Foliage+Density+changes


 * DECK FLUFF are:**

**__
 * __Linda Edwards, Maia Heggie, Kathleen Mahoney,__** __**Christine Hatch


 * Key Question**: We will explore how the density of vegetation at 3 sites on Chandler's Pond effects the water quality, resulting in measurable differences in pH and phosphate concentration.


 * Hypothesis**: As the percentage of vegetation increases, we will find measurable differences in pH and in Phosphate concentration.

Site 1 had 80% foliage coverage of the shore. Site 2 had approximately 50% foliage coverage of the shore. Site 3 had less than 20% foliage coverage of the shore.
 * We collected water for sampling at three sites, and two different distances from shore.**


 * Original Data:**

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As foliage density decreased water temperature increased. (Future study: May include how does the lack of vegetation affect the water temperature at these sites?)
 * Results and Analysis
 * Water Temperature:

*****pH:** The pH level did not change significantly. All sites, but one, were at a neutral level indicating that there is a balance in water quality. The third site was 5.5, which on a pH scale is slightly acidic.

In site 1 and site 2, the phosphate level remained consistent at less than .05. At site 3, the levels measured at .05. If there is not enough phosphate, plant growth will be depressed. **
 * Phosphate:

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What a day for Foliage Density Testing: crystal blue skies with fluffy clouds floating like feathers blown out of a child's hand. Three test sites awaited our arrival to find if the Phosphate and pH. Levels have any affect on vegetation at three different sites. Once the sites were tested and data collected, it became clear that there is a need for additional studies that incorporate other content areas.
 * __FUTURE STUDIES__**

Using the previous data, students would go to the three tests sights during October in the afternoon. They would gather the data from each site and record accordingly. In Math class, the students would graph the data showing the following: time of day, month, weather conditions, air temperature from each site, and water temperature from each site, pH level, and Phosphate level.
 * GRAPHING:**

Once the students have graphed the data, they would write a compare and contrast paper. Using a Venn diagram, the students would record in the middle circle everything that was alike from their graph in a colored pen or pencil and in the outer circles everything that was different from their graph using a different colored pen or pencil. Using the different colored pencils will help the students further distinguish what is alike and what is different. Students will choose two pieces of data to compare and contrast. One paragraph will show how the data is alike and one paragraph will show how the data is different.
 * COMPARE/CONTRAST**

Utilizing our senses in an outdoor setting is not something familiar with our students. To familiarize students with each sense, begin in the classroom with various objects. Have six or seven different objects lined up on a table. Students should each complete a data collection sheet with the objects listed on one side and the senses listed across the top with the questions: What does it smell like? What does it taste like? What does it look like? What does it smell like? What does it sound like? Once this is complete, students will select one field site apply the same process used in the classroom. They will then draw their filed site, label it, and write an imagery paper that describes their field site that must incorporate the five senses. Students will also be required to tell where each part of their field site is located. This will require them to use prepositions. Ex: The tree that is tall as a giraffe is to the right of the square wooden sign that says, "Beware, Goose Poop!" media type="custom" key="4107573"
 * WHAT DO YOU SEE, HEAR, TASTE, TOUCH, SMELL?**
 * Constraints and Biases**
 * Time constrictions
 * Tech. Support
 * Test kits incomplete
 * Test directions incomplete
 * Chemical treatment may have impacted test results
 * Validity would probably increase if testing was repeated
 * Difficulty with the "wiki site"
 * More support on how to use software.