database

Database

The Temperate Rainforest
(a database)

Floor

Canopy

Understory

The database is the result of a group project by Jay Brown, Jim Tate, and me. The topic of the Rainforest was chosen for our database with the thinking that there are many interdependancies within the biome of the Rainforest. We chose to focus on the Temperate Rainforest which can be found in the Pacific Northwest; many students would probably be surprised to find that there is a rainforest within the continental United States.

When beginning our database, we realized that the topic of "rainforest" was vague -- there is so much information that it would be nearly impossible to construct a full database on all the plants, trees, animals and organisms found in the rainforest. We chose to focus on plants. We each chose a level of the rainforest and researched a number of plants for the database, including information such as scientific name, location and miscellaneous information or interesting facts about that plant. We included a picture database as well.

Some things I would consider when using a database mindtool with students would be time as well as familiarity with databases in general. Since I wasn't that familiar with Access, I felt as though I spent too much time working out the setup of the database. In using this with a class, I would perhaps have a mini-lesson about constructing a basic database. When collecting the information, as a teacher it would be important to allow plenty of time for this portion of the lesson, as well as time for the students to analyze and then reflect on the information collected.

Using the Temperate Rainforest Database in the Classroom

By using the Temperate Rainforest databases, students can analyze the plants' relationships and interdependencies. Students can select plants from each level of the rainforest that rely on each other. Using Powerpoint, students can create a presentation that describes the plants' interdependcies. Students would be required to use pictures found in the database in the presentation. Students would need to explain the importance of the plant and it's place in the rainforest. Reflection questions can include: 1)What would happen to rainforest lifeif a plant was removed from the rainforest? 2) How does this affect the students' opinion on endangered wildlife and the preservation of rainforests?

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