On a wild and wet Wednesday 10th September , 80 sixth year biology students and their teachers headed off for the annual visit to Dublin Zoo, a highlight that all look forward to. Clipboards were found and the all important report booklet photocopied.
Ecology is a cornerstone of Leaving Cert Biology. Students appreciate the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in Dublin Zoo.
Working with Zoo staff, students investigate a woodland/grassland habitat.
Ecology is covered in Unit 1: Biology – The Study of Life with section 1.4 General Principles of Ecology and section 1.5 A Study of an Ecosystem being the two more important sections.
Students headed to the Education/ Discovery centre , they worked in the woodland adjacent to the Asian Elephant section.
Students collect, identify and describe animals and plants using specialist ecology equipment and conduct a qualitative and quantitative study in grassland/woodland habitats.
Students then record abiotic factors along a line transect and compile a comprehensive fieldwork report.
The weather took a welcome turn, the Sun came out as the fieldtrip concluded with lunch in the Meercat resturant and time to see some animal antics before returning back to school.
Thanks to Ms Kelly, Ms Ryan, Mr O’Connell, Ms O’Driscoll and Mr Delahunty for all the 'behind the scenes ' organising that contributed to the success of the fieldtrip.