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GENERAL EDUCATION OUTCOME ASSESSMENT PLAN, “COMMON ASSIGNMENT(S)”

This is the assignment that all professors teaching a section in the San Jacinto College Core Curriculum will agree upon, teach, assign, assess and document in Blackboard.

Course & Plan Information

Course Rubric/Number BIOL 1311 (Lecture) + BIOL 1111 (Lab)

Course Title General Botany

Component Area Biological Sciences

Outcomes assessed (per district-wide syllabus)

Communication Skills; Critical Thinking; Teamwork; Empirical/Quantitative

Effective Date Fall 2015

Summary (for faculty, expository explanation of assignment)

Students working in groups of 3 – 4 will complete 8 different tests on soil samples they provide; ph, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, humus content, percolation rates, soil typing + horizon settling. Group members will decide who will be assigned specific tests and then complete the testing during a scheduled laboratory period. Subsequent meetings of group members will provide time to communicate and share the Q/A results for each test, compute mathematical calculations and fill in the soil triangle for a completed project.Students will also score an evaluation sheet of the other team members in their group as part of the project.Each student will submit the completed project (total 8 Pages) on the linked Gen Ed project site on BlackBoard.

Parameters/Logistics (for faculty, specific parameters or logistics when implementing)

(Do not remove, standard for all courses) The assignment must be collected through an “Assignment” content item in Blackboard. Faculty electing to use Turnitin may do so, but students will need to submit the document twice: first to the Bb “Assignment” content item and second to Turnitin.

(Do not remove, standard for all courses) The assignment assesses an outcome included in the syllabus for the course; thus, all assignments should be included as a regular grade in the course. The assignment should not be considered optional, extra-credit, or a bonus activity.

Part 1 (for students, to be copy and pasted into the Blackboard Assignment item)

Assignment Title Soil Testing

Aligned Outcomes Communication Skills, Critical Thinking, Empirical & Quantitative Skills

Description Following the direction sheet provided, each of the 8 tests will be completed on a soil sample provided by the team. Each team will agree + assign their members specific tests to be completed in the lab time. The question/answer sheet provided will be filled in, math calculations completed and the soil triangle marked for typing. Communication (all parts; assigning tasks, reporting results)Critical Thinking ( Questions C + D; Tests 1 -6)Quantitative Skills (Test # 8 + marking soil triangle)

Notes (for faculty, do not include in Bb)

Each student submits the entire soil project packet individually at the Gen. Ed site on BlackBoard. A completed hard-copy may be submitted for easier grading by the group leader on behalf of the entire team to the instructor.

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Part 1 (for students, to be copy and pasted into the Blackboard Assignment item)

Assignment Title Soil Testing

Aligned Outcomes Teamwork Evaluation

Description Each student will complete the evaluation form (found at the end of the project packet) of their team members.

Notes (for faculty, do not include in Bb)

These evaluations will be anonymous and returned to the instructor in a sealed envelope on the Lab Test # 2 day.

GENERAL DIRECTIONS FOR GROUP SOIL TESTING PROJECT

Each table will work together as a team in completing this soil analysis project. Each table/team will agree on the assignments for each member (8 tests/8 report sheets). Each participant within the team will also evaluate the work of each of the other participants. The final report grade will be a portion of the 2nd lab test grade (value: 10 - 12 points)

dependent upon each individual’s evaluation score)

PREPARATION: Exchange phone, e-mail, contact information with each member of the team. Determine/designate the roles/testing/data collecting of each member of the team. 1 lab period will be identified as the testing day. All 8 tests (see testing handout) will be

completed on the specific soil sample. One of the members will be the supplier of the soil sample.

o 1 large gallon “zip-loc” bago Collect soil and dry thoroughlyo Remove any large debris material (sticks, rocks, leaves, etc.)

At least 1 follow-up meeting of the team should occur in order to coordinate the exchange of individual data and the production of the final report.

Each team member is responsible for completing his/her assigned duties. The individual evaluation scores will reflect the other team member’s interpretation of your participation/work performance.

