The five essentials for involving students in field science
Taking students into the field can be daunting. These five strategies will set you up for success.
Since 2000, EPI has involved more than 6,000 students in field science and data collection, amounting to more than 40,000 days in the field. Whether you’re monitoring whales in the Gulf of California or aspen trees in Montana, here are five things you should keep in mind for an experience that adds to the worlds’ knowledge and to your students’ education.
1. Be a scientist. Scientists don’t just show up and do field work; first they learn about the species and ecosystem, and come up with a tantalizing question to be answered. They’ve got a reason for collecting specific data, and you and your students should know it. One other thing about scientists: they love to ask questions. If you’re in the field with students you should ask—and encourage them to ask—a lot of questions that stimulate observation, creativity, and interest.
2. Take care of basic needs. Bring food: good food, and lots of it, water, and appropriate clothes (for the below-freezing morning, the mid-day sun and the afternoon rainstorm). Don’t forget the essentials like 1st aid kit, maps, and communication devices. Scout the location before taking students, and tell someone where the group’s going and when you’ll be back.
3. Practice and review. Before heading out, practice the data collection, use the data sheets, and dial in your teamwork. Everyone needs to know their role, how to do it, and how to communicate. When you’re practicing it’s hard to imagine all those field variables that our students become familiar with — animals that move, the dark of night, snorkeling underwater, hiking in wind, taking notes in the rain — that might be a part of a great field day anywhere! When you get back, review your data together. How’d it go? What did you forget? What was tough? What was amazing?
4. Analyze and present. OK, you’ve got the goods, now what are you going to do with them? Well, no one’s really interested in a bunch of numbers, so have your students tell the story. Find the patterns, seek meaning, and tell people about it.
5. Have fun and celebrate the work. No one likes boring science; that’s why we do field work. So when you’re out there, play games, jump in the water, act like a sea turtle, and appreciate the fact that you’re working alongside some great people to learn about the world—few pursuits can be more rewarding. Once you’re home, celebrate what you’ve accomplished, what you’ve learned, and the experiences you shared.
By Scott Pankratz, Executive Director