Prior to the lesson, students should be instructed in identifying and classifying guilds - shrubs, trees, rocks, grasses, forbs and soil. Older students should also be instructed in the use of a compass. Walk to the park with the buddies. Identify guilds along the way in groups of four, matching two primary to two intermediate students. Give one field sheet and clipboard per group.
Groups choose a site to observe, placing their grids on the site.
Students then record data on field sheets, after measuring site to determine perimeter and area. Students take air temperature with thermometer and record. Students take soil temperature and record. Older students take measurements. Primary students observe and record.