VI. Instructor's Guide

Sample Laboratory Exercise Handout -
Comparison of Species Importance Values on two Different Landscape Positions

Outcomes

Students will learn how to calculate species importance values from forest tree inventory data. They will also learn to calculate basal area, and manipulate data in a spreadsheet.

Time Requirements

The length depends upon the size, number, and distribution of plots used to collect the inventory data. If students are somewhat proficient with tree identification, 0.025 acre plots can be inventoried in 30 minutes or less.

Pre-Lab Tasks

Select sites for students to inventory and determine the desired spacing between plots. Obtain a map of the area (if one is available), and determine a plot layout that will give a representative sampling of the area.

If time is limited, the class can collectively inventory one large plot and calculate Importance Values for the plot based only upon stem density and basal area.

Equipment

Diameter tape (While dbh tapes are quite easy to use, if you do not have any available dbh can be measured as circumference using a regular measuring tape. Divide by Pi to obtain diameter from circumference)

If the students will be conducting an exercise similar to the sample exercise included with the lab they will also need:

map,
compass,
engineer's tape for plot radius
Pin or stake to mark plot center
clip board
pin flags to mark the boundary of the circular plots

Materials

• no special materials

Reagents and Chemicals

none

Safety Requirements