Field Data Sheet Tool Copy

Engaging Questions

• How did light or time of day effect animal activity?

• Did weather conditions effect the number of animal species found?

• What would you like to survey in nature?

Teacher Goals

• This tool will facilitate the taking of field samples from a chosen plot of land.

Required Resources

• 
  

  Material List

  • [x10] lengths of string (2.5 meters in length)
  • [x25] pop-sickle sticks
  • GPS unit
  • compass
  • meter stick or tape measure
  • hand magnifying glass
  • 'Field Data Sheet Grid'
  • 'Field Data Survey Forms'
     

• Field Data Form

  Enter your collected data from each of the sixteen [x16] sample areas. 

  • Field Data Form

• Individual Specimen Count

  Use this when counting individual specimens of plants, and animals.

  • Individual Specimen Count

Steps

1. Consolidate Your Equipment

   Acquire the following:
        a] pop-sickle sticks [x25]
        b] string: 2.5 meters each[x10 lengths]
        c] GPS unit
        d] digital camera
        e] copy of the 'Field Data Sheet Grid'
    

2. Choosing The Site.

   Based on the individual activity's requirements, choose a plot of land.
    

3. Setting the Boundries of the Plot.

   Using your pop-sickle sticks and string mark off the appropriate plot area for study. The plot should be orientated on a north-south axis. Use the 'Field Data Sheet Grid' as a guide, run the string from corner-stick to corner-stick
    

4. Subdivide the Plot

   Once the plot is set, sub-divide it into sixteen[16] equal sections. To accomplish this, place a stick every 0.5 meters along the four border-stings you have already set. Now run the additional strings from stick to stick. The number of sections may vary on the needs of the activity.
   
   Use the accompanying grid map ['Field Data Sheet Grid'] as a visual aide.
    

   • Field Data Sheet Grid

5. Visual Evidence of the Plot

   Take a photograph of the plot facing north. If possible include the background land within the photo. This may be helpful when comparing plots in the same geographical area.
    

6. Location [Lat. & Long.] of the Plot.

   Using the GPS determine the location of the plot and record that data at the top of the 'Grid'.
    

7. Collect Data

   Based on the assigned activity's requirements, collect your data from each of the sixteen [16] areas within the plot. Additionally, record any observations for each grid onto your Field Data Sheet Grid.

Teacher Notes

• Chose any standard dicotomous key for each of the Kingdoms you want your students to survey.

• You may want your students to limit their survey to a single Kingdom, or Phylum. The Rubrics and Data Forms will still work with just slight modifications.

• I would instruct your students to choose a site which is very accessible. Tell them, for safety purposes, to avoid river banks which have over 45 degrees.

Learner Notes

• This TOOL was designed to help you obtain 'orderly' data from the 'field'
   

• 'Orderly' data can easily be compared with other students' data.
   

• By comparing your data with other students', you actually 'create' new data.
   

• The created 'New Data' will be the basis for an overall conclusion.
   

Mentor Notes

• As a parent you may enjoy getting involved in this activity. Talk with your student before the lab and plan out how they can 'orderly' accomplish their task.

• Chose any standard dicotomous key for each of the Kingdoms you want your child to survey.

• Instruct your to choose a site which is very accessible. Tell them, for safety purposes, to avoid river banks which have banks over 45 degrees.