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| Grade 12 IB Biology collect samples. |
Grade 12 IB Biology students crept around Wild Duck Lake last week, careful not to disturb the dragonfly, mayfly and stonefly nymphs living amongst the wetlands. The students were observing the huge array of aquatic life in the lake as part of the practical work requirement of their IB Higher Level & Standard Level Biology courses in the Ecology topic. Under the supervision of the Grade 12 Biology teachers, students maneuvered around the lake, collecting samples and noting the abundance and distribution of the prolific wildlife which included water snails, worms, fish, water boatmen and mosquito larvae, among other organisms. While the students benefited from having the opportunity to develop their sampling skills, they also obtained data upon which to base research into the types of organisms so they could determine the ecosystem relationships within the lake.
"IB Biology Standard level students must engage in 40 hours of practical work, and Higher level students in 60 hours, or about 25% of the course work time" Jenny Pollock, the IB DP Coordinator and DP Biology teacher, explained. "The lake is proving to be an invaluable resource for our IB students, when they are required to spend such a significant portion of their course work in practical, hands-on and experiential learning."
The skills and research findings from WAB Lake provides the students with the necessary skills and knowledge for a major wetlands study which all Grade 12 IB Biology classes will be undertaking this term. In October, students will study a major wetland area outside of Beijing. The reports which students will write on this two-day ecosystem study will form part of their internal assessment.