Guide 2A Making Observations
Resources
Additional activities, a behind-the-scenes gallery, recommended books, and more.
About this Guide
A unique mind
With 7.9 billion people in the world, it is easy to wonder where individuals fit in. Understanding perception is a clue to the uniqueness of the mind: no two people have identical sensory organs or neural synapses. A distinct perspective can lead to explorations, descriptions, and explanations that truly change the world. This week you start to provide evidence of your unique organization of animals, biology, and science; hopefully the start to long-term science adventures.
Lesley
Additional Activities
Informal Education
Much of our education is concentrated in “formal” educational settings from pre-school through university. “Informal” educational experiences, including museums, zoos, and libraries, can be significant in science knowledge development and use. Informal educational settings have the advantage of going outside of traditional disciplines, weaving together science and culture.
The Hatfield Marine Center in Newport Oregon is affiliated with Oregon State University and has a strong educational mission.
Local Resources
We often sample in local conservation habitats (with permission). This is a pond on land that is managed for fishing. When we researched freshwater systems, many of the lakes, rivers, and ponds we studied were located on land managed by fishing and hunting groups. Many people do not realize the extent of land conservation efforts made by various organizations: it’s worth checking out what is available in your area.
On the Boardwalk
In case you are looking for a weekend adventure, many of the paths, trails, and boardwalks that are open for public use are maintained by volunteers. It is an excellent excuse to be outdoors with the opportunity to encounter wildlife and different people’s perspectives on land management.
Pond Stitches
If you find interesting organisms and want to remember the discovery; photograph, sketch, write about, or even stitch your experience to have a prompt to recall the event well into the future.
Involve the Family
One of the advantages of learning online is that many students share their coursework with family and friends. In the past few terms we have met people’s siblings, children, and especially family pets. Concepts can make more sense and skills can be improved when taught to others. Expand your successes to include the next generation of learners.
Unusual Pets
In established marine tanks (six months or more), urchins can eat algae and have fascinating behaviors.
There are a variety of sea urchin species in the pet trade and they can come from different oceans with dramatically different diets. Research your urchin online prior to purchase.
Many urchin species congregate together and touch each other for extended periods of time. Social behaviors are extensive in invertebrates, not just vertebrates, and are interesting to study.
Evidence that Uschi has his own understanding of the world: he likes venison.
A squirrel in a park in Bend, Oregon has figured out how to get bird seed out of the “squirrel-proof” feeder.
Behind-the-Scenes
Parrots get a touch-up
We have used many of the same classroom specimens and models for over 30 years. Occasional cleaning and paint repairs keep them looking like new.
Science is fun
Science is often thought of as just repetitive and a bit boring, but many people with “unusual” personalities are drawn to the opportunity to discover. Or to just have an excuse to buy animal stuff at Walmart.
Setting Up
Taking photos and videos at a local pond.
Family Business
Vladi is “assisting” and Tanji has been “posing” for videos on the exercise wheel.
Recommended Books
Trick your brain and learn how illusions work.
Our brain is amazing; explore its structures and capabilities.
Learn more about the unique characteristics of octopus species.
Build a Library
Whether its digital or print, collect resources that assist in exploring, describing, and explaining the natural world.
Making Observations Product Page
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Back to Observations
Module 2 overview
This Guide
2A: Making Observations