Field Investigations

By: Kristina Lyn Heitkamp

Taking a cue from notable scientists such as Charles Darwin and Jane Goodall, project-based learning in field investigations invites students to explore science outside the classroom. One way to inspire readers’ excitement and curiosity about science is to empower them with the tools to find real-world answers to big questions. A field investigation is a scientific research process that involves a systematic collection of data from the environment that contributes to a better understanding of science concepts in the natural world. Twelve hands-on projects with subjects correlate to the Next Generation Science Standards, including field investigations in physics, life sciences, and engineering design.