Task 1 Appendix:  Sample Field Study Log Book


  Name ____________________________________     Class ____________________

  Partners __________________________________

                __________________________________

  Date  __________________

  Plot Location:
    Address: _______________________________________________________
    City: ____________________________ State: ________________________
    County: ____________________________ Watershed district: _____________________

   Latitude of Plot: ____________________       Longitude of Plot: ___________________

PHASE 1:

Directions:

  1. You will need to visit your site at THREE different times to make observations. Vary the time of your visits, since you may see different things at different times of the day. For example, you may want to visit in the morning, afternoon, early evening.
  2. Draw a map of the plot of land that you are studying. Draw it to scale on the graph paper provided in the logbook.  Designate directions N, E, W, S on your map before you begin. 
  3. Mark the location of all items, both living and nonliving, on the map. Create symbols for each and record those in a key for the map. Estimate the numbers of each living organism or the % coverage of non-living organisms.  (Example: 60% of the area is mowed grass with scattered cover and dandelion; 10% is a flower garden that includes day lilies, daisies, hosta, and impatiens; 5% is a sidewalk & driveway, there are 3 oak trees.)
  4. Complete the data tables on the next two pages as you study your area. Record all the living and non-living organisms that you see and note about any interactions observed.
  5. If you cannot identify an object or plant, make a diagram or a rubbing of the leaf on the blank pages in the logbook.
  6. COMPLETE A NEW TABLE EACH DAY YOU VISIT.  BE SURE TO LABEL IT WITH THE DATE AND TIME. ADD ALL OF THESE ITEMS TO THE MAP IN THE APPROPRIATE AREA.