Behavior+TA+Manual

Objectives: design a mini-study: going from observations, questions, then hypotheses, predictions, then collecting some data, organizing the data into graphs and presenting it to the class (same as their group project in miniature) Equipment: Lab manual Pen Stopwatch Overheads and pens Binoculars (may be needed by some groups, but we only have 4 pairs) Lab activity: Start out by giving an intro about behavioral ecology (this topic should have been covered in lecture already), discuss optimality theory (you can use the example in the lab manual about the squirrels and cookies) Next, assign each group 1-2 sampling methods to read and summarize to the rest of the class. Go around the room and have each group present. Finally discuss the activity: each group goes out in the field, observes a species of their choice (i.e. squirrel, duck, chickadee) on campus and conducts a mini-study on behavior. The best places to observe squirrels are around Nat Sci, and by the Beaumont Tower. Ducks are best observed in the upstream pool at the low head dam on the Red Cedar River behind the Administration building. Chickadees are found in the shrubs and trees by the water fountain behind Nat Sci. Remind them that you can compare male vs. female behavior so that they can actually study 2 different populations. Each group needs: lab manual, pen or pencil and stopwatch. Binoculars may be helpful for groups observing chickadees. We only have 4 pairs, so there is not enough for each group. Before you send your students outside, make sure you know: 1. What organism they are observing and 2. Where they plan to collect data. When your groups are collecting data, make sure to visit each group at least one time to see if they have questions, and that they are staying on task. Each group observes their organism for 15-20 minutes and uses the Ethogram sampling method to record all behaviors. From that data they need to develop a hypothesis and predictions about the behavior of their organism. In the next 20-30 min they will use one or two of the data collection methods in the lab manual to gather data on the specific behavior to test the hypothesis. After 30min, have everyone meet back in the classroom.
 * Lab 3: Behavior:**

Back in lab, each group needs to analyze their data. The best way to do this is to have them graph their prediction vs. their actual results and or use means, std deviations and variance to summarize their results. Presentations: 2-4 minutes is sufficient to discuss their mini projects. Each group member needs to contribute. They can each take a section or two to discuss in front of the class. This is how their final group presentation will be set up at the end of the semester, so this activity will help them to get more comfortable talking in front of their peers. For the presentations you will need overhead sheets and overhead pens. Problems are usually: - finding relevant questions that can be answered in 30 minutes - going from the question to the hypothesis and then the actual predictions - representing the data in an appropriate way --- Grading for the activity: 10 pts overall 2 points- data and calculation sheet 5 points- presentation sheet including questions, hypotheses, predictions, methods, results, conclusions and what they would do next time 2 points- presentation 1 point- overall quality of assignment -