Obsevation 3

A Drawing of our Ecosystem:                                             A Picture of our Ecosystem:

There are challenges and advantages to drawing a picture of our ecosystem compared to that of simply taking a picture of our ecosystem. One challenge that presents itself when drawing a picture of our ecosystem is that we cannot draw an exact replica of the ecosystem being that we cannot draw every single detail in the ecosystem and due to the fact that it is three-dimensional. For example, when we observe our ecosystem it is very difficult for us to notice the daphnia, therefore when we draw our picture it is even more difficult to draw the daphnia because of their size. Although it may be difficult to draw the ecosystem exactly how it is with every small detail, drawing a picture can also be advantageous with the fact of focusing on the big and noticeable details that are happening in our ecosystem. For instance, we were able to draw our four tall plants that had grown since our last observation. Another important advantage of drawing our ecosystem is that we have to act as scientists to be able to observe what has happened in our ecosystem in order to sketch it out to represent our actual ecosystem. This does not only help us to be able to accurately draw a representation of our ecosystem, but it helps us develop skills of observation. And by carefully observing and drawing the ecosystem, we as scientist will be able to, not only reflect on what has changed within the ecosystems, but to inquire about what might happen in later observations. Lastly, drawing a picture as opposed to taking a picture is advantageous, because it means carefully examining the ecosystem, which leads to developing process of skills in science.

Image 1                                                                                  Image 3

Image 2                        
                                                         

DATA:
-Daphnia: About 11 visible (1 large, the rest are very small)
-Elodea: More of the tips are withering and ones is darkening into a dark brown color.
  See Image 2
-More fiber-like strands are growing from the bottom of the Elodea.
-All of our seeds are budding (four are very tall.)
  See Image 3
-The top and middle portion of our ecosystem is very moist, which is evidence that condensation is occurring.
  See Image 3
-Water is clear with small pieces of plant residue floating
  See Image 2
-Snails, one is dead and the other looks unhealthy and lies at the bottom where the pebbles are.
-The soil has moved elevation, a result from the growth of the plant and its roots
-There is a more noticeable change in water level
 See Image 2
-Red (worm-like) strand growing from the Elodea
-Wick fibers looks as if they are withering and coming apart.