An Experimental Approach to Teaching the Concept of Functional Diversity.

<p>This study tested an experimental approach to use in teaching the concept of functional diversity. The project culminated in a laboratory exercise for use in high schools.</p><p>Experimental design consisted of representatives of three functional groups of plants, (legumes, grasses, and forbs), planted singly, and in two, or three species combinations. Legumes were represented by <em>Trifolium repens</em> and <em>Medicago lupulina</em>, grasses were represented by <em>Cynodon dactylon</em> <em>and Festuca rubra</em>, and forbs were represented by <em>Helianthus annus</em> and <em>Raphanus sativa</em>.</p><p>Plants were grown inside a controlled growth chamber. During the growth phase, measurements were taken to highlight temporal differences in development. After two months, wet and dry weights of aboveground and belowground portions were measured as indicators of productivity.</p><p>Research showed unique developmental patterns related to functional groups. Secondly, functional combination, not functional group number, produced a significant difference in biomass.</p><p>Laboratory use involves group discussion, active-learning, and higher understanding of conservation.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

MS (Master of Science)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - unrestricted

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year dc:date.issued

2002

Author dc:creator

• Stanley, Cory McKelvey

• High School Education
• Science Education
• Biological Diversity
• Functional Diversity
• Teaching Concepts
• Biology Education
• Biology
• Life Sciences

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright by the authors.

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/637

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dc.etsu.edu:etd-1794