Urban Ecology
HON203 - Urban Ecology
In HON 203 students were asked to approach the urban through the lens of science, taking to the field of the city to explore how science has both shaped cities and how cities shape scientific practice. Students looked at trees, water, soil and air as the elements of the urban landscape around us. Students learn about research related to the ecological systems of Portland, and practice applying the scientific method by planning research projects that add to and critique our understandings of the city.
The lab assignment uses an arduino system to control an irrigation pump. Students were able to utilize multiple Arduino setups to compare different green roof irrigation strategies involving high, and low setpoints against “business as usual” ie. watering every three days vs no watering at all. Irrigation was applied to model green roof planters filled with green roof substrate (Phillips soil) and planted in Sedum Rupestre (Etera). Six pairs of students were assigned to either the high or low setpoint treatments and programmed their systems accordingly. Students reviewed literature on green roof plant species and irrigation needs in order to predict which strategy would be the most effective. Response variables to be considered include:
1) leaf succulence as an indicator of plant health
2) volume of irrigation runoff (mL)
The lab assignment uses an arduino system to control an irrigation pump. Students were able to utilize multiple Arduino setups to compare different green roof irrigation strategies involving high, and low setpoints against “business as usual” ie. watering every three days vs no watering at all. Irrigation was applied to model green roof planters filled with green roof substrate (Phillips soil) and planted in Sedum Rupestre (Etera). Six pairs of students were assigned to either the high or low setpoint treatments and programmed their systems accordingly. Students reviewed literature on green roof plant species and irrigation needs in order to predict which strategy would be the most effective. Response variables to be considered include:
1) leaf succulence as an indicator of plant health
2) volume of irrigation runoff (mL)