FINAL REPORT The report form will be available on BlackBoard prior to the testing time frame. Keep raw data of each test result until the team/group completes all 8 tests. Complete the individual test question by utilizing outside sources (text, internet, laboratory

book sources, etc.). Attach the cover page indicating team members and assignments. The team “captain” should compile all results into a finished product and submit it to the

instructor on behalf of the whole team. Each individual team member will also collect and submit the SAME ENTIRE report on the

designated Gen. Ed. Outcomes BlackBoard site.

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Completion date will be Week # 10; in time to be added to Lab Test # 2. Individual evaluation scores will be submitted (AND remain anonymous) separately in a sealed

envelope to the instructor on the day of Lab Test # 2. The scoring will be:

o Each test (8) @ 1 pt each = 8 o 1 completed soil triangle = 1o Project submitted on time = 1

10 total+ avg of eval.form 0 – 2 pts

TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS = 10 -12 (calculated as a portion of lab test # 2)

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SOIL TESTING

1. SOIL pH TESTNote: (ACID = 0 TO JUST BELOW 7; NEUTRAL =7; BASIC = ABOVE 7 TO 14)

- Fill the small graduated cylinder (at station # 1) with 5 ml. of water.- Pour into one of the small, unlined plastic test tubes from the equipment box on the table.- Add 3 drops of the pH Indicator Solution.- Using the 0.5 g spatula, scoop/spoon 2 even measures of the soil sample into the test tube.- Cap and gently shake for 1 minute.- Allow the tube to stand undisturbed so that the soil particles will settle, leaving a layer of colored solution above the layer of settled soil. - Compare the color of the liquid layer to the colors of the pH Range Color Chart.

2. SOIL PHOSPHOROUS TEST (P)- Fill the small graduated cylinder (at station # 2) with 6 ml. of Phosphorous Extracting Solution.- Pour into one of the small, unlined plastic test tubes from the equipment box on the table.- Using the small 0.5 g spatula, scoop/spoon 2 even measures of the soil sample into the test tube.- Cap and gently shake for 1 minute.- Set the capped tube aside and allow the contents to settle, leaving a clear liquid layer above the settled soil.- Pipette the clear liquid from the first test tube to line 3 in a second plastic test tube (with lines).- Add 6 drops of the Phosphorous Indicator Reagent to the second test tube. Cap and shake to mix.- Add 1 Phosphorous Tablet to this test tube. Cap and shake until the tablet dissolves.- Match the color of the reaction to the colors printed on the Soil Phosphorous Color Chart.

3. SOIL NITROGEN TEST (N)- Fill the small graduated cylinder (at station # 3) with 7 ml. of Nitrogen Extracting Solution.- Pour into one of the small, unlined plastic test tubes from the equipment box on the table.- Using the 0.5 g spatula, scoop/spoon 2 even measures of the soil sample into the test tube.- Cap and shake gently for 1 minute.- Set the capped tube aside and allow the contents to stand undisturbed until the soil particles settle and the liquid above the soil becomes clear.- Pipette the clear liquid from the first test tube to line 3 of a second plastic test tube (with lines).- Using the 0.25 g spatula (at station # 3), scoop/spoon 2 even measures of the Nitrogen Indicator Powder into the second test tube.- Cap the tube and shake gently to mix.- Wait 3 minutes for the color to fully develop. Compare the test color with the Nitrogen Color Chart.

4. SOIL POTASSIUM TEST (K)- Fill the small graduated cylinder (at station # 4) with 8 ml. of Potassium Extracting Solution.- Pour into one of the small unlined plastic test tubes from the equipment box on the table.- Using the small 0.5 g spatula, scoop/spoon 2 even measures of your soil sample to the test tube.- Cap and gently shake for 1 minute.- Set the capped test tube aside and allow the tube to stand undisturbed until the soil particles settle out and the liquid layer above the soil becomes clear.- Pipette the clear liquid from the first test tube to line 5 of a second plastic test tube (with lines).- Add 1 Potassium Indicator Tablet to the second test tube. Cap and shake until the tablet dissolves. - Note the "before" color.- Carefully add 5 drops of Potassium Test Solution. Cap and shake well.- Compare the color in the test tube to the Potassium Color "after" Chart.- If the solution does not match the color chart, add 5 more drops of the Potassium Test Solution. - Cap and mix again.- Compare the color in the test tube to the Potassium Color "after" Chart.- Repeat this step if necessary.

