Sometimes its not easy to get to a field to carry out a practical using quadrats to estimate the number of plants present. This exercise has an A4 sheet covered in dots that represents the daisies in a field. Post-Its are then used to make mini-quadrats, and detailed instructions are provided to allow the pupils to carry out a class based exercise. The idea of random sampling, mean calculations and extrapolation to larger areas are all included.

Sometimes its not easy to get to a field to carry out a practical using quadrats and transects to investigate the distribution of plants in a transitional environment. This worksheet follows on from the ‘counting the daisies’ paper exercise. This worksheet has an A4 sheet covered in circles and triangles that represents two plants occupying a transitional environment. Post-Its are then used to make mini-quadrats, and detailed instructions are provided to allow the pupils to carry out a class based exercise. The idea of non-random sampling, mean calculations and kite diagrams to display the distribution data are included.