Skip to main content
Natural Inquirer - Homepage

Free Science Materials for K-12 Students

  • Bookmarks
  • Cart0
  • Account
  • Find Outdoors
  • USDA
  • USDA Forest Service logo.
Natural Inquirer - Homepage
  • About
    • About Natural Inquirer
    • Team
    • Partners
    • Press & Past Events
    • Contact Us
  • Resources
    • View All Resources
    • Grade Levels
      • PreK - 2nd Grade
      • Upper Elementary
      • Middle School
      • High School
      • All Grade Levels
    • Resource Types
      • Articles
      • Activities
      • Collector Cards
      • Coloring Books
      • Glossary
      • Lesson Plans
      • Scientists & Collaborators
      • Spotlights
      • Virtual Learning Adventures
      • All Types
    • Resource Topics
      • Wilderness
      • Wildlife
      • Water
      • Climate
      • Social Science
      • Fire
      • Agriculture
      • Recreation
      • Carbon
      • Insects
      • All Topics
    • Special Collections
      • Artemis Moon Trees
      • Experimental Forests & Ranges
      • Project Learning Tree Connections
      • Globe Connections
      • Smokey Bear
      • Spanish Editions
      • Woodsy Owl
      • World's Forests
      • All Special Collections
  • Order Materials
    • View All Products
    • Journals & Monographs
    • Readers
    • Collector Card Packs
    • Coloring Books
  • Educators
    • For Educators
      • Note to Educators
      • Educator Blog
      • Educator Newsletter
    • Classroom Ready Resources
      • Lesson Plans
      • Activities
      • Learning Modules
      • GLOBE Connections
      • Project Learning Tree
    • Get Involved
      • Volunteer Your Classroom
  • Virtual Learning Adventures
  • Bookmarks
  • Cart
  • Account
  • About
    • About Natural Inquirer
    • Team
    • Partners
    • Press & Past Events
    • Contact
  • Resources
        • View All Resources
        • By Grade
          • PreK - 2nd
          • Upper Elementary
          • Middle School
          • High School
        • By Type
          • Articles
          • Activities
          • Collector Cards
          • Coloring Books
          • Glossary
          • Lesson Plans
          • Learning Modules
          • Journals
          • Monographs
          • Readers
          • Scientists & Collaborators
          • Spotlights
          • Virtual Learning Adventures
          • All Types
        • By Topic
          • Agriculture
          • Carbon
          • Climate
          • Fire
          • Insects
          • Recreation
          • Social Science
          • Water
          • Wilderness
          • Wildlife
          • All Topics
        • Special Collections
          • Artemis Moon Trees
          • Experimental Forests and Ranges
          • GLOBE Connections
          • Project Learning Tree Connections
          • Smokey Bear
          • Spanish Editions
          • Woodsy Owl
          • World's Forests
          • All Special Collections
  • Order Materials
        • Download all resources - FREE!

          **Due to recent government funding changes, we currently are only able to process bulk orders.** We hope that we will be able to resolve this issue in the near future. In the meantime, please feel free to download our resources and explore the website for many great lesson plans and activities. Thank you!

          View All Products
        • Journals & Monographs

          Journals focus on a group of related articles, while monographs focus on one research article.

          Journals & Monographs
        • Collector Cards

          Learn about possible career opportunities in science!

          View All Card Packs
        • Readers

          For a PreK-2nd grade audience, each Reader focuses on one Forest Service scientist and their research.

          View All Readers
        • Coloring Books

          Learn more about science through our coloring books!

          View All Coloring Books
  • Educators
        • Overview
          • Educator Guide
        • Classroom Ready Resources
          • Learning Modules
          • Lesson Plans
          • Explore All
        • Order Materials
          • View All Free Products
          • Contact Us
        • For Educators
          • Educator Blog
          • Educator Newsletter
          • Project Learning Tree
        • Get Involved
          • Volunteer Your Classroom
  • Virtual Learning Adventures
  • Home
  • Products
  • Animals and Ecosystems of the Southwestern United States Investi-gator (Rocky Mountain Research Station) – Vol. 3 No. 1
Cover of the Animals and Ecosystems of the Southwestern United States Investi-gator journal cover. The background photo is a desert landscape. There are three circular photos showcasing a different animal, a frog, a bird and a mammal.
Bookmark
Please login to bookmark Close

Please login to bookmark


Lost your password?

