Method 3: Answering Science Questions Using a Field Study.
Both younger and older students can ask science questions and answer
those questions by making observations outdoors. Environmental studies
are particularly good for this, but students can also find examples of
erosion, study rock layers and types, collect fossils, test soil, monitor
the weather and do many other geoscience projects outdoors.
As with all science projects, the student must first be clear about what
his or her science questions are. Some examples might be:
- What types of rocks are common in my area? Why is that?
- What type of soil is common in my area? What grows in this soil?
- What fossils are in my area, if any? Why is that?
- What effects does erosion by water have in my area? How do people
prevent that erosion?
- What is the average rainfall for my area for this month? How does
this compare to the annual average for this same time?
- What birds live in my local area during the winter? Why do these
birds choose this area?
- What is the water quality in my local stream/pond/lake? What affects
the water quality?
- What effect is ozone having on plants in my area? How can I tell?
Field studies usually involve a set method (protocol) for collecting
the data. For example, if a student decides to measure precipitation in
his area during the summer, he will need a rain gauge. The rain gauge
is a graduated container used to collect and measure precipitation. A
protocol for measuring precipitation will direct the student how to set
up the rain gauge, when and how to make measurements, and what information
to record in a notebook. The student will collect the observations over
time, and then calculate the daily average precipitation over that time.
He might also report the range of the amount of precipitation (most to
least).
There are a number of field studies run on a national level in which
students can participate as "citizen scientists." Following
protocols is particularly important if students are participating in national
studies. Some of the national programs in Citizen Science include the
U.S. Geological Survey's Did You Feel It? Earthquake, Breeding Bird and
Invasive Species Monitoring projects and NASA's Ozone Monitoring Gardens.
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