and why? Give the
formula
How is your data appropriate?
How about sample number and distribution
What are your hypotheses
Degrees of freedom and level of probabaility