BE A COLLECTOR!

Be a Scientist through Observation and Collecting

BE A COLLECTOR As a scientist, an important goal is to observe the world and to

document and organize your findings. Collecting things is a

wonderful way to do this. One way you can start a great

collection is with simple everyday found objects.

Once you create your collection you can add to it and refine it

and reorganize it based upon different categories. Organization

by differing categories is a basic tool that scientists use every day

to learn and discover new things about our world.

To be a good collector you will need some supplies to keep on

hand. These supplies will help you as you collect, analyze, and

document your collection. They can also help you to keep your

collection organized.

SUGGESTED SUPPLIES

Camera/video camera

Tweezers

Glue

Tape

Insect net

Magnifying glass

Notebook to collect and document your findings

Pencils

Ziploc bags

Envelopes

A variety of recycled boxes and jars with lids

Collecting Process STEP 1: Observe things that spark your interest.

STEP 2: Collect items that hold your attention.

IDEAS TO TRY

• Collect objects daily (i.e., walking to school or at recess) or at special

times (i.e., during a hike or during a trip)

Set a goal of the number of items that you want to collect each time.

For example, today I will collect 30 very small things.

STEP 3: Study your objects carefully

IDEAS TO TRY

• Make connections between the objects such as on size, shape, color,

weight, texture or pattern.

• Form comparison groupings such as natural and man-made or flexible

and rigid.

Add information about your objects in a notebook. Use information

such as description, location, time, date, and dimensions. Look

closely at one particular object and draw exactly what you see.

DO MORE

• Make a sculpture with some items from

your collection.

• Select an object or objects and create a

story of fiction about them. Think about if

your object is magical or describe what the

objects do when nobody is around.

• Create your own gallery or museum for

your collection. Create new ways to

display your objects.

Ideas for Your Collection

Rocks

Seashells

Pinecones

Seeds

Leaves

Butterflies

Insects

Mushrooms

Fossils

Animal bones

Flowers

Tips and Tricks Use a camera to take photos of anything living. Or, you can draw images

of what you are observing. You’ll need to be very observant and draw ex-

actly what you see.

You can dry flowers to preserve them, or draw different types of flowers in

your notebook.

When you find insects that have already died, you can collect them. But-

terflies can be mounted to foam board using pins.

Be sure to research the best way to preserve your finds.

EXPERT SCIENTIST As scientists learn about our world, they are

constantly looking for new ways to see the

same things.

Once you have your collection, can you

think about how to set up your collection in a

new and different way using only your imagination?

Think about how your collection will seem different by changing

how it is grouped or presented.

This is called a thought experiment and is a tool that serious

scientists rely upon often.

Make Changes Think about and write down 3 ways you can change or re-group your

collection.

Graphics Used in this pack were designed by the following graphic designers. They retain

the copyright for their own work. You may not reuse graphics in this pack for any reason.

These printable pages were designed by We Love Printables on behalf of

LittleBinsforLittleHands.com.