A journal is an important tool that scientists use to record their field observations and lab data. They record information in a variety of ways: as illustrations, data tables, or written descriptions.

In this exhibition, students can keep their own field journals to record what they observe about live animals. They can use a composition book, a clipboard, or copies of Be an Exhibition Explorer (PDF 60kb). Back in the classroom, the recorded data will be a great springboard for further discussion and/or research.

Below are three strategies for using field journals in the exhibition. Please note that animals in captivity do not always behave like ones in the wild, so students won't be able to see all of their characteristic behavior.

1. WHAT DO SQUAMATES LOOK LIKE?
Ask students to observe one or more squamates in detail and record their morphological observations, such as color, body size, body type, and limb shape, and to note environmental conditions. How students think these traits are adapted to the places in which the animals live? Journal entries can conclude with questions derived from students' observations. The class can explore these questions further in a follow-up activity.

2. WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION?
Ask students to record morphological observations of one or more squamates, and to read the supporting exhibition text. What connections between structure and function can students extrapolate from this data? For example, chameleons have toes that are fused into two pads, enabling them to grip branches, even very thin ones.

3. HOW MANY DIFFERENT SPECIES ARE THERE?
One question scientists ask in the field is how many species are present in a particular location. Have students pick an enclosure that contains several animals (e.g. geckos) and hypothesize how many different species are inside. Ask them to draw each species' color and patterns, record its location (up on a tree? on the ground?), and document its behavior (moving around? staying still?). Then ask students to use their notes to estimate the number of species.