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NOTE: (HIGH= 10 DROPS OR LESS MEDIUM= 15-20 DROPS LOW= MORE THAN 20 DROPS5. SOIL HUMUS TEST- Fill the small graduated cylinder (at station # 5) with 5 ml. of Humus Test Solution.- Pour into one of the small, unlined plastic test tubes from the equipment box on the table.- Using the small 0.5 g spatula, scoop/spoon 3 measures of your soil sample to the test tube.- Cap and shake for 1 minute.- Fold a piece of filter paper (at station # 5) to form a cone. Place the paper cone in the cylindrical, filtrate tube.- Slowly pour the entire sample from the first test tube into the filter paper cone. Wait until the sample has filtered through the paper down into the tube.- Compare the color of the solution in the filtrate tube to others and the chart below.

FILTRATE TUBE COLOR HUMUS LEVELPale Yellow Brown LowMedium Yellow Brown MediumDark Brown High

6. SOIL PERCENTAGES- Using the soil sample provided, scoop/spoon 1 even measure into the top of a set of sifting plates.- Shake vigorously for at least 5 minutes.- Shake the contents of each pan into a "weighing plate" and measure the weight of each at an available scale. (Don’t forget to subtract the weight of the weighing plate)- Calculate the masses of each pan and using the formula in the lab manual, calculate the percentages of the separate soil components.- Grid lines for the percentages on the large soil graph handout and identify the specific soil sample.

7. SOIL HORIZONS- Using a large mouth test tube from the equipment box on the table, scoop up enough soil sample to fill the tube 1/3 full.- Add enough tap water to the same test tube to fill 2/3 full.- Cap and shake vigorously until no soil is caked at the bottom of the test tube.- Place the test tube in the test tube rack and allow the contents of the tube to settle.- Wait a minimum of 15 minutes or until the liquid layer on the top is clear.- Examine the colors and depth of the soil layers at the bottom of the test tube.- Identify the contents of each layer, using the information in Chapter 24 of the lab manual.

8. SOIL PERCOLATION (TABLE SET-UP)- Plug 3 funnels with 1 cotton ball each.- Set each funnel into separate glass test tubes and place in a test tube rack.- Using the small glass cylinder in each soil container measure 1 level scoop of each sample (sand/silt/potting soil) and place in each of the funnels.- Measure 25 ml each of tap water into 3 separate graduated cylinders. - Carefully and simultaneously, pour the water in the center of the soil samples in each funnel.- Time exactly 15 minutes.- Measure the amount of liquid percolated in each test tube/soil type by pouring the content back into the graduated cylinders.

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FALL 2015GENERAL EDUCATION OUTCOMESGENERAL BOTANY (BIOL 1311/1111)

GROUP PROJECT

Submitted on ______________________________________________________

TEAM MEMBERS

ASSIGNMENT(recorder, soil provider, group

leader, timer, etc)TESTS

PERFORMED

Group Score _______________________________

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PROJECT ANALYSIS/QUESTIONS1. ph TEST:

A. What is the final color AND pH value/number of your soil sample?

_________________________________________________________________________

Is your soil sample? acid basic (alkaline) neutral (Circle one)

B. Are some pH samples better suited than others for plant growth? Explain why.

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

C. How would soil be treated to INCREASE soil pH?

_____________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

D. How would soil be treated to DECREASE soil pH?_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

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2. PHOSPHOROUS TEST

A. What final color developed in your soil sample?__________________________________________________________________________

Is the phosphorous level in your sample? High Medium Low Trace (Circle one)

B. Describe the role/need for phosphorous in plant anatomy and physiology.

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

C. How would soil be treated to improve the phosphorous content?_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

D. What do the 3 numbers on a fertilizer bag or bottle refer to? And how are they calculated?_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

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3. NITROGEN TEST

A. What final color developed in your soil sample? _________________________________________________________________________

Is the nitrogen level of your soil sample?

High Medium Low Trace (Circle one)

B. Describe the role/need for nitrogen in plant anatomy and physiology.

___________________________________________________________________________

C. How would soil be treated to improve the nitrogen content?_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________


_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

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4. POTASSIUM TEST

A. How many drops of Potassium Test Solution did it take to cause the color change? ____________

At what potassium level did the color change? High Medium Low (Circle one)

B. Describe the role/need for potassium in plant anatomy and physiology.__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

C. How would soil be treated to improve the potassium content?_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________


_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

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5. HUMUS TEST

A. What is the color of the solution in the filtrate tube?

____________________________________________________________________________

What level of humus is contained in your soil sample?

