Fieldwork Reproducing the phenomena you want to study in a laborator y using the scientific method can be ver y dif ficult, or even impossible. In these cases, it is necessar y to obser ve and collect data in the place where the phenomenon occurs. We call this fieldwork. In areas such as astronomy or ecology, experimentation is not possible. Research is based mainly on obser vation and analysis of the data collected . When carr ying out fieldwork it is ver y important to know exactly what steps you will follow, so you will need clear instructions. It is also essential to have a good map to find your way around the area , as well as maps of its topography, geology and vegetation . Various instruments or tools are used to collect the information that will help us to answer the research question . The field notebook allows us to record everything we observe during our research, and then study and analyse the results. Take a note of the place, date, weather at that time, characteristics of the relief, type of ecosystem, and the fauna and vegetation observed. For example, if we are researching the behaviour of an animal, in addition to the place and date, we should record aspects such as what it eats, what sounds it makes, when it sleeps, whether it behaves aggressively or not, etc. The freehand illustrations we make on site are an important part of the field notebook. These can include a drawing of the surroundings, a sketch of an animal or plant, or any other details. Some of the most commonly used instruments are the compass, GPS, magnifying glass, binoculars and the telescope. Photos and recordings, both in video and audio format, are also used . They provide information about objects, sounds, etc., and facilitate further analysis of what has been obser ved . • Field guides are also used in this type of research. Search for information and explain what they are used for. • Think of a natural environment close to where you live. For example, a forest, a beach, a park, etc. Explain what instruments you could take to collect data. Record your observations on a page of your field notebook. 13
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