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MHOK: Middle School

FIELD BIOLOGY (PHENOLOGY, ETHOGRAMS, SIGN READING)

"Never does Nature say one thing and wisdom another."--Juvenal, Satires

Welcome to MHOK's Middle School Field Biology Webpage

Direct and indirect observations of animals in natural settings includes, for example, the ability to draw up and maintain an ethogram (an objective description of specific behaviors), do field observations (observational methodology) and/or read signs—tracking. ​

All activities are learned and practiced through a year-long (32 weeks) experiential and applied science curriculum as part of a larger Eco-Village Curriculum. A typical lesson includes bi-weekly classroom learning, laboratory work (e.g. scat analysis), short-term outdoor (in school) field components, and field trips proper.

All units and lessons include direct and indirect means for observing or interpreting animal behavior. Most units require learning and utilization of practical math for specific ends. For example, tracks are measured (e.g. track, stride, straddle), these measurements are transferred to a spreadsheet, and then subjected to statistical analyses (e.g. Correlations, Chi-Squared, Circular—dispersion--statistics). All math is taught in the context of real-Life problems related to field biology.

Students also learn how to move surreptitiously and gracefully in nature (biomechanics) in order to optimize observations and further enjoyment. This is an opportunity for self-discovery and to develop keen natural awareness. This learning amounts to basic knowledge about anatomy and biomechanics which further their understanding about stalking and tracking more effectively.

All learning is tested and practiced while incorporating the following (MI) “intelligences”: Verbal, Mathematical, Kinesthetic, Intrapersonal, Inter-Personal, Spatial-Perceptual, and Naturalistic.



 

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