QUESTION
How can a scientist find out how many organisms live in area?

UNDERLYING CONCEPT
Scientists can learn a lot about an area by having a clear idea of how many and what kind of organisms live there. It's very difficult to literally count all of the organisms in a large area or zone so scientists use tools (such as quadrats), identification, and estimation as important keys in determining this answer.

SKILLS

• Using a grid
• Problem solving
• Categorizing
• Estimating

METHODS
Spread out a 12-bean soup and macaroni mixture on table. Students will use home-made quadrats to mark out a section. By categorizing and counting what is in the quadrat area they will estimate the number and variety of "organisms" on the table.

OBJECTIVES
Students will be able to:

• Categorize objects
• Estimate a number in an area
• Apply the grid principle to multiplication skills
  

TIME NEEDED
One 50 minute class period.

MATERIALS NEEDED

• 1 package of 12-Bean dry soup mix
• 1 package each of 2 or 3 varieties (and colors) of pasta (macaroni)
• small plastic bags (to hold one mixture for each group or team)
• wire coat hangars, each one shaped into a square ('quadrat')
• stiff paper or ruler to scoop mixture together for clean up
• Quadrat Craze Data Sheet (included in lesson plan--choose appropriate sheet for your grade)

Blank Data Sheets