Down To Earth 
Specialists in Education, Leadership & Training

Phone: 905 - 928- 1956  
    

Grade 10 
Environmental Sustainability

Field Trip: Investigating Natural Ecosystems

Grade 10: Investigating Natural Ecosystems  
This environmental outdoor education program supports the Science, Grade 10, Academic unit of study: The Sustainability of Ecosystems.

Program Description:  Using a variety of field sampling techniques, students will work in teams to examine biotic and abiotic factors affecting the health of natural ecosystems within the Dundas Valley.  Students will evaluate and identify the extent of natural and human impacts on the ecosystem, and make recommendations for future activities in the valley.

Specific Expectations:

• An examination of abiotic and biotic factors affecting ecosystems

• An examination of natural  ecosystems

• The demonstration of skills required to plan and conduct an inquiry into ecological relationships, using equipment safely and accurately

Classes participating in 'Investigating Natural Ecosystems' will: 

• Carry out biological inventories in both forest and field ecosystems. Activities include:  pH test of soil, analysis of soil horizons, collection & identification of vertebrates and invertebrates, trees,  flowering and non-flowering plants.

• Measurements of temperature, wind speed and wind direction will be taken by the students to further investigate the effects of climate and climate change on the environments.

• Evaluate human impact and the health of these ecosystems based on the biotic and abiotic data gathered by students.
  

Trip Organization:

This is a half day program.  The on-site instructor will lead the Investigating Natural Ecosystems outdoor environmental education program with the assistance of the classroom teacher. 

Classes are invited to continue their studies in the Dundas Valley Conservation Area for the remainder of the day under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher who will be responsible for their own self directed activity.

Program Sponsorship:  These outdoor environmental education field trips have been developed to complement teaching units on Environmental Sustainability developed in partnership with The Hamilton Spectator, Dofasco and the Hamilton Conservation Authority. 

Teachers of students in Grades 10 are encouraged to contact:

The Hamilton Spectator - Newspapers in Education initiative for further information on receiving detailed teaching packages on the topic of Environmental Sustainability. 

These programs are available free of charge to schools participating in the Newspapers in Education program.