No account yet? Register

Animals and Ecosystems of the Southwestern United States Investi-gator (Rocky Mountain Research Station) – Vol. 3 No. 1

  • Journal
  • Upper Elementary
  • Agriculture
  • Carbon
  • Climate
  • Insects
  • Social Science
  • Water
  • Wilderness
  • Wildlife
  • Agriculture
  • Carbon
  • Disease
  • Endangered Species
  • Hummingbird
  • Land Grant
  • Photosynthesis
  • Prairie
  • Silvery Minnow
  • Streams
  • Threatened Species
  • Transpiration
  • Water Use
Cover of the Animals and Ecosystems of the Southwestern United States Investi-gator journal cover. The background photo is a desert landscape. There are three circular photos showcasing a different animal, a frog, a bird and a mammal.
SHARE
  • Copy Link
  • Facebook
  • X (Twitter)
  • Pinterest
  • Email
  • Google Classroom

Investi-gator is a sister publication to Natural Inquirer, serving students in grades 4 or higher. In this Investi-gator edition, you will learn many interesting facts about the Southwestern United States. In “That’s a Humdinger!,” you will discover what happens to hummingbird nesting following different kinds of forest-related treatments. In “By the Light of the Silvery Minnow,” you will find out whether a small minnow can learn to find natural foods. Without success, this minnow might one day disappear. You will learn how climate change might affect 30 different animal species in the article entitled, "Wild Ways." Some of these species are already in danger of extinction.

 

$0.00

Out of Stock, Download PDF below

SHARE
  • Copy Link
  • Facebook
  • X (Twitter)
  • Pinterest
  • Email
  • Google Classroom

Highlights

  • 6 Articles
  • 9 Activities
  • Lesson Plan
  • Glossary
  • Many different types of birds live in riparian forests. In this study, the scientists were interested in black-chinned hummingbirds that live in riparian forests. The scientists wanted to know if...

    That’s a Humdinger! Black-Chinned Hummingbird Nesting in Response to Forest Treatments

    • Article
    • Upper Elementary
    • 1 Classroom Period
    • Wildlife
    • Forest management
    • Hummingbirds
    • Invasive Species
    • Nesting Sites
    • Tree Canopy
    • Understory
    Many different types of birds live in riparian forests. In this study, the scientists were interested in black-chinned hummingbirds that live in riparian forests. The scientists wanted to know if...
    Explore Article Download Article (PDF)
    Explore Article Download Article (PDF)

    Part Of

    Animals and Ecosystems of the Southwestern United States Investi-gator (Rocky Mountain Research Station) - Vol. 3 No. 1

  • Many changes have occured in the Rio Grande since the 1940s that have created a river that is deeper and faster. This has created problems for the Rio Grande silvery...

    By the Light of the Silvery Minnow: Can Young Minnows Be Taught About Their Natural Foods?

    • Article
    • Upper Elementary
    • 1 Classroom Period
    • Water
    • Wildlife
    • Diatom
    • Endangered Species
    • Fish Hatchery
    • Human Impacts
    • Rio Grande
    • Silvery Minnow
    Many changes have occured in the Rio Grande since the 1940s that have created a river that is deeper and faster. This has created problems for the Rio Grande silvery...
    Explore Article Download Article (PDF)
    Explore Article Download Article (PDF)

    Part Of

    Animals and Ecosystems of the Southwestern United States Investi-gator (Rocky Mountain Research Station) - Vol. 3 No. 1

  • Identifying which species may be the most vulnerable to a changing climate is important. This information can help people make decisions about how to best manage the land. It can...

    Wild Ways: Assessing How Climate Change May Affect Certain Wildlife

    • Article
    • Upper Elementary
    • 1 Classroom Period
    • Climate
    • Wildlife
    • Bats
    • Birds
    • Climate Change
    • Coronado National Forest
    • Endangered Species
    • Frogs
    • Squirrels
    • Threatened Species
    • Vulnerable Species
    Identifying which species may be the most vulnerable to a changing climate is important. This information can help people make decisions about how to best manage the land. It can...
    Explore Article Download Article (PDF)
    Explore Article Download Article (PDF)

    Part Of

    Animals and Ecosystems of the Southwestern United States Investi-gator (Rocky Mountain Research Station) - Vol. 3 No. 1

  • The scientists in this study were interested in comparing the water use efficiency of trees. They wondered if the water use efficiency of trees growing away from intermittent and ephemeral...

    Streaming Live: How Do Streams Affect How Well Trees Use Water?

