DESIGN A WALK
Fundamentals of
Science-Environmental Assignment
Kathy Wilson
Lowell High School
Contents
Introduction
Background Information
Design a Walk
Assessment
The purpose of this assignment is
to encourage the students to make a personal connection between their own
walking experience and their freshman science course, as well as, to promote an
appreciation for the world around them. Nature is a source of knowledge but
also can be used for personal growth and reflection.
Each student will be responsible
for a detailed description of his/her walk, a general map of the walk and a
record of relevant data. Journal entries can be in art form and need not be
corrected for errors. The purpose of this assignment is to foster insight and
appreciation for the natural world.
Student Population
Lowell High School is a large
urban high school with a diverse student population. This assignment is
flexible and could be adjusted according to the students involved. The emphasis
could be placed on the scientific data, the sensitivity to nature, or the
personal reflection encountered when performing the tasks involved with this
assignment.
I. Background
Information
A. Personal history of walking and outdoor experiences
(questionnaire)
1. Discussion of
student questionnaire
a. Review outdoor experiences
· What is nature?
· How are science courses related to nature?
· Evaluate the appreciation for nature.
2. Give an
example of an observation
a. What are descriptive adjectives?
3. Journal
writing
a. Purpose of personal writing
b. Explanation of different forms and styles
B.
Excerpts from Henry David Thoreau-(see bibliography)
1. Journal
entries
2. Field
notes
3. Maps
C.
Analysis of small space near Lowell High School-Lucy Larcum Park
1. Record
observations
2. Measure
assigned space-each student is measure a square meter and mark
the boundaries
3. Make a
map-what details must be included
II. Design a Walk
A.
Discuss and research personal spaces for walking
B.
Identify location and distance of walking area
1. Metric system
measurements *
2. Mapping
C.
Analysis of Walking Path
1. Speed
calculations for sauntering *
· Graphing speed (time and distance)
2. Terrain of path
· Soil analysis
*- Soil is a combination of broken
down rock and mineral matter, organic matter, air and water. What determines
the soil?-Refer to Chapter 9- Science Interactions
TEXTBOOK p.262 (see bibliography)
1. Weathering
2. Climate
3. Parent material
4. Topography
5. Life in the soil (organisms)
(A GSA color chart for soils may be obtained by calling
theGeological Society of America at (303-447-2020) A rock color
chart may be substituted for the soil chart. Forestry Supplies
incorporated at 1-800-647-5368 also supplies color charts. Grain
size charts may be obtained from these suppliers too)
· Grade/ slope
D.
Time and day of walk-Review the rotation of the Earth on its axis
1. Weather*- Chapter
1-EXPLORING EARTH'S WEATHER (see
bibliography)
a. Season-Review the rotation of the Earth
b. Climate
c. Day of year/ time of day
· The sky
- cloud formations
- star observations at night
2.
Observations-Use of Field Guides-(see bibliography)
a. Observations of plants
· Flora- flowering and non flowering plants
- Mushrooms
- Algae
- Lichens
- Spore plants
- Ferns
- Trees and shrubs
- Wildflowers
b. Observations of animals
· Invertebrates
- Insects
· Vertebrates
- Fish
- Amphibians
- Reptiles
- Birds
- Mammals
III. Assessment
A.
Recorded data
1. Accuracy of
Measurements
2. Detail of
Observations
3. Scientific Data
from Textbooks and Field Guides
B.
Journal Writing
1. Ability to express
personal feelings and observations
C.
Final Description of walk
1. Student presentation
2. Student written
report
*Included in Massachusetts
Department of Education Science and Technology Frameworks for ninth and tenth
grade students.
QUESTIONNAIRE--Outdoor
Experiences
Name_________________
1. Think about an outdoor
experience or a special place from your childhood where you felt in touch with
nature. Try to describe this experience in the space below.
( use the back if needed)
2. Why do you think this memory is
special to you?
3. Are you interested in nature?
What aspects of it are you curious about?
4. Have you ever studied nature in
your science classes? If so, describe what you enjoyed or didn't enjoy about
these classes.
5. Do you enjoy going for walks?
6. Is there a special place where
you like to walk? If so, describe the place where you walk.
7. Do you walk alone or with other
people?
8. Do you ever go on walks to
think about something that is on your mind?
9. Do you ever go on walks just to
look at the world around you?
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Alden, Peter and Brian Cassie et.al.
National Audobon Society Field Guide to New
England. New York: Alfred A Knoph, 1998.
Shepard, Odell, ed. The Heart
of Thoreau's Journals. New York: Dover, 1961.
Thoreau, Henry David. Walden
and Civil Disobedience. New York: Penguin Books, 1986.
TEXTBOOKS:
Science Interactions, Course 4, Glencoe McGraw Hill, New York:
1996.
Exploring Earth's Weather, Prentice Hall Science, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: 1993.