Fields Of Science
NaturalistA person who studies nature and works to preserve it
EcologistEcologists study the environment like it's a big house, and all the living creatures in it are roommates.
Habitatsthe natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.
Environmentthe living and nonliving factors that surround an organism.
Northern Virginia EnvironmentsOcean
Bay River Lake Reserviors Stream, runs, creeks Wetlands & Marshes Watersheds Meadow Forest |
OrganismsLiving things; ie. animals and plants
BiologistA person who studies living organisims
EntomologistA person who studies entomology (the study of insects)
Chemistan expert in chemistry; a person engaged in chemical research or experiments
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BotanistA biologist specializing in the study of plants. phytologist, plant scientist. biologist, life scientist
HorticulturistThe planting and growing of a garden, orchard, or nursery;
the planting and growing of flowers, fruits, vegetables, or ornamental plants. 2. the science and art of planting and growing such plants. 
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Tools of the Trade
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Cells |
Microscope
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Here is Naturalist Code of Behavior that will provide an effective guide to aid children in nature:
1. When exploring outdoors, remember that you are visiting a habitat, the neighborhood of other living things. The proper attire for your visit, is long pants, closed shoes and socks, and a hat. And remember not to litter, especially in a water supply.
2. In forests and fields, stay on the trails and paths. Leave things as you find them, like rocks or pieces of rotting wood you have overturned.
3. Take pictures, make sketches and rubbings, and observe with a hand lens or magnifying glass, but do not collect.
4. When you encounter other living things, do not harm them in any way. Just observe them quietly and let them be.
5. Remember to enter in your nature journal the interesting things you saw, smelled, touched, heard, and felt emotionally during your exploration.
Excerpt From: http://www.childrensnatureguide.com/child-naturalist-code.html
1. When exploring outdoors, remember that you are visiting a habitat, the neighborhood of other living things. The proper attire for your visit, is long pants, closed shoes and socks, and a hat. And remember not to litter, especially in a water supply.
2. In forests and fields, stay on the trails and paths. Leave things as you find them, like rocks or pieces of rotting wood you have overturned.
3. Take pictures, make sketches and rubbings, and observe with a hand lens or magnifying glass, but do not collect.
4. When you encounter other living things, do not harm them in any way. Just observe them quietly and let them be.
5. Remember to enter in your nature journal the interesting things you saw, smelled, touched, heard, and felt emotionally during your exploration.
Excerpt From: http://www.childrensnatureguide.com/child-naturalist-code.html
Food Chains and Webs
Food chains all start with the sun.
The sun allows plants (producers) to make their own food through a process called photosynthesis.
Plants are consumed (eaten) by animals (consumers).
When plants and animals die, they are broken down into soil by decomposes.
The sun allows plants (producers) to make their own food through a process called photosynthesis.
Plants are consumed (eaten) by animals (consumers).
When plants and animals die, they are broken down into soil by decomposes.
Plants and Animals
Plants(noun) a living organism, that produces its own energy.
Examples of plants are: trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses, ferns, and mosses, typically growing in a permanent site, absorbing water and nutrients through its roots, leaves by photosynthesis using the green pigment chlorophyll. |
Animalsa living organism that feeds on organic matter, having specialized senses, organs and nervous system, and are able to respond rapidly to its environment.
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Plants
Vascular Plants
Plants with special tubes that carry water and nutrients up through the tissue of the plant. These plants grow tall and are well suited to live on land.
Trees, flowers, and ferns. |
Nonvascular Plants
Plants that lack special tubes to carry water and nutrients through the plant. These plants are not suited for life on land. Non-vascular land plants are small and and live in shaded areas. They live in or very near water in order to survive.
Mosses, algea, and worts |
Plant Cell
Plants can be classified as either a SEED producer or a SPORE producer.
Cell wall - the outer most part of the cell that is between the membrane and other cells. It remains even after the cell has died. Cell membrane- a thin flexible layer that separates the cell from its surroundings. It controls the movement of materials into and out of the cell. Cytoplasm - Jelly like watery substance inside the cell membrane. Surrounds all the cell parts. Nucleus - the part of the cell that contains all genetic material (DNA) of the cell. It is the brain of the cell and controls all activities including growth and reproduction. Chloroplast - The part of the cell that contains the green pigment - chlorophyll. This is where photosynthesis happens. Vacuole - the cell part that is the container for the cytoplasm. It holds water, food and cell waste. It takes up as much as 90% of the cell. Plants usually only have 1 large vacuole. |
Seed
a small object produced by a plant from which a new plant can grow
Deciduous Tree
having leaves that fall off every year
Parts of a Flower
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Spore
a cell made by some plants that is like a seed and can produce a new plant
Evergreen Tree
having leaves that remain green all year long
Petal: special flower leaf that attracts pollinators
Pistil: part of the flower that pollen sticks to Sepal: special leaves on the flower that protest it as it is growing Stamen: part of the flower that produces pollen Pollen: dust-like particles from the flower that are needed to produce seeds |
Plant Identification - Examples for making your own
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Animals
Consumers that are made of more than one cell. Animals move on their own, breath oxygen, and reproduce to make more of their own kind.
Animals have characteristics, behaviors and special traits that allow them to adapt to their environment. Animals are the most complex living organisms.
Animals have characteristics, behaviors and special traits that allow them to adapt to their environment. Animals are the most complex living organisms.
VertebratesVertebrates are animals that have a back bone
1. Mammals 2. Birds 3. reptiles 4. Amphibians 5. Fish |
InvertebratesInvertebrates are animals that have no bone structure
They may have an exoskeleton ( a hard outer shell) or are soft bodied |
Animal Cells
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Cell membrane
nucleus nuclear membrane vacuole cytoplasm |
Animal Classification
