The public generally doesn't get a chance to "look behind" the research of scientists that they use to answer the questions they are asking. Science is hard work, and it takes time and determination.
This is an excellent article, Dorothy! I'm so glad that my youngest daughter participated in the Washington Middle School - Watershed Education program that recorded data spring and fall from Pattee Creek. As a parent volunteer, I learned a whole lot too!
I like that kids have opportunities like this to be part of scientific research. Do you know what sort of study the data was for? And I love that you learned from the experience as well!!
Here is a link to a story about the Washington School stream project. I know that they gathered information for many years, but I'm not sure that the project is still on-going.
Fascinating piece, Dorothy. That is dedication, year in and year out, but that's how invaluable knowledge is built. I dare say those folks start talking anole after awhile. What it must be to immerse oneself so deeply into another creature's life. I honor them.
Good question! I guess scientists "have to" be patient about figuring out how to proceed with their research; how to conduct the research; how to record the data; and how to analyze the data to figure out what it "means." or 'might mean.'
Thanks Wendy--and living here on Kaua'i, I see the anole lizards that are not native living in different habitats and appear to be evolving their appearance to fit into their new environments, so that members of the same species look quite different in different environments. It's fascinating!
This is an excellent article, Dorothy! I'm so glad that my youngest daughter participated in the Washington Middle School - Watershed Education program that recorded data spring and fall from Pattee Creek. As a parent volunteer, I learned a whole lot too!
I like that kids have opportunities like this to be part of scientific research. Do you know what sort of study the data was for? And I love that you learned from the experience as well!!
Here is a link to a story about the Washington School stream project. I know that they gathered information for many years, but I'm not sure that the project is still on-going.
https://nbcmontana.com/archive/washington-middle-schoolers-go-outdoors-for-a-science-lesson
Fascinating piece, Dorothy. That is dedication, year in and year out, but that's how invaluable knowledge is built. I dare say those folks start talking anole after awhile. What it must be to immerse oneself so deeply into another creature's life. I honor them.
Jon
Very, very interesting! Is it a conclusion that scientists are patient?
Good question! I guess scientists "have to" be patient about figuring out how to proceed with their research; how to conduct the research; how to record the data; and how to analyze the data to figure out what it "means." or 'might mean.'
What a fascinating topic of research, and for you to write a book about!
Thanks Wendy--and living here on Kaua'i, I see the anole lizards that are not native living in different habitats and appear to be evolving their appearance to fit into their new environments, so that members of the same species look quite different in different environments. It's fascinating!