Sample graphs (note different scale on y-axis)
By following the scientific method steps, students will answer the question "when were more birds captured at the Creamer's Field Migration Station, spring or fall 1997?" Children will learn about the scientific study process.
Background
Scientists use specific steps to answer questions about our world. The steps are:
- Formulate a question
- Make a hypothesis and predictions
- Collect data
- Analyze data and make conclusions
- Describe the results and conclusions in a report or presentation
Materials
ABO bird capture data (appendix a4)
graph paper/pencils
- Begin the activity with a discussion about the scientific process and why it works well. Talk about how scientists can answer their questions using this method.
- Present the question they will try to answer with this activity: Does ABO capture more of the specific species in spring or fall?
- Each child should pick a bird from the possible seven and make their own prediction or hypothesis.
- More birds are captured in the spring than the fall.
- More birds are captured in the fall rather than spring.
- The same number of birds are captured in the spring and fall.
- Graph each species and make a conclusion based on your original question and hypothesis. The graph should have a title and labels on the axes.
- Write a report or make a presentation. Your report should answer these questions:
What was the question?
What was your prediction or hypothesis?
How did you analyze the data?
What did you find out?
What new questions do you have?
Also included in the report could be pictures of the bird species using the activity guide and general information about the bird from a field guide or the activity guide. Portions or all of this activity could be done in groups rather than by individuals.
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