Curriculum Notebook - Grade 5
Interpretive Stops  1.  Along Aptos Creek  2.  Fern Grotto  3.  Twisted Grove  4.  Geologic Foundation  5.  Redwoods and Associates  6.  Magnificent Old Growth  7.  Fairy Ring in the Making  8.  Granary, Stump, and Burl  9.  The Pourroy Garden 10. The Little Slide 11. Smiley Face Stump 12. Big "Round" 13. Goosepen Tree 14. The "Advocate Tree" 15. The Ravine 16. Pourroy's Picnic Area Additional Information  Animals of Marcel's Forest		Comparing Temperatures Grade 5 Life Sciences From Grade 5 Life Sciences Standards: Students will: Write a report of an investigation that includes conducting tests, collecting data or examining evidence, and drawing conclusions.   Objectives 1. Be able to read a thermometer 2. Identify and describe (in the field) at least two organisms charactaristic of each of two microhabitats widely variant in temperature. 3. Object to the idea of one factor as the sole cause of the nature of a habitat.   Concept Background 1. Temperature is an environmental factor that controls the types of organisms in a habitat. 2. Within larger communities are smaller communities with their own environmental conditions.   Materials Thermometer, paper, pencil   Instructions Ask students to work in groups of three. One child is responsible for recording the temperature also noting the time, location (i.e., Interpretive Stop 2 and a description of the locaton), and temperature. The second child is responsible for handling the thermometer, while the third child is responsible for digging the small hole with his pencil in order to insert the thermometer. Take temperature under a rock and on top of a rock Take temperature of the stream and on the ground next to the stream Take the temperature of one side of the tree versus the other side Ask students to place thermometers in the sun, in the shade, and under the duff of the redwood. At each measuring site, compile a list of organisms living in each microhabitat. Notice insects or birds that might be flying. Twisted Grove, Big "Round", and the Pourroy Garden are all adequate sites to complete this activity. Stop 16, the Pourroy's Picnic Area, might be the best, however, since it has several places to record various temperatures: the barbecue pit, the stream, the clear area near the table, and the large redwood rootball. (Optimal water temperature for steelhead and coho salmon during summer and fall months is 51 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit). Forgotten how to convert temperature? See this website for information on converting to centigrade: Converting between temperature scales. Teacher's Questions What animals use each side of the rock? the tree? What might be a reason other than temperature for each animal to be there? Why are many organisms found only in certain habitats? Modified from Teaching Science in an Outdoor Environment	Reminders Glossary Curriculum Notebook Materials Drawer California Science Education Website

 

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