BeachCOMBER Student Lab Lab and Field Explorations in Marine Science Teacher Enhancement Program Moss Landing Marine Labs

BeachCOMBER Pre-lab Vocabulary: For each of the following words, make a card with the word on one side and a picture and definition on the other

Species Indicator species Population Mortality Natality Immigration Emmigration Predation

Limiting factors Exponential growth Biotic factors Abiotic factors Long-term study Deposition Simulation Spreadsheet

Group Tasks: Each member of your group will be responsible for a particular job during this lab. In order to finish this lab in the time you have, each of you will need to do your assigned job, and then help any other team member to complete theirs.

Lead Scientist: Watches the time Keeps team on task & ensures all understand the tasks Carries all lab instructions and charts Talks to the teacher when necessary Responsible for group work being turned in Responsible for all materials needed

Ornithologist: Identifies all birds Determines age and sex of birds, if possible Determines cause of death of bird, if possible Seeks help and input from team members when unsure of identifications Takes pictures or sketches birds found

Ecologist: Helps determine cause of death of birds by observing surroundings Locates location of bird on a map; draws area map if necessary Records conditions of the area around the bird Collects any plastics found in the area and notes where these were found

Mathematician: Records all findings in the chart as birds are found Makes any necessary measurements Records all plastics found noting where they were found Makes all charts and graphs necessary for completion of the lab – with the help of team members

Directions: We will be going on a simulated walk outside the classroom. 1. All teams are to stay together and work in area assigned. 2. Each team member is to carry their task card. The teacher will be observing how well you carry out your job and work as a team.

3.Your task is to count and identify any birds found dead on your simulated beach. Fill in the charts you have been given using the code chart attached. 4.Try to determine how long the bird has been dead and the cause of death.

5. The teacher will answer questions asked by the Lead Scientist only 5.The teacher will answer questions asked by the Lead Scientist only. Your team should first try to work together to answer the question before asking the teacher. 6.When you have gathered all data, your team must wait until all other teams are done. You may review your findings and discuss them as you wait.

7.When we return to the room, you are to input your data into Excel and make a bar graph of your findings. 8.Your group must then compare your findings to the Moss Landing Data on the lab handout. Input this data into Excel, make a bar graph of it, then compare this to your graph. 9.Answer the questions on the lab handout.