Course Outline 

Collections 

Introduction:
One of the goals of science is to classify information from the natural world so that we can understand it better. In astronomy there are planets, stars, galaxies, and dark matter. In chemistry there are acids and bases. In geology: rocks and minerals, igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, physical and chemical weathering, fossils, crystals, landforms, etc. In ecology, there are plants and animals, trees, shrubs, and grasses, coniferous and deciduous plants, annuals and perennials, monocots and dicots, canopy and forest floor organisms, predators, prey, scavengers, and producers. The list goes on.

In this assignment, you will be making a collection of objects (or photographs or sketches) related to your choice of topics from the list below. While making your collection, keep a journal or log explaining what each one is and where you got it. Once you have collected the objects, you will look closely at them to determine how they are related to each other. Objects will be labeled, grouped and explained. Futher directions for making the collection can be found in part 2 below.

It is my hope that you will choose a topic that interests you and that you can easily study from where you live. I expect that, if you are able, you will go outside. Take a hike. Take several. Collect objects as you walk. If your topic leads you to study something that is endangered, large, permanently fixed, or dangerous, take photos or make sketches. If you have an artistic bent, take photos or make sketches anyway. Keep a journal explaining each object that you find. You will find directions explaining exactly what is expected from this assignment below. Once you have decided what topic you will do, work your way through the assignments for that topic first. This will give you an idea about what Oregon has to offer and what some of the issues and background in that field are.

Safety Considerations: Watch this!

Assessment for this unit:

1. Appropriate completion of quizzes and activities related to chosen topic
2. Graded collection including:
   1. a journal or log
   2. 8-20 objects labeled, described, and grouped
   3. Written explanation for why grouping system was chosen

Part 2: When you have completed the topic assignments complete the Collection Assignment:

Directions:
This assignment will vary depending on the topic you choose. Here are the basic directions. Please communicate with me as you determine your topic so I can help.

1. You will make a collection that illustrates the diversity of the natural history of your topic.
   
2. Your collection will include at least eight and no more than 20 objects.
   
3. Your collection may be of the objects themselves, or it might be photographs or sketches showing features of the natural world.
   
4. Each item in your collection must be labeled explaining what it is (e.g. 'sedimentary rock' 'fossil redwood' 'Himalayan blackberry' 'erosion on a river bed' 'blood star' etc.) If you have any questions regarding the level of detail necessary for your collection, contact me.
   
5. Items in your collection must be grouped into at least two groups. Each group must have a paragraph explaining why the objects in that group are related. (e.g. 'Igneous Rocks' all rocks in this group were formed from molten rock….)
   
6. Your collection must be accompanied by a log (journal) explaining where you found each object, a written description of each object, and what it is.
   
7. You will need to submit your collection and journal to me. You might scan your collection, photograph and scan your collection, or mail your collection to me for grading.

Assessment for the Collections Assignment:
View a scoring guide (pdf).