Time Schedule:
Thomas M Hinckley
ESRM 401
Seattle Campus
Examines the interaction between forests, environment, and growth at three locations in the Cascades, from lowlands to alpine. Field trips and associate observations are linked to classroom or group project activities and are used to understand a number of ecological, physiological, and meteorological concepts. Offered: Sp.
Class description
We will use a series of all day field trips to investigate the natural history of the PNW with an emphasis on the I-90 corridor. In this class, we will take advantage of a world class outdoor laboratory. Thursday class' field trips will be all day and on the following dates: April 11, April 25, and May 23. Interested in two additional credits (weekend field trip to the Methow), email hinckley@uw.edu. Saturday class' field trips will be all day and on the following dates: April 13, April 27, and May 25. Interested in two additional credits (weekend field trip to the Methow), email hinckley@uw.edu.
Student learning goals
Learn about the interaction between plants and the environment. Environment includes: Physical: Climate, geology, nutrients, soils, water Biological: Animals, diseases, insects and other plants, etc.
Be able to think at different scales (Washington State, I-90 from Seattle to Snoqualmie Pass, South Fork of the Snoqualmie, north vs. south side of a valley, next to the stream versus up slope 30 meters, etc.).
Be able to frame ideas in terms of gradients (environmental: temperature, elevation, light, moisture, etc.; spatial and temporal (night - day, summer-winter, etc.).
Learn a range of interpretative and measurement skills
Learn how to keep a good journal, be an outdoor detective, and enhance your ability to convey information about where you are to others.
General method of instruction
Place-base,hands-on.
Recommended preparation
Be in sufficient physical condition to hike to the top of West Tiger 3 from the Lake Tradition parking lot and back in 3 hours or less.
Class assignments and grading
There will be homework including two factsheets to prepare for each field trip. There will be a required course journal.
Attendance on the field trips: Yes or no (anyone no = -33/100 points) Factsheets (40%) Field Trip Homework (20%) Journals (40%)
