Be a Field Biologist!
Be a Field Biologist!
Biologists -- scientists who study living organisms -- are constantly learning new things about out environment. You can help them, by picking an area in your neighborhood (a park, a field, or vacant lot) and becoming the world's greatest authority on that particular place. Begin by giving it a great name, if it doesn't already have one. Next, make a map. To see some simple map symbols, click here. Draw in all the natural features (trees, creeks, hills and rock outcroppings) along with some of the man-made ones.
Keep a record. One of the most important things a scientist does is to make repeated experiments and keep a careful record of the results. For instance, you could do a study of the birds in your area. With a compass in one hand and a pen in the other, sit quietly in your study area and watch the flight-lines of passing birds for exactly one-half hour. Using a field guidebook, do your best to identify the species. After noting the date, time, temperature, and weather conditions of this particular observation, write down the direction they're flying, and keep notes on their behavior in your study area. Are they singing? Chasing after one another? Foraging for food? Once you have this info, the important thing is to repeat this same experiment at other times throughout the year. When you've collected a year's worth of data, you might want to contact your local Parks Department or Audubon Society. Chances are, someone will be interested in all your hard work. You can do these kinds of experiments observing plants, insects, or woodland mammals (squirrels, chipmunks, etc.). You can even observe the behavior of the humans who share this piece of ground.
You could become the world's greatest expert on your particular study spot. Someday, someone may want to build a brand new mall in your study area. Your research might be invaluable in helping people to make the best possible decisions. If you enjoy this kind of research, there are many exciting jobs -- studying toucans in the Amazon Basin or polar bears in arctic Alaska -- that could take you all over the world!
Get in touch with the National Geographic Society, the National Audubon Society or your local department of Fish and Game.
Our question: Have you ever studied the biology of your backyard? If you have, please let us know! and win a free Kid's Life newsletter!
The book has a lot of other stuff about interesting experiments you can do by yourself or with friends.
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