Center for Earth and Environmental Science
Indiana University ~ Purdue University, Indianapolis

IUPUI
School of Science
Department of Earth Sciences

Prairie Research Programs currently offered in Prairie Research include: Prairie Soil Study Prairie Ecosystem Investigation and Comparison Plant Biodiversity and Photosynthesis Bird Observations Prairie Soil Study Description:  Utilizing both technology interface and observation skills, students collect and analyze data to draw conclusions about the quality and type of prairie soil at their site.  Soil investigations include analysis of soil texture, moisture, temperature, infiltration rates, color, pH and identification of decomposers.  Students use Vernier LabQuest scientific handhelds, soil temperature, pH and moisture sensors, soil core samples, and soil texture, plant tolerance and color charts. Length of Program:  Two required visits per participating class. First visit will be introductory, occur either inside or outside, with or without trailer, for a typical class period.  Second visit will follow program description, occur outside, with trailer and equipment for 1.5-2 hours.  For ease of programming, introductory visit should occur the day before the field visit. If school schedule allows, the program can be one day, 3 hours. Program Availability:  August 24 - November 25, 2009 and March 29 – June 11, 2010. Site Requirements:  Access to prairie ecosystem or grassland Cost:  None.  All equipment, teaching materials, and technology are provide free of charge. Full program description, learning objectives, Indiana Academic Standards for Science and Math and Excellence in Environmental Education - Guidelines for Learning (Pre K - 12) To schedule a program or receive more information, please contact Brooke Furge, Education Specialist. Top Prairie Ecosystem Investigation and Comparison Description:  Students investigate the concept of biodiversity by conducting scientific ecosystem investigations in two different environments.  Data collection and measurements for each ecosystem include:  date, time of day, weather conditions, wind speed, air temperature, soil temperature, water temperature, infiltration rates, soil sample, soil moisture, plant transect, and animal observations.  Different methods of data collection – scientific handhelds and sensors, personal observations, and experimentation – are used throughout.  Collected data is analyzed and conclusions drawn about overall biodiversity of the ecosystem. Length of Program:  Two required visits per participating class. First visit will be introductory, occur either inside or outside, with or without trailer, for a typical class period.  Second visit will follow program description, occur outside, with trailer and equipment for 1.5-2 hours.  For ease of programming, introductory visit should occur the day before the field visit. If school schedule allows, the program can be one day, 3 hours. Program Availability:  August 24 - November 25, 2009 and March 29 – June 11, 2010. Site Requirements:  Access to prairie ecosystem or grassland Cost:  None.  All equipment, teaching materials, and technology are provide free of charge. Full program description, learning objectives, Indiana Academic Standards for Science and Math and Excellence in Environmental Education - Guidelines for Learning (Pre K - 12) To schedule a program or receive more information, please contact Brooke Furge, Education Specialist. Top Plant Biodiversity and Photosynthesis Description:  Is there a correlation between prairie plant size and photosynthesis?  Students investigate this question through guided scientific inquiry, hypothesis formulation, experimentation and analysis of results.  Students identify prairie plants, measure plant height, leaf shape, leaf structure, stem structure, blooms, etc.  Using Vernier LabQuest handhelds and CO2 and O2 sensors, students measure the rate of CO2 and O2 during respiration and photosynthesis.   Students compile and share their results, formulate an answer to the question and draw conclusions. Length of Program:  Two required visits per participating class. First visit will be introductory, occur either inside or outside, with or without trailer, for a typical class period.  Second visit will follow program description, occur outside, with trailer and equipment for 1.5-2 hours.  For ease of programming, introductory visit should occur the day before the field visit. If school schedule allows, the program can be one day, 3 hours. Program Availability:  August 24 - November 25, 2009 and March 29 – June 11, 2010. Site Requirements:  Access to prairie ecosystem or grassland Cost:  None.  All equipment, teaching materials, and technology are provide free of charge.  Full program description, learning objectives, Indiana Academic Standards for Science and Math and Excellence in Environmental Education - Guidelines for Learning (Pre K - 12) To schedule a program or receive more information, please contact Brooke Furge, Education Specialist. Top Brooke Furge Education Specialist IUPUI Center for Earth and Environmental Science 723 West Michigan Street, SL 118 Indianapolis, IN  46202 bfurge@iupui.edu

We are pleased to announce that Veolia Water Indianapolis has made the lead philanthropic gift to this program. We have also received significant funding support from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, Eli Lilly and Company Foundation, Dow AgroSciences, Duke Energy, Hoover Family Foundation and Indianapolis Power & Light Company with proposals currently in review by additional foundations and corporations. For more information about the program and opportunities for program sponsorship, please contact us.

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Center for Earth and Environmental Science
 School of Science
 Indiana University~Purdue University, Indianapolis
 723 West Michigan Street, SL118
 Indianapolis, IN 46202
 www.cees.iupui.edu
 cees@iupui.edu