Module 2 Observations
Resources
Additional activities, a behind-the-scenes gallery, recommended books, and more.
About this Guide
Real World Biology
If you watch enough nature documentaries you may start to think that animal field research only happens in remote regions, far from human activity. My first experience collecting and studying animals was on an old farm in the suburbs of Chicago. The farm was surrounded by new strip malls (it was the 1980s) and there was a small frog species that could only be found on the fallow, undeveloped land between the corn plots. The farm is long gone, but now 2000 miles away, Mark and I have our own old farmland that we are bringing back to life. I’ll never forget the first pacific tree frog we found, singing from a newly planted Douglas fir.
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.
Field Journals
Field Journals are not just about taking notes on location, you can “pre-load” them with maps, images, and information to enhance your experience in the field.
In the past two decades, journaling has had a resurgence, in both digital blog and print formats. Art journaling, using journals as a form of expression, has crossed paths with science field notes to produce beautiful pieces that have been displayed in gallery exhibits around the world. As a result, you can pick up many used books about nature journaling at most book stores.
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
Innovative maps show how we learn by tracking animals.
Interested in writing on a regular basis, possibly professionally? The "Pocket Muse" books are a great source of ideas.
