GROUP STUDY FOCUS: School yard butterfly populations
QUESTION: Will grouping butterfly plants together increase our butterfly sightings?
(how or why question that may be answered through scientific inquiry. Example: How do ozone levels in Boyle Heights vary during the time of day?)
HYPOTHESIS: Butterfly sightings will increase as we increase the density of their nectar source. Density= # of flower heads/area of planter box
(A testable statement that answers the above question AFTER the initial background information gathering and discussion between group members. Example: Late afternoon hours have the highest level of ozone during a day.)
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN:
Independent variable:
density of plant
The independent variable is the variable that the researcher manipulates or changes. For example for the ozone experiment, the independent variable is time.
Dependent variable:
number of butterflies
The dependent variable is the variable that is being measurred. For example, the dependent variable for the ozone example is the amount of ozone in parts per million.
Confounding variables:
1. Students sampling and observation methods.
2. Time of day when samples are collected.
These are variables which may confuse results if not considered and controlled - same sampling area, same sampling methods, same sample size, same observation methods. If procedures are followed closely, then most of these will be of no concern.
Equipment needed:
planter boxes, soil, nectar sources, field cage, net, outdoor clock, outdoor thermometer, wind anemometer, butterfly mobiles, video on endangered species "Don't Say Goodbye" National Geographic Association
Procedures:
We will study two areas (2 boxes of the same size, with the same soil in the same area of the yard) planted with a butterfly nectar source in bloom. One box will be planted densely, the other sparsely. Students will count flowerheads and butterfly touchdowns to determine if plant density makes a difference in attracting butterflies.
1st week: observe butterflies plant using nectar source of the same height
2nd week: discuss scientific process, view video, develop and practice field observation and sampling methods.
3rd week: conduct field study: students wil count how many butterflies touchdown on a flowerin 2 boxes for 1/2 hour intervals. 5 students per box, per class, will sit, watch, and count flower heads in a box and butterfly touchdowns in that box. Their count will be averaged. Students will rotate observation duty throughout a 5 day study.
4th week: The collectd data will be graphed and discussed. After a week the data will be compiled into 2 graphs:
1. Dense- # of flower heads
2. Sparse- # of flower heads
DATA GENERATION:
Sample size: the number of butterflies sighted in a 1/2 hour period
Number of samples: 5 samples/class
Unit of measurement: the number of butterfly touchdowns on flower heads
(ex. parts per thousand (ppt), parts per million (ppm), etc.)
Table and graph design: Draw representations below:
Butterflies In The City is a part of LAEP Learning Exchange.