Measurable Student Learning Outcomes
1. (Knowledge Level) Identify common fungi, plants, animals, and biomes of the Southwest. (CSLO 2 & 3) 2. (Comprehension Level) Describe features of regional geography, geology, and communities with an emphasis on the Sonoran Desert and its subdivisions. (CSLO 2, 3 & 4) 3. (Analysis Level) Locate, describe, and characterize the terrestrial biomes in the Southwest, and exceptional features within biomes. (CSLO 2 & 3) 4. (Comprehension Level) Describe the climatic patterns and weather events common to the region and how they affect natural communities and people. (CSLO 1, 2, 3 & 4) 5. (Comprehension Level) Explain unique characteristics and ecological relationships of common fungi, plants, and animals in the Southwest. (CSLO 2, 3 & 4) 6. (Application Level) Demonstrate techniques for designing experiments, using scientific equipment, collecting and analyzing data, and objectively testing hypotheses, using the scientific method. (CSLO 2, 3 & 4) 7. (Analysis Level) Contrast adaptations of organisms in different biomes and different subdivisions of the Sonoran Desert. (CSLO 2, 3 & 4) 8. (Analysis Level) Discriminate between basic ecological terms, compare ecosystem complexity descriptors, and distinguish between species trophic and sociobiological concepts. (CSLO 2, 3 & 4) 9. (Analysis Level) Contrast quantitative and qualitative data collection and approaches to research. (CSLO 2, 3 & 4) 10. (Evaluation Level) Interpret numerical and graphical representations of ecological data. (CSLO 2, 3 & 4) 11. (Synthesis Level) Conduct an individual natural history experiment in the field to test a hypothesis and write a scientific paper describing the research. (CSLO 2, 3 & 4) 12. (Evaluation Level) Use ecological principles and understanding of the natural history of the region as a foundation to evaluate current issues in the Southwest including water availability, pollution, climate change, energy resources, border issues, invasive species, endangered species conservation, resource use on public lands, genetically modified crops, habitat change, and human population growth. (CSLO 1, 2, 3 & 4)