Lab 7 – Lichens and the Environment

The lichens and environment lab turns out to be one of the more complex and elaborate labs. The lab procedure had to be divided up into portions, since certain parts of the lab required materials to sit for thirty minutes. The teaching assistant first had the students begin the hands-on portion, and then once again he offered one of his bonus point opportunities. He had asked the students to read over this lab in the manual prior to class, and if they had, then the question asked would have been easy to answer. Again, the lesson of being prepared was pressed on the students, which seems to be becoming an important idea in this class.

With the bonus opportunity done, the lecture on the material was covered, and then next portion of lab was started. This section required a higher precaution for safety due to the use of heavy metal solutions. The teaching assistant and I ensured everyone wore gloves and goggles, and proper use of the heavy metal solutions was enacted. Between managing a divided lab procedure and enforcing safety, it was an impressive amount of experience for managing future classes.

At the end of this portion of the lab, students had to let their lichen sit for another thirty minutes. During this time, I led the students outside to survey lichen on trees, while the teaching assistant secured the classroom and made sure no one was staying behind. Outside we circled between groups, answering questions with the use of real examples in front of us. Seeing lichen in the class is one thing, but seeing it outside in the real world is definitely a better way to drive home the information and make sure it is remembered. The class was then taken back inside to analyze to lichen and answer any remaining questions.

All in all, this week’s lab was a time management experience lab. With the small amount of time available, it was important to divide up the lab to ensure the subject matter was covered and students left with a complete understanding. The only thing that could have improved this was to go over what pollutants could give off the heavy metals used in lab that would kill the lichen. This would complete the circle of information on how lichens interact and react with their environment.

The tools, materials, and heavy metal solutions used to test lichen absorbancy.

The different examples of lichen offered for viewing in the class.