Topics
- 2.1 The scientific method
- 2.2 Environmental research in the context of climate change
- 2.3 Collection of environmental data
- 2.4 Data collection techniques and data analysis
- 2.5 The use of technology in data collection and analysis
Time-frame
- Time-frame for block schedule [90 min class period] – 4 weeks/ 10 class periods
- Time-frame for regular schedule [45 -50 min class period] – 4 weeks/ 19 -20 class periods
Resources
(click on the links below)
- PowerPoint/ Lecture/Notes – 2.1 and 2.2
- PowerPoint/ Lecture/Notes – 2.3, 2.4 and 2.5
- Guided Notes – 2.1 and 2.2
- Guided Notes – 2.3, 2.4 and 2.5
- Bell Ringer
- Design an investigation/experiment
- Graphing and data analysis – Part 1
- Graphing and data analysis – Part 2
- Analyzing graphs – Practice/handout
- Identify variables
- Exploring biodiversity with Simpson’s index
- Puzzle Review Game
- Study Guide/Outline
- BUNDLE
- Make-Your-Own-Bundle
Daily Agenda and Resources
The agenda provided is structured for block schedules with 90-minute classes. For teachers working with 40–45-minute periods, I recommend dividing each lesson into two parts:
- Day 1: Deliver the lecture content.
- Day 2: Use the bell ringer and complete the activities.
This approach ensures full coverage of the material while maintaining the intended balance between direct instruction and active learning.
Note: All pacing suggestions are estimates. Adjust the time to accommodate for specific student needs and interests.
Day 1 Lesson
- 2.1 The scientific method
Objectives
- Identify variables
- Design investigations
Day 2 Lesson
- 2.1 The scientific method
Objectives
- Graphing data
- Analyzing graphs
Day 4 Lesson
- 2.2 Environmental research in the context of climate change
Objectives
- define the terms reliable and bias and explain their significance to environmental investigations
- using examples related to climate change, outline how historical data have developed
Day 5 Lesson
- 2.1 The scientific method
- Quiz
Objectives
- Lab activity – Day 2
Instructional Materials
Day 6 Lesson
- 2.3 Collection of environmental data
Objectives
- explain how random sampling and systematic sampling strategies aim to ensure samples are well distributed with a low risk of bias
Instructional Materials
Day 7 Lesson
- 2.4 Data collection techniques and data analysis
Objectives
- describe techniques used to collect sample data
- describe benefits and limitations of each sampling technique
- select and use a suitable sampling technique to collect environmental data
- calculate estimated population size using the Lincoln index
- estimate percentage cover and frequency using quadrat data
- estimate abundance using quadrat data
- 2.4 Data collection techniques and data analysis
- Review
Objectives
- calculate estimated biodiversity using the Simpson’s index of diversity
Day 9 Lesson
- 2.5 The use of technology in data collection and analysis
Objectives
- describe methods of data collection
that include the use of technology - describe what is meant by the term “big data”
- outline the benefits and limitations of the analysis of big data
Day 10 Lesson
- Test Day
Objectives
- Assess student’s mastery of the content
- Introduction to Unit#3 –students copy vocabulary words from the coursebook

