Requirements
You will be observing and studying an individual animal or animal group for the duration of the quarter. You will photograph, draw, animate, and write about this animal. You will do primary and secondary research. You will study the evolutionary and cultural history of this animal.
The animal you choose must not be an animal with whom you already have a personal relationship. That is, the animal may not be your pet, or be an official member of your household.
Whether the animal you choose is indigenous, exotic, wild, domestic or farmed, it must be available for direct, ongoing, in-person observation.
You will need to have regular access to this animal. You are required to directly observe the animal of your focused inquiry for a minimum of 3 hours every week. You may divide your observation into separate sessions, but individual sessions must last a minimum of a ½-hour.
Animals to Consider
Categories
Domestic Animals
Farm Animals
Wild Animals
Indigenous Species
Exotic Species
Vertebrates
Land Mammals
Marine Mammals
Birds
Fish
Reptiles
Amphibians
Invertebrates (97% of all animals)
Insects
Spiders
Slugs
Shell Fish
Animal 1:
Questions to Answer Before Deciding
o Can you get close enough to the animal to observe it directly in its habitat?
o Can you observe this animal regularly? (Minimum of 3 hours a week.)
o Can you count on access to this animal for the entire quarter?
o Are you able to commute to conduct your observation if this is necessary?
o Do you need permission to observe this animal?
- If you have a personal relationship with the specific animal you’re interested in observing, is there another animal of the same or similar species you can get regular access to?
- Is this animal solitary or part of a group (flock, school, herd, swarm, etc.)?
- Can you identify an individual within its group or will you be observing the group as a whole?
- Where will you observe this animal directly?
- Who do you need to talk to about getting permission to observe this animal? (Property owner? Business owner? Zoo?)