Site Credits
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Field Guide:
Watching and Recording
When to watch
When you decide which natural events you want to watch for, figure
out when to expect them to happen. It is important that you start
to watch for your event when the field guide tells you to expect
it to happen. For instance, if you decide to watch for the Creeping
Buttercup, the field guide tells you that it blooms between May
and September. Since we want to know when it FIRST blooms, you
should starting watching at the beginning of May. Watch every
day. This way, when you do see one, you will know that this is
the first time. This is important. Remember we want to see
the first time it happens, not the first time you see it.
Where to watch
Choose a place outside that you can go to everyday. A hundred
years ago, students walked to school along the same route every
day and were outside a lot so they got to see the same tree or
pond everyday and could easily observe it. It's harder to observe
things when you are speeding by them in a school bus or car -what
was that blur? oh it's gone. So try and make it a habit to visit
the same spot on foot every day.
Recording form
The recording form comes with the field guide. Take it outside
with you each time you watch so that you can write down what you
see or hear.
How to record your observations
When you see your event for the first time, fill in the date
you saw it, and place (location) you saw it on the recording form.
This is an observation.
Locations are where you see your natural events. The more information
you can give us the better. For instance, if you saw a Robin at
your grandmas house, tell us which street and town that it is
on because we don't know where your grandma lives. If you saw
the Robin at school, write down the name of the school and the
town it is in.
Stay safe while you watch
- Don't take any chances
- Stay out of the water
- Take a buddy with you
- Tell your parents, or some other adult, where you are going
and when you expect to return
- Carry a flashlight at night
- If you do get lost, don't wander. Wait for someone to come.
- Never pick or eat plants until you ask an adult. They may
be poisonous
These are the things to remember
- Choose a place to watch that you can easily visit everyday
- Start watching as soon as you can
- Keep watching everyday
- Write down what you see on your recording form
- Send in your report through this web site
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