Environmental Observations
Physics of the Mundane
Adam Johnston
Often we assume that science only exists in laboratories, where we manipulate things until they Ado@ science. With this tendency, we are apt to ignore the science that is Adoing@ all the time right in front of us.
Take a walk outside, and into the foothills, keeping in groups of two. (For the most part, we’ll all be in the same area, making our way towards and into Strongs Canyon or some other suitable destination/route.) During this walk, use your senses to observe the natural world around you, including everything above and below you as well.
Tasks:
| In your notebook or similar tool, note the physical/natural phenomena that you see, hear, smell, feel, etc. How many observations can you gather in a one hour walk? What makes a good observation? |
| As you make your observations, think about what you cannot observe and what questions you may naturally want to ask. Write these down as well. What makes a good question? |
| Finally, which of your questions can you answer as a scientist? Propose how you would conduct an experiment that you yourself could do to try to answer one or two of your questions. |
Remember that your observations, although mostly for your own personal enjoyment, could be the beginnings of a future research project; so you may end up answering some your questions in the weeks to come.