Creating a Local Fieldguide
suggested grade levels:7- 8
view Idaho achievement standards for this lesson

Objectives:
There Using the Digital Atlas of Idaho, students will:
1.Complete background research, as needed, to determine the list of local species.
2.Collect required information on each species to include in their fieldguide.
3.Work cooperatively with classmates to complete tasks.
4.Compile a fieldguide (or parts of a fieldguide) about their area in the specified format (booklet, PowerPoint, brochure, etc.). are images here.

Timeline:
Time spent on this project may vary depending on available time and requirements of project.

Exercise Outline:
Students will be required to collect species lists, and compile the desired names, images, maps, or information into the required fieldguide format.

I. Each student group should search through their group of species on the Digital Atlas to determine which species occur in their area. This will require looking at the distribution or range maps for each species.

II.   Once species lists are compiled the groups should decide how much information they wish to include for each species. They may wish to download images and maps by right clicking on them. They may wish to include some or all of the text provided on each species or they may choose to simply print an alphabetical list of the species in their area.

III.  Compiling data into guidebook format:
   a. Format will vary depending on instructor, but may include:
          1. cover page:
                  - pictorial clue to content area
                  - title
                  - authors
          2. title page
          3. table of contents
          4. information pages (with appropriate page numbering):
                  - written descriptions / data
                  - photos/ sketches/ tables
                  - maps
          5. glossary of terms
          6. reference section / acknowledgements
          7. index

Note: While all of the Digital Atlas of Idaho materials are available for educational purposes these materials are copyrighted and should not be used for duplication, non-educational, or profit use.

Enrichment Ideas:

• Students could make the paper the guidebook is printed on using handmade paper
  (using native materials) or  recycled paper.
• Students could create class sets of their fieldguides.
• Presenting fieldguides to elementary-age students or parents.
• Students could create their own visual keys to help with identification.
• Could create web site with guidebook material.
• Do Nature-writing / journal / poetry along with research
• Could include sound bytes / sounds into presentations

Related Lesson Topics:
Biology: Biology Topics