Field Trips
- Grade Level:
- High School: Ninth Grade through Twelfth Grade
- Subject:
- Science
The Great Smoky Mountains are known as the “Salamander Capital of the World!” Salamanders are an especially abundant and diverse group in the Great Smokies. There are 30 species of salamanders within the boundaries of the Park. Since salamanders breathe through their skin they are more susceptible to water and air pollution. During this study, high school students will work in groups to collect and record data in taking an inventory in monitoring many of the salamanders found in the park. The field trip packet includes pre, onsite, and post-visit activities.
Objective(s)
1) use the scientific method while studying biodiversity
2) describe the steps in scientific inquiry
3) learn the identifying characteristics between different species of salamanders
4) understand the biodiversity of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
5) recognize the threats to aquatic and terrestrial salamanders
6) explain why it is important to study animal populations
7) demonstrate the ability to collect and record data
8) demonstrate the ability to graph data
9) determine through inference and graphing the greatest predictor of salamander behavior between three variables
Materials
Last updated: October 8, 2015