Assignment

• (1) Field ID Apps 

  1. iNaturalist - Create an i-Naturalist account.  Download the  sample photos and upload to your account.  

     • Identify 10 or more specimens from Dr. Herr's photos.  Provide links to your profile,  observations  and  distribution map. 

     • Join this group for CSUN Grad students, and upload 3 or more of your own, unique images to the group. 

     • Describe how this app can be used to engage secondary school science students in science.  

  2. Rockd - download the Rockd App. Identify three natural (non-urban) locations you have visited and describe the geology.  Upload the GPS coordinates and geological information to the quickwrite. 

• (2) Contribute to field trip database - Contribute to the list of Southern California Field Trip sites for teaching/learning science. 

• (3) Create a field trip guide - Create a field trip guide for one of the locations of your choice as a Slide Show, with links to an interactive form/survey in which students collect and submit data from the field trip . 

  1. Sample Field Guide - Mount Wilson Observatory

     • Background Information (General Information about the field trip site)

     • Interactive Study Guide - Answer questions,  submit photos

  2. Things to include

     • Background Information

       • Description of site and its value in science education (see example above)

       • Maps of the relevant site indicating locations. Use MyMaps or other mapping resource to annotate places of interest.

       • Ten or more photos of the site, with explanations

     • Interactive study guide - form with questions that require students to collect information, upload photos, answer questions, etc.  Include images, gps coordinates and other relevant information. (see example above)

       • • If possible, use a field science resources such as

           • iNaturalist (plant and animal identification & distribution) - iNaturalist sample photos (to download)

           • Rockd (geology) 

• (4) Reflections on use with students- Describe how this activity was employed and its effectiveness.  

Value of Field Work

Field work in high school science classes offers invaluable opportunities for students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world contexts. It transforms abstract concepts into tangible experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of scientific principles. Through hands-on activities like collecting soil samples, observing wildlife, or measuring environmental variables, students not only hone their critical thinking and problem-solving skills but also develop a profound appreciation for the natural world. Field work encourages curiosity and instills a sense of wonder, motivating students to explore careers in science. Moreover, it promotes teamwork as students collaborate to gather data and draw conclusions. Overall, field work enhances scientific literacy by connecting theory to practice and nurturing a lifelong passion for exploration and discovery in the realm of science.