One of the many things that biologists do is make observations about animals in their natural habitat. They use these observations as the basis of explanataions or hypotheses about the natural world. But they cannot form hypotheses nor test them without baseline information Since we cannot as a class go the northern Wisconsin to make observations, and because we really are not YET trained to go into the wilderness to make these observations, we have brought you a film about loons in the wild. (Why loons? Because they are unusual birds and because there is a nature film about them). The film is ideal for making observations about aminals in their natural habitat because, except for an initial introduction, there is no narration to bias your observations. You will have to look and listen very carefully for details. You can even pretend you are actually in Wisconsin observing the birds on your own. Only you don't have to get up early or get wet!

Your MISSION:

  • Carefully watch the nature movie, The LOON
  • Take careful notes on the appearance and behavior of the loons and on the appearance of the habitat.
  • Write a 3~5 paragraph summary on the appearance, behavior, and habitat of the loon, Gavia immer.
    • You will be graded on the completeness of your notes and the detail you use in your descriptions.
  • Email your paragraphs to Mrs. Nuño at jdenuno@mhs-la.org by August 2, 2000.