Independent Ecological Research

You can be a Scientist Doing independent research in ecology

Thought Swap What is science? What makes a question scientific? Briefly describe an example of scientific research you did in the past? What are the biggest challenges in doing scientific research?

Our Goals 1) Formulate an interesting, testable question in ecology 2) Design methods to test that question 3) Collect accurate data 4) Analyze your data to come up with a result 5) Present your work at a conference at Bodega Marine Laboratory

Part 1: The Question Make observations and note patterns Formulate a question and hypothesis Hypothesis: an educated guess based on logic or prior evidence Present your question and hypothesis to your peers for feedback

Part 2: The Methods Must be able to answer your question Must be analyzable Must be feasible in a limited amount of time (2 weeks) Must use materials we have or can buy cheaply

Part 3: The Data Collection You will have about 2 weeks You will want to be as accurate as possible You will have some class time to collect data You may have to or want to work on your project outside of class

Part 4: Analyzing Your Data Input your data Analyze using your Excel skills Produce figures that tell a story about your results

Part 5: Presenting Your Data Complete a journal article on your research as individuals Create a group presentation of your research Present your research at a conference of Tomales and other high schools at the Bodega Marine Laboratory