    • Article
    • Upper Elementary
    • 1 Classroom Period
    • Carbon
    • Water
    • Carbon Dioxide
    • Streams
    • Transpiration
    • Water Use
    • Weather
    The scientists in this study were interested in comparing the water use efficiency of trees. They wondered if the water use efficiency of trees growing away from intermittent and ephemeral...
    Explore Article Download Article (PDF)
    Explore Article Download Article (PDF)

    Part Of

    Animals and Ecosystems of the Southwestern United States Investi-gator (Rocky Mountain Research Station) - Vol. 3 No. 1

  • Plague is an infectious disease that is transmitted to other mammals by fleas. Prairie dogs are particularly susceptible to plague. The scientists in this study were interested in figuring out...

    Prairie Dog Days: How Fleas Transmit the Plague and its Effects on Gunnison’s Prairie Dog

    • Article
    • Upper Elementary
    • 1 Classroom Period
    • Insects
    • Wildlife
    • Burrows
    • Disease
    • Fleas
    • Food Web
    • Live Trap
    • Microscope
    • Plague
    • Prairie Dog
    • Prairie Ecosystem
    • Sampling
    Plague is an infectious disease that is transmitted to other mammals by fleas. Prairie dogs are particularly susceptible to plague. The scientists in this study were interested in figuring out...
    Explore Article Download Article (PDF)
    Explore Article Download Article (PDF)

    Part Of

    Animals and Ecosystems of the Southwestern United States Investi-gator (Rocky Mountain Research Station) - Vol. 3 No. 1

  • National forests and national grasslands are managed for all United States citizens. Parts of these forests and grasslands, however, may be leased to individuals and companies. Some individuals and companies...

    The Lands of Time: Understanding Land Grants in New Mexico

    • Article
    • Upper Elementary
    • 1 Classroom Period
    • Agriculture
    • Social Science
    • Wilderness
    • Conflict Resolution
    • Culture
    • History
    • Land Grant
    • Policy
    • Ranching
    • Rangeland
    National forests and national grasslands are managed for all United States citizens. Parts of these forests and grasslands, however, may be leased to individuals and companies. Some individuals and companies...
    Explore Article Download Article (PDF)
    Explore Article Download Article (PDF)

    Part Of

    Animals and Ecosystems of the Southwestern United States Investi-gator (Rocky Mountain Research Station) - Vol. 3 No. 1

  • The question you will answer in this FACTivity is: What species of birds are found living in my schoolyard? You will act as an ornithologist while learning to identify birds...

    FACTivity – That’s a Humdinger!

    • Activity
    • Upper Elementary
    • 2-3 Classroom Periods
    • Wildlife
    • Bird Watching
    • Birds
    • Field Guide
    • Outdoor Activity
    The question you will answer in this FACTivity is: What species of birds are found living in my schoolyard? You will act as an ornithologist while learning to identify birds...
    Explore Activity Download FACTivity (PDF)
    Explore Activity Download FACTivity (PDF)

    Part Of

    That's a Humdinger! Black-Chinned Hummingbird Nesting in Response to Forest Treatments

  • The question you will answer in this FACTivity is: How are diatoms important parts of an ecosystem? In this FACTivity you will create your own model of a diatom. Materials:...

    FACTivity – By the Light of the Silvery Minnow

    • Activity
    • Upper Elementary
    • 1 Classroom Period
    • Wildlife
    • Algae
    • Aquatic
    • Diatom
    • Making a Model
    The question you will answer in this FACTivity is: How are diatoms important parts of an ecosystem? In this FACTivity you will create your own model of a diatom. Materials:...
    Explore Activity Download FACTivity (PDF)
    Explore Activity Download FACTivity (PDF)

    Part Of

    By the Light of the Silvery Minnow: Can Young Minnows Be Taught About Their Natural Foods?

  • The question you will answer in this FACTivity is: How might climate change affect species in my state? Materials: Access to the internet or field guides to research local animals

    FACTivity – Wild Ways

    • Activity
    • Upper Elementary
    • 2-3 Classroom Periods
    • Climate
    • Wildlife
    • Breeding
    • Climate Change
    • Endangered Species
    • Field Guide
    • Native Species
    • Prediction
    • Species of conservation concern
    • Student Research
    The question you will answer in this FACTivity is: How might climate change affect species in my state? Materials: Access to the internet or field guides to research local animals
    Explore Activity Download FACTivity (PDF)
    Explore Activity Download FACTivity (PDF)

    Part Of

    Wild Ways: Assessing How Climate Change May Affect Certain Wildlife

  • In this FACTivity, you will explore a range of instruments used by scientists. You will then use your imagination to create instruments that measure a range of classroom variables. The...

