Advice--Managing+Studies+with+a+Large+Group


 * A teacher recently asked this question, and I hope that you can add your advice!**

If we put up two feeders, how likely is it that I could generate 12 different experiments such that the 12 lab groups (in one class) could all conduct their experiment without influencing their peers' experiments? I need to have it figured out so all 12 groups could go outside at the same time to collect data. Any suggestions of how other teachers have handled this?

My students collect a wide range of weather data from our WeatherBug station along with their bird data at our school feeders. Our Tally Sheet gives them space to record this data. After my students get some experience at our feeders I ask them to develop their study question. Obviously the study question must be answered using the kinds of data we are already collecting or they will need to design their own data collection method within the given time for the project. Often we have as many different experiments going on at the same time as we have numbers of students. Over the years my students have asked a variety of great study questions (see my web page for examples at: []) Last school year I began working with my 9th & 10th grade students to study bird behavior and developed some ethograms and tally sheets for them to use. When students write their conclusions they often recognize the limitations of collecting data when lots of other students are present at our bird blind. Sometimes the noise created by their classmates is a problem. I try to get my students out 10-12 times throughout the winter months before the report is due. This gives them enough data to work with as they learn the scientific process. More data would be better, and many of them discover this fact as they try to draw their conclusions at the end. Feel free to download, edit and use these sheets as needed. -Phil Tally Sheet Ethogram Tally Sheets Field Guide Practice