Using Plant Surveys to Study Biodiversity part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Paula Kalinosky Eastview High School Apple Valley, MN Based on an original activity from Bowling Green State University, "Joe's Jungle: Exploring Biodiversity". Online at http://www.ableweb.org/biologylabs/wp-content/uploads/volumes/vol-24/1-waggoner.pdf
This activity is a field investigation in which students conduct a plant survey of two study plots, analyze their findings through graphing and mathematic models, investigate the impact of human activity in the general area (optional) and generate questions for further investigation of the study plots.

Observational Skills: Observing and creating sketches of an outdoor environment part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Daryl ("Tish") Monjeau Bancroft Elementary School Mpls., MN
In this series of activities, students observe and sketch the environment outside their school using their senses. Students create a classroom book using one of their sketches.

Using Simpson's Reciprocal Index to Identify and Compare Habitat Biodiversity part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Joe Kissner
This activity is a field investigation where students will compare the biodiversity of two separate habitats based on the collection and identification of insects.

Stream Study: An Investigation of an Aquatic Ecosystem part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Robert Kaukola, GFW Middle School, Fairfax, MN, based on Rivers from the Bell Museum
This activity is a field study where students gather data on a stream based upon their protocol. They will correlate their data with another group and present their results to the class. They will develop and defend in class a new experimental question for a spring study.

2-Day Investigating Soil Samples: observing and identifying soils part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Debra Ose Northside Elementary Benson, Minnesota Originally created
This activity is designed for a primary classroom (outdoors & indoors) investigation where students collect and investigate soil samples and describe the soils, looking for similarities and differences. Students develop a method of recording the data colleted and can present the information gathered.

Habitat Loss Game part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Thane Lewis - Minneota High School Minneota MN
This role playing game allows students to explore the issue of habitat loss and its effects on animal populations.

Investigating Biodiversity in your schoolyard part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Todd Koenig Zimmerman High School 25900 4th Street West Zimmerman, MN 55398 Based on an original activity from Mike Link and the Audubon Center of the North Woods
In this field lab students will investigate the biodiversity around their school. Students will perform a biodiversity count using transect line. The students will develop multiple hypotheses relating to biodiversity and propose additional procedures for studying, collecting and testing these questions.

Water Quality part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Jennifer Krings, Ridgeway Community School, Houston, MN
This is a field investigation in which students test water quality in 2-3 areas using their own testable question.

Investigating Macroinvertebrates: How Clean is Our Lake? part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Joan McKinnon
This 3-part lesson begins with a field activity beside a lake or stream where students collect and identify macro invertebrates. During the second and third portions of the lesson, students conduct research to answer questions that they have regarding the macro invertebrates that they have identified and then based on the types of macro invertebrates found make a general determination of the cleanliness of the lake.

Macroinvertebrates and Indicators of Water Quality part of MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection:MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Kim Truchan, Winona Senior High based on the Macorinvertebrate Mayhem from Project Wet
This activity is a field investigation where students can go to a body of water and collect the macroinvertebrates there and identify them. Based on what they find, they can assess the water quality by determining the biotic index.