    FACTivity – Streaming Live

    • Activity
    • Upper Elementary
    • 1 Classroom Period
    • Agriculture
    • Carbon
    • Citizen Science
    • Climate
    • Engineering and Forest Products
    • Fire
    • Insects
    • Pollinators
    • Pollution
    • Recreation
    • Social Science
    • Water
    • Wilderness
    • Wildlife
    • Measuring
    • Scientific Tools
    • Units of Measurement
    In this FACTivity, you will explore a range of instruments used by scientists. You will then use your imagination to create instruments that measure a range of classroom variables. The...
    Explore Activity Download FACTivity (PDF)
    Explore Activity Download FACTivity (PDF)

    Part Of

    Animals and Ecosystems of the Southwestern United States Investi-gator (Rocky Mountain Research Station) - Vol. 3 No. 1

  • The question you will answer in this FACTivity is: How does the decline of prairie dogs affect the prairie food web? Materials: Ecosystem Food Web handout (included) Pencil An extension...

    FACTivity – Prairie Dog Days

    • Activity
    • Upper Elementary
    • 1 Classroom Period
    • Wildlife
    • Food Web
    • Prairie Dog
    • Prairie Ecosystem
    • Predator
    • Prey
    The question you will answer in this FACTivity is: How does the decline of prairie dogs affect the prairie food web? Materials: Ecosystem Food Web handout (included) Pencil An extension...
    Explore Activity Download FACTivity (PDF)
    Explore Activity Download FACTivity (PDF)

    Part Of

    Prairie Dog Days: How Fleas Transmit the Plague and its Effects on Gunnison's Prairie Dog

  • The question you will answer in this FACTivity is: How is the current situation in the southern African nation of Botswana similar to and different from the historic land grant...

    FACTivity – The Lands of Time

    • Activity
    • Upper Elementary
    • 1 Classroom Period
    • Agriculture
    • Engineering and Forest Products
    • Social Science
    • Compare and Contrast
    • Culture
    • Mining
    • Ranching
    The question you will answer in this FACTivity is: How is the current situation in the southern African nation of Botswana similar to and different from the historic land grant...
    Explore Activity Download FACTivity (PDF)
    Explore Activity Download FACTivity (PDF)

    Part Of

    The Lands of Time: Understanding Land Grants in New Mexico

  • After reading the Southwestern United States Investi-gator, explain or write what you see in each photo and how the photo relates to the article in which it was found.

    eyeChallenge – Southwestern United States Investi-gator

    • Activity
    • Upper Elementary
    • Less than 30 minutes
    • Wildlife
    • Amphibians
    • Ecosystems
    • Image Challenge
    • Prairie Dog
    After reading the Southwestern United States Investi-gator, explain or write what you see in each photo and how the photo relates to the article in which it was found.
    Explore Activity Download Activity (PDF)
    Explore Activity Download Activity (PDF)

    Part Of

    Animals and Ecosystems of the Southwestern United States Investi-gator (Rocky Mountain Research Station) - Vol. 3 No. 1

  • After reading the Southwestern United States Investi-gator, test your knowledge with a crossword puzzle.

    Crossword – Southwestern United States Investi-gator

    • Activity
    • Upper Elementary
    • Less than 30 minutes
    • Water
    • Wildlife
    • Desert
    • Ecosystems
    • Environmental Policy
    • Extinction
    • Vocabulary
    After reading the Southwestern United States Investi-gator, test your knowledge with a crossword puzzle.
    Explore Activity Download Activity (PDF)
    Explore Activity Download Activity (PDF)

    Part Of

    Animals and Ecosystems of the Southwestern United States Investi-gator (Rocky Mountain Research Station) - Vol. 3 No. 1

  • After reading the Southwestern Investi-gator, try out a mapping activity. Can you match each photo with its map? A graphic organizer is included to help explain your matches.

    Map Activity – Southwestern United States Investi-gator

    • Activity
    • Middle School
    • Less than 30 minutes
    • Water
    • Wildlife
    • Birds
    • Cattle
    • Fish
    • Graphic Organizer
    • Maps
    • Prairie Dog
    • Rivers
    After reading the Southwestern Investi-gator, try out a mapping activity. Can you match each photo with its map? A graphic organizer is included to help explain your matches.
    Explore Activity Download Activity (PDF)
    Explore Activity Download Activity (PDF)

    Part Of

    Animals and Ecosystems of the Southwestern United States Investi-gator (Rocky Mountain Research Station) - Vol. 3 No. 1

Glossary

View All Glossary
  • absorption

    (əb sȯrp shən): The process of taking in.

