Field Guide  

                                      Construct a field guide using the four requirements of a field guide  

1. It must be portable

2. It must be arranged in a clear, easy-to-use way (from simplest to most complex).

3. It must include all information needed to  identify in which group an organism belongs.

4. It must include a graphic:  picture (collage), drawing, or illustration.

Be sure to include all phyla of invertebrates and vertebrates.  There should be six invertebrate pages and five vertebrate pages plus a cover with a title, picture and your name.

Library Resources 

If you know the name of the vertebrate OR invertebrate you are looking for...use the OPAC to locate a book on your living thing.

Browse the shelves from 590 to 599.

General Encyclopedias are very helpful.  Look in the Research Guide if your living thing is not in the volume you expect to find it in.

Specialized Encyclopedias such as:

• International Wildlife Encyclopedia (REF 590.3 BUR) 

• Wildlife and Plants of the World (REF 578 WIL) 

• Aquatic Life of the World (REF 578.76 AQ)

Individual Encyclopedias such as:

• The Dorling Kindersley Animal Encyclopedia (REF 590 DOR)

• The Kingfisher Animal Encyclopedia (590 BUR)

     Internet Resources       

For students...

Enature:  Field Guide select the family you want to go!.

Animal Diversity Web from The University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.  Recently updated and an invaluable resource.

Animal Zoo's Animal Research Desk: select the volume containing your animal (just like the print encyclopedias) to begin your research.  Mostly Mammals!!!

Animal Bytes was specifically designed to help you quickly find information about some of the unique creatures found in the animal kingdom. Most files include the scientific classification, fun facts, and biological value.  This website is currently being updated and information on some animals may not be entered yet.

Sea and Sky presents Reef Life:  You'll find many of your invertebrates here.

  Ocean Oasis Field Guide:  Links to Fishes, Marine Mammals, Invertebrates, and more.

World Book Online - Start your research using  the Encyclopedia.  (Please ask your librarian for your Login ID and  Password.)

Miscellaneous links:

• Oceanography Pathfinder check back at the links we used for our study of Oceanography.  You'll find great sites for starfish, sea anemone's and much more.
• Field Guide To Anemone  Fishes and Their Host Sea Anemones
• Metazoan Phyla links to those hard to find jellies, starfish, sponges, worms and other hard to find invertebrates.
• Families: from the Franklin Institute Online
  Detailed information on classification. (Scroll down to "Classified!" for a classification activity.)
• Biological Diversity: Classification  
  A brief history and explanation of classification, with helpful diagrams.
• bugbios The naming and classification of insects, with striking images. "This site aims to help you really see insects for the miniature marvels they represent and to understand how intertwined our cultures have become with these alien creatures."
• Cool Science for Curious Kids Let's explore Classifying Critters

For teachers...

The Diversity of Life Teacher's Guide for grades 7-2 was developed at Sea World to help you teach your students about seals, sea lions, and walruses and the ecology of the ocean in an active, hands-on way. Our goal was to integrate science, mathematics, art, geography, and language.

 

 

Created by Barbara Swetits
Last updated 01/21/2009