The Olympic lowland forest, like any natural environment, is full of many things that we may overlook if we aren't looking closely. Observation is a vital skill for nature study. By seeking and finding small details, biologists and other scientists make sense of the whole picture. Pieces of sturdy cardboard work well as makeshift clipboards. For the Extension, pieces of brightly colored ribbon one to two feet in length.
Procedure Divide the class into small groups of two to five.
The idea of this scavenger hunt is to find and look at each item, in its own place, without disturbing it. After the students have had enough time to look for all of the items on their lists, call them back together and discussthe results of their hunts. Extension Instead of the students' writing descriptions of their finds, have each group mark their items with a piece of ribbon. After they have finished their search, each group can lead the rest of the class on a tour of their findings, removing their marker ribbons as they go. Encourage the children to share stories and thoughts on each item.