BNR 161 B: Field and Natural History

Instructor: Mary Jane Hoff

Prerequisites: None

Material and skills covered:

The natural history of the college campus and surrounding area provides a setting for an introduction to plants and animals and the communities they live in. Forests with owls, streams with turtles and prairies with grasses are examples of communities surveyed. Nature literacy focuses our attention on the interactions of these creatures and their world. Identification and observation skills will be developed through written and oral discussions. Biological problem solving will be introduced through surveys of the college campus environment.

Methods used:

Nature walks

Field activities

Field trips

Videos

Guest speakers

Projects

Grade determined by:

Exams

Journals

Class participation

Projects

Attendance policy:

This will be determined the first few days of class.

Comments:

The outdoors is our classroom, so plan on being outside as much as possible. Since we are outside many times a week, it is important to have the appropriate clothing such as a raincoat and boots. Having or borrowing a warm winter coat, winter boots, and hat and gloves is essential for the cold days.