Animals In a Grassland

This is a good activity to introduce learners to the variety of animal life found at a grassy study site and to acquaint them with some techniques used to collect samples of that life. Lawns and grassy areas support many types of small flying, hopping, and crawling animals. Unless they are hopping or flying, many of these critters go unnoticed because of their small size, camouflage, and tendency to stay near the ground. Initially learners try to collect animals without the aid of nets, but these attempts are usually fruitless. When sweep nets and pitfall traps are introduced as tools, the variety of organisms found can be astonishing. As an introduction to a study site and to sampling techniques, this activity can provide the stimulus for several other investigations in this or similar sites.

A second visit to the study site can be arranged, if possible, so that the learners can set the pitfall traps. This technique will usually produce a much wider variety of critters than they would find by using the sweep nets alone. There is also an opportunity to investigate the effectiveness of different baits in the traps and to see if some baits are more effective at attracting certain critters than other baits.

Learning Outcomes:

• The learners will develop techniques for sampling the animals in a grassy area.
• They will develop an appreciation for the variety of organisms in the study site.

Outdoor Biology Instructional Strategies (OBIS) is an outdoor program that offers young people fun and challenging opportunities to investigate ecological relationships in their local environment. OBIS was developed in the 1970s at the Lawrence Hall of Science to help adults (teachers, parents, community leaders) take young people outdoors to experience ecological principles in their local area. We have made several of the original 97 OBIS activities available digitally. These activities, which increase environmental awareness, can be used individually or in combination. These simple experiences then act as a gateway for children and adults to explore and understand their local environment.