teachingissuesandexperimentsinecology.docVIP

EXPERIMENT: Environmental Correlates of Leaf Stomata Density. Bruce W. Grant and Itzick Vatnick Biology, Widener University, Chester PA, 19013, grant@, vatnick@ ABSTRACT: In this three week lab, students use the technique of making clear nail polish impressions of leaf stomata to generate and test an hypothesis of their choice about how leaf stomata density might vary under different environmental conditions. First, students learn how stomata density affects leaf carbon, water, heat budgets, and photosynthesis. Then, students design their own study to compare stomata density among leaves that differ in biophysical environment on their campuses. Over the next two weeks, students collect and analyze their data (graphs and t-tests), and present their results in an in-class symposium. What Happens: In this three week lab, students use the technique of making clear nail polish impressions of leaf stomata to generate and test an hypothesis of their choice about how leaf stomata density might vary under different environmental conditions. First, students learn how stomata density affects leaf carbon, water, heat budgets, and photosynthesis. Then, students design their own study to compare stomata density among leaves that differ in biophysical environment on their campuses. Over the next two weeks, students collect and analyze their data (graphs and t-tests), and present their results in an in-class symposium. ______________________________________________________________ Lab Objectives: At the conclusion of this multiweek lab, students will: 1. students will have a basic understanding of structure and function of leaf stomata as well as the role of stomata in regulating gas and heat exchange in vascular plants, 2. Students will have actually done science - they will have generated a testable hypotheses, collected data, analyzed data, tested their hypothesis, and they will have reported their research results