2. Lab Procedure

2.1 Nature walk

This first part of the lab is to get out outside and become familiar with using some identification resources.

Plan to be outside for 1-1.5 hours. We will be going for a walk near campus, stopping repeatedly to make observations, identify organisms, and talk as a group. Be prepared for the weather! If there is snow on the ground, you must come prepared to stand in the snow (i.e., wear winter boots!) and have warm enough clothes that you can be outside for the duration of the lab without getting too cold (i.e., wear a warm coat, head and hand coverings!).

1. In the lab: Discussion about safety and brief introduction to identification materials. Note: you will be provided with a species checklist and a list of tasks prior to going outside.

2. Head out for the nature walk! Bring your cellphone, lab notebook, pencil and appropriate resources.

a)  In the first 30 minutes, the group will stop for discussions regarding species identification, making observations and other discussions. Be ready to share your experiences with others and to get curious about who (i.e., non-human organisms!) we share areas near our campus with!

b) After approximately 30 minutes of walking together, you will split off into smaller groups and spend the next 45 minutes making observations and identifying organisms. Use the following guidelines when you are in your group:

i) Write in your lab notebook:

• • • • Weather conditions: Temperature, wind, cloud cover
      • Write a brief description of your site. For example: Deciduous stand with a paved path running east-west through it. A lot of understory, including fallen trees. Ground is wet with snow in shaded areas.

ii) Set a timer for 45 minutes and complete a survey of your site. Use the following guidelines to help you be as systematic as possible with your survey:

1. 1. 1. • Working in pairs, start in one “corner” and work your way around. When you are looking at trees, be sure to scan the whole tree (base to crown). At varying heights, you may see lichen, fungi, moss, or animals.
         • If you can, take pictures of organisms you can’t identify immediately and write down details that will help you with identification later.
         • Use identification materials, including iNaturalist! Write down the resources that you used to identify the organism.
         • Record all observed organisms, to whichever level you classify them to, in your species inventory. Don’t worry about how many individuals of the species you see.
         • Write observations as you make them – for example, do you always notice moss on one side of a tree? Are chickadees vocalizing consistently when in your area?

c) Return to the lab when the timer goes off.

2.2 Species List and Question Formation

1. Back in the lab, talk amongst your team to see which species were common and which were rarer (e.g., did everyone see dogwood). Go to the Google Form and select the species you were confident in your identification. Write the resources that you used in species identification.
2. Set a timer for 5 minutes and individually write as many questions based on your species list and observations as you can.
3. Go through your question list and decide which questions are proximate, ultimate and evolutionary history. It is ok if you don’t have one of each type!
4. Working in your pair, identify 1-2 question of each type that are close to being formatted as testable scientific questions.
5. Now in your team, share the questions that each pair came up with, decide on a final selection for each, and write a final draft to be submitted in your assignment (Google Form).

See the class website for your assignment!