Using the database

The Rocky Shores On-line Interactive Database allows students to contribute data and use data from schools to analyse for patterns of distribution.

The form for entering data is for class averages for the whole of the rocky shore.

Sample distribution diagram

Adding Data

1. Students collect data for three or more locations on the day of the field trip.
2. On returning to schools students should calculate the averages for their samples and record these on their data sheets.
3. Once all averages have been calculated data can be compiled into one table and record these on the class data sheet.
4. Class data can be uploaded onto the website ONLY by schools that have registered their program with the Marine Discovery Centre and require a password for entry. .
5. Schools should register and enter their password to gain access to the data entry form.
6. In completing the data form don't forget to choose which transect line was used and to select the appropriate date.
7. Once data has been entered it can be accessed by searching through the View Data section.
   Data is currently being collected for three transects at Barwon Heads.

Students can also make a comment on their data colection by posting a note describing their field trip making note of conditions on the day, any major observations, or reporting unusual events.)

View Data

Data collected by students can be viewed by first choosing the transect line of interest. The data available can then be accessed through:

• averaged data - an average of all data collected at the different sites
• search by school - allows individual schools to compare data obtained over time
• search by season - allowing changes from one time of the year to another to be observed'
• search by year - looking at long term changes in populations