High Medium Low (Circle one)

B. Define/describe humus.__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

C. How would soil be treated to improve humus content?_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

D. Describe the process/needs/components of composting._____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

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6. PERCENTAGES

A. Indicate the recorded values (raw score weights AND percentages) for each of the 3 soil types in the soil sample sifted.

SAND ______ gr. = _______ %

SILT _______ gr. = _______ %

CLAY ______ gr = _______ %

B. Using the provided soil type triangle, mark the lines of each % to cross-triangulate a point.Attached marked soil triangle (yes or no) ___________________________

C.What specific soil type did the finished triangulation indicate?

_____________________________

D. What general soil type would be best to grow root crops in? WHY?_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

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7. HORIZONS

A. Identify the material floating on the top of the test tube AND the horizon it represents.

_________________________________________________________________________

B. Identify the soil components that have settled on the top of the lower/bottom deposit AND the horizon it represents.

_________________________________________________________________________

C. Identify the soil components that have settled on the bottom of the lower/bottom deposit AND the horizon it represents.

_________________________________________________________________________

D.Describe a possible procedure to calculate the Percentage (%) of only the bottom-most layer of answer C (without drying and sifting as in test # 6)

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

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8. PERCOLATION

A. Fill in the percolated volumes/contents of each tube AND circle the soil sample with the best percolation.

SAND __________ SILT ___________ POTTING SOIL ____________

Calculate the percolation rate for each of the above soil components. Indicate in ml/minute.

SAND ______________________

SILT ______________________

POTTING SOIL ______________________

B. Using the same results, which soil sample had the BEST water retention capability?

________________________________________________________________________

C.Propose 1 positive effect/result/adaptation AND 1 negative effect/result/adaptation of any generalized plant rooted in a soil with very good water retention.

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

D.Did any of the collected liquid look different from the original clear water sample? If so, what would explain any possible color changes?

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

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SOIL PERCENTAGES – SOIL TYPING

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TEAMWORK PEER EVALUATION

This peer evaluation is intended to assist your team members in honing their teamwork skills. In addition, the instructor will use this peer evaluation as one component in determining your and your peer’s contribution to the project.

Please select (circle or highlight) a rating for each component, and in the comment box provide specific examples of behaviors that support your evaluation. Make suggestions for improvement where it is needed (any “Low” ratings).

Team Member being Reviewed

SECTION: WORK ETHIC

Quality of Work

High Work could be used as a model for other students.

Medium Work had flaws but was useable and made a contribution to the team.

Low Work was either not usable or had to be redone/fixed by other team members.

Comments

Quantity of Work

High Completed more than one portion of work or helped others complete their work.

Medium Completed his/her share of work with minimal contributions to others.

Low Did not complete or fell behind on his/her work and caused issues for the team.

Comments

SECTION: CREATIVITY

Ideas and Inspiration

High Contributed many ideas or comments that helped shape outcome of the project.

Medium Contributed a few ideas to improve results or made some suggestions.

Low Rarely contributed individual ideas and mostly followed the lead/ideas of others.

Comments

SECTION: PROFESSIONALISM of 17

Integrity

High Followed through on his/her commitments in an honest, straightforward manner; attended to group discussions in a timely manner and/or was on time for group meetings.

Medium Met his/her commitments though perhaps not always on time or may have been unclear in communications; occasionally lagged in communications and/or was late for group meetings.

Low Had to be reminded to complete work or offered excuses regarding incomplete or late work; did not communicate effectively or missed group meetings.

Comments

Courtesy

High Was polite and respectful, and acted as a leader when needed/engaged in constructive discussion

Medium Was polite and respectful though perhaps somewhat passive.

Low Was, at times, unnecessarily argumentative or was rude or disrespectful in tone or manner

Comments

SECTION: SUMMARY

Overall

High I would be pleased to and would make an effort to work with this individual again.

Medium I would not mind working with this individual again.

Low I would rather not and would make an effort to avoid working with this individual again.

Comments

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