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

IUPUI
School of Science
Department of Earth Sciences

Woodland Investigation Programs currently being offered in Woodland Investigation include: Woodland Soil Study Woodland Ecosystem Investigation and Comparison Tree Monitoring Bird Observations Woodland Soil Study Description:  Utilizing both technology interface and observation skills, students collect and analyze data to draw conclusions about the quality and type of woodland 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 forest or natural wooded area 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  Woodland 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 forest or natural wooded area 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  Tree Monitoring Description:  Students map and mark tree locations, collect scientific data and monitor changes in local woodland trees.  With tree monitoring tools used by researchers, students measure a tree’s height and diameter, map its location, and use personal observation skills to note changes in the surrounding environment – shade to sunlight ratio, height and location of understory vegetation, evidence of animals, etc.  Information is collected annually or biannually and compiled.  Changes to trees are monitored and conclusions drawn about overall ecosystem health. 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 natural wooded area or landscaping trees on school property 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  Bird Observations Description:  Using guided scientific inquiry, students explore and evaluate local bird habitat focusing on a bird’s requirements for food, water, shelter and space.  Students collect general weather data using Vernier LabQuest scientific handhelds, locate and identify local birds using binoculars, make personal observations about the local environment and analyze their surroundings against a given habitat criteria.  Findings are used to evaluate the local area and determine whether the habitat is suitable to support biologically diverse bird populations.  Students discuss their findings and suggest best management practices to further enhance suitability of their site. 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 woodland/prairie ecosystem, bird feeders, or other bird viewing space Cost:  None.  All scientific 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