Head outside for an intensive field study and learn how to map a site. Students are introduced to the techniques used by scientists in the field—how to select a site for study; and how to measure, mark, and map it. They then apply these concepts to an actual site, selected for a study of local biodiversity; teams measure, mark, and map individual plots and then combine their maps to create a map of the entire site. The educator's guide includes lesson plans and opportunities for meaningful assessment. Supporting resources include profiles of scientists working in the field.

		What Makes a Good Site for Field Study? Curriculum Materials for grades 6 through 10 Do you know what makes a site worthy of study? Find out how scientists at the museum determine which sites to examine. Then track down a great site in your neighborhood.
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		What Makes a Good Site for Field Study? Abridged Curriculum Materials for grades 6 through 10 You don't have to trek to a far-off jungle to make an interesting discovery. There's diverse wildlife waiting to be found in a nearby field or at your local wooded park.
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		Selecting a Site Article for grades 6 through 12 What should you think about before selecting a site to study? The answer depends on what you want to know. Get tips from working scientists about how to hone in on the perfect site for you.
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		Site Report Evidence and Analysis for grades 6 through 12 Not sure how to describe your field site? This one-page site report will help you note the important details, from area and average elevation to human-made and natural topography.
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		Profile: Helen Hays Article for grades 6 through 12 On her parents' advice, Helen Hays tried her hand at fieldwork during college before settling on it for her career. She's been doing it happily now for more than 50 years.
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		Profile: Eric Quinter Article for grades 6 through 12 Anyone who is patient and observant can make a contribution to entomology, according to Eric Quinter. So far, he's found 10 never-before-seen species of bamboo borer moths.
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		Profile: Eleanor Sterling Article for grades 6 through 12 No one knew anything about the aye-aye, the most endangered primate in the world and a highly unusual animal with no close relatives—until Eleanor Sterling decided to change that.
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