Arboretum data analysis: For several years, ENVB 410 students have collected dat

Arboretum data analysis:
For several years, ENVB 410 students have collected data from more than 100 plots in the Morgan Arboretum and recorded it in a spreadsheet. The data describes the trees, soil, and other site variables. For this lab project, students will work in teams to add to the dataset. They will then work individually to describe and analyze the data, testing ecosystem ecology hypotheses of their choosing, and preparing a report of their findings. Instead of formal statistical tests, the hypothesis tests will be based on data visualization (Excel graphs created by the student and a PCA biplot prepared by the instruction).
During the first lab period that has been set aside for this project, students will create hypotheses and will be briefed about how to collect the data. During the second lab period, students will work in teams to collect data in the Morgan Arboretum. During the third and fourth lab period, students will receive refresher tutorials on data visualization in Excel and in interpreting univariate and multivariate data. During the fifth lab period, students will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive help as they finalize their reports. The report (800-1000 words and 3 graphs) will follow the standard format of scientific articles: introduction, methods, results, discussion.