Wildlife Scavenger Hunt

Background

Scientists use observation and deductive reasoning skills to learn about nature. Through observation, scientists can learn about character traits, identify relationships, understand behaviors, etc. With deductive reasoning, scientists can delve deeper into these findings by applying universal laws. For example, if one observes a track in the sand, we can deduce that an animal made that track, because tracks are almost always made by animals.

In this activity, student groups will be searching for a) strict observations, "Observations," and b) observations that were deduced through reasoning, "Evidence." This activity is especially good for the sand dunes because the dunes seem void of wildlife.

Procedure

Divide the students into groups. Each group receives a Wildlife Scavenger Hunt worksheet. (A first through second grade worksheet is available for younger students.)

Establish a well-defined boundary in which students must stay during the scavenger hunt. Once they find an item they are to describe it in detail on the worksheet. Younger students may draw what they find in the boxes provided. Be sure students label what they draw.

When engaged in this activity, caution children not to hurt any animals or damage their homes. They should not pull leaves, thorns, or anything off of a living plant (or animal).

Critical Thinking

Discuss with your students the concepts of making strict observations and of making conclusions through deductive reasoning. How do observations and conclusions through reasoning differ? How are they the same?

Adapted from Project Wild, by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the Western Regional Environmental Education Association.