California State University, Fresno

Science and Mathematics Education Center

&

The Fresno Collaborative for Excellence in the Preparation of Teachers

is pleased to offer

Desert Ecology

June 5th- 7th, 10th -15th

 

Granite Mountain Research Station


 

This course will focus on the following 3 objectives:

1. Teach the basic knowledge of desert ecology.
2. Develop an inventory of birds, mammals, and reptiles for the GMRS.
3. Develop a research plan, set up data sheets, gather data, and analyze the data using very basic tools.

 

Participants will be encouraged to do real science, design a sampling scheme, understand the limitations imposed by the scheme, gather data, and do appropriate analysis of those data. We also want our data to contribute in a real way to the science being done at GMRS.


The things you do here will be directly applicable to your classroom! Lets do science not just read it!!

 

Registration:


1. To register for the FCC portion of the class (this is required) you can go to http://www.fresnocitycollege.com
2. Click on the new and returning student link and follow the directions to enroll.
3. After you have registered, you have to wait until the next day.
4. On the next day, simply go through the touch-tone registration process and enroll in: Desert Ecology course # 44001.


Cost for  2  FCC units: $22.00 

The registration form for the upper division units that will be offered from California State University, Fresno's Extended Education Office will be available at the SMEC/FCEPT office (SB 228) by the fourth week in May. 

Cost per unit: $40

Please contact Jaime Arvizu at jaimea@csufresno.edu for further information.

 

 

Course Description


June 5th-7th:

We will be meeting in the class each morning from 8:00 am until noon.
Class will be at FCC in room S-170 of the science building.

Lectures and activities each day will include:

Desert Ecology (Integrated science approach)
Designing a scientific sample scheme
Developing data formats
Gathering data


June 10th-14th:

Field days at GMRS just outside of Kelso Junction (near Baker) Each day participants will set traps, check traps, take and enter data. Participants will complete one 3 hour observation Various short trips to see local points of interest


June 15th:

We will be meeting in the class each morning- from 8:00am until noon. Class will be at FCC in room S-170 of the science building. Lectures and activities each day will include: Post processing of data Analysis of data Producing a travelogue for students

 


Instructors


Dr. Roger Luckenbauch:

Back by popular demand- many of you were lucky enough to interact with him on the Monterey trip. While he proved he knew a lot about the oceans- Desert ecology is his real field of expertise. He will be lecturing on Desert ecology and helping with the trapping and identification of the organisms.


Dr. Eric Linder:

Recognized nationally as a leading authority on experimental design and statistical analysis of data as well as GIS modeling. Dr. Linder will be teaching the experimental design aspect of the course as well as helping with statistical analysis.


Dr. Carl Johansson:

It's his job to make sure the class runs smoothly-He deals with the logistics of scheduling and feeding and organizing the group. Along the way he will help with the trapping and data gathering.

 


Location:

The Granite mountains in the eastern Mojave Desert at a fairly high elevation (about 3500-4000 ft.) The research station has been part of the UC system for over 50 years and has been protected in a pristine condition. Weather during June is typically quite comfortable with highs in the mid 80's and lows of about 60 degrees at night. Accommodations include a bunkhouse and dining hall with a fully stocked kitchen. Solar showers function very well.


Participation:

Unfortunately space is very limited. We can only accept the first 25 registered. If you are planning on coming along I would suggest that you enroll in the FCC portion of the class ASAP. If you need any information, please feel free to call me: Dr. Carl Johansson FCC Biology Dept. 442-8215 ext.8084 Home 434-1092 E-mail: carl.johansson@scccd.com