be a collector! - little bins for little hands · camera/video camera tweezers glue tape insect net...
TRANSCRIPT
BE A COLLECTOR!
Be a Scientist through Observation and Collecting
BE A COLLECTOR As a scientist, an important goal is to observe the world and to
document and organize your findings. Collecting things is a
wonderful way to do this. One way you can start a great
collection is with simple everyday found objects.
Once you create your collection you can add to it and refine it
and reorganize it based upon different categories. Organization
by differing categories is a basic tool that scientists use every day
to learn and discover new things about our world.
To be a good collector you will need some supplies to keep on
hand. These supplies will help you as you collect, analyze, and
document your collection. They can also help you to keep your
collection organized.
SUGGESTED SUPPLIES
Camera/video camera
Tweezers
Glue
Tape
Insect net
Magnifying glass
Notebook to collect and document your findings
Pencils
Ziploc bags
Envelopes
A variety of recycled boxes and jars with lids
Collecting Process STEP 1: Observe things that spark your interest.
STEP 2: Collect items that hold your attention.
IDEAS TO TRY
• Collect objects daily (i.e., walking to school or at recess) or at special
times (i.e., during a hike or during a trip)
Set a goal of the number of items that you want to collect each time.
For example, today I will collect 30 very small things.
STEP 3: Study your objects carefully
IDEAS TO TRY
• Make connections between the objects such as on size, shape, color,
weight, texture or pattern.
• Form comparison groupings such as natural and man-made or flexible
and rigid.
Add information about your objects in a notebook. Use information
such as description, location, time, date, and dimensions. Look
closely at one particular object and draw exactly what you see.
DO MORE
• Make a sculpture with some items from
your collection.
• Select an object or objects and create a
story of fiction about them. Think about if
your object is magical or describe what the
objects do when nobody is around.
• Create your own gallery or museum for
your collection. Create new ways to
display your objects.
Ideas for Your Collection
Rocks
Seashells
Pinecones
Seeds
Leaves
Butterflies
Insects
Mushrooms
Fossils
Animal bones
Flowers
Tips and Tricks Use a camera to take photos of anything living. Or, you can draw images
of what you are observing. You’ll need to be very observant and draw ex-
actly what you see.
You can dry flowers to preserve them, or draw different types of flowers in
your notebook.
When you find insects that have already died, you can collect them. But-
terflies can be mounted to foam board using pins.
Be sure to research the best way to preserve your finds.
EXPERT SCIENTIST As scientists learn about our world, they are
constantly looking for new ways to see the
same things.
Once you have your collection, can you
think about how to set up your collection in a
new and different way using only your imagination?
Think about how your collection will seem different by changing
how it is grouped or presented.
This is called a thought experiment and is a tool that serious
scientists rely upon often.
Make Changes Think about and write down 3 ways you can change or re-group your
collection.
Graphics Used in this pack were designed by the following graphic designers. They retain
the copyright for their own work. You may not reuse graphics in this pack for any reason.
These printable pages were designed by We Love Printables on behalf of
LittleBinsforLittleHands.com.