Activity #1
Biodiversity Counts!
Objectives:
After performing this activity, you will be able to:
1) define biodiversity operationally, and
2) describe the process of measuring biodiversity by using the given
formula in the table below.
Materials:
Biodiversity counts! datasheet
dried peas
rocks
pencils
habitat bags (plastic bag)
elbow macaroni
spiral macaroni
peanuts in shell
Procedure:
1. Prepare one "habitat” bag for each scientist team ahead of time by placing "species”
in a plastic ziplock baggie. "Species are peanuts, pasta, rocks, etc.
2. Each bag has a different combination of numbers of species. For example, one bag
has many of one species, one bag has a few of five to six species, and the other
bags have different combinations of species and numbers of individuals. The bag
with just one species should have many individuals to keep this team busy while
other teams are counting.
3. Write a number on each bag (community). Record your answer on the table
provided below​