  • abundant

    (ə bən dənt): Existing or occurring in large amounts.

  • aerate

    (er āt): To supply with air

  • ancestor

    (an se stür): An early kind of animal from which later kinds have developed.

  • Anglo-American

    (aŋ glō ə mer ə kən): A North American whose native language is English and especially whose culture is of European origin.

  • aquatic

    (ǝ kwä tik): Growing or living in or often found in water.

  • archaeological

    (är kē ə lä ji kəl): Having to do with the scientific study of material remains (such as tools, pottery, jewelry, stone walls, and monuments) of past human life and activities.

  • arid

    (a rəd): Very dry; especially, not having enough rainfall to support agriculture.

  • arid

    (a rəd): Very dry; especially, not having enough rainfall to support agriculture.

  • bacteria

    (bak tir ē ǝ): (Singular: bacterium) A group of single-celled microorganisms that live in soil, water, the bodies of plants and animals, or matter obtained from living things and are important because of their chemical effects and disease-causing abilities.

  • burrow

    (bər ō): A hole in the ground made by an animal for shelter or protection.

  • cay

    (kē): A low island or reef of sand or coral.

  • conserve

    (kǝn sǝrv): To avoid wasteful or destructive use of something.

  • control

    (kǝn trōl): A variable factor that has been kept constant and which is used as a standard of comparison to the experimental component in a controlled experiment.

  • coordinate

    (kō ȯrd nət): Any of a set of numbers used to locate a point on a line or surface or in space.

  • debris

    (də brē): The remains of something broken down or destroyed.

  • descendant

    (di sen dənt): Coming from an ancestor or source.

  • divert

    (dǝ vǝrt): To turn from one course or use to another.

  • ecosystem

    (ē kō sis tǝm): A system made up of an ecological community of living things interacting with their environment especially under natural conditions.

  • eddy

    (e dē): A current of air or water running against the main current or in a circle.

  • endangered

    (in dān jǝrd): Threatened with extinction.

  • extinct

    (ik stiŋ(k)t or ek stiŋ(k)t): No longer existing.

  • extinction

    (ik stiŋk shən): The state of no longer existing.

  • habitat

    (ha bә tat): The place or environment where a plant or animal naturally or normally lives and grows.

  • hatchery

    (ha chə rē ): A place for hatching eggs.

  • headwaters

    (hed wȯ tərz): The beginning and upper part of a stream.

  • humidity

    (hyü mi də tē): The amount of moisture in the air.

  • immunity

    (i myü nə tē): The power of the body to resist an infectious disease.

  • infectious

    (in fek shəs): Capable of causing infection.

  • injustice

    (in jə stəs): An unjust or unfair act.

  • mammal

    (ma mǝl): Any of a class of warm-blooded vertebrates that include human beings and all other animals that nourish their young with milk produced by mammary glands and have the skin usually more or less covered with hair.

  • meander

    (mē an dər): To follow a winding or complicated course.

  • mesa

    (mā sə): A flat-topped hill or small plateau with steep sides.

  • montane

    (män tān): Of, relating to, growing or being in the zone of moist cool upland slopes below tree line.

  • native

    (nā tiv): Living or growing naturally in a particular region.

  • nutrient

    (nü trē ǝnt): A substance or ingredient that promotes growth, provides energy, and maintains life.

  • petri dish

    (pē trē dish): A small shallow dish of thin glass or plastic with a loose cover used especially for cultures of bacteria.

  • plague

    (plāg): A serious disease that is caused by a bacterium, occurs or has occurred in several
    forms including bubonic plague, and is usually passed to human beings from infected rodents and especially rats by the bite of a flea or is passed directly from person to person.

  • policy

    (pä lə sē): A course of action chosen in order to guide people in making decisions.

  • population

    (pä pyǝ lā shǝn): The total of individuals occupying an area.

  • population

    (pä pyǝ lā shǝn): The total of individuals occupying an area.

  • prairie

    (prer ē): A large area of level or rolling grassland.

  • randomly

    (ran dǝm lē): So that each possibility has a definite and especially an equal probability of occurring.

  • regain

    (re gān): To get back.

  • rodent

    (rō dǝnt): Any of an order of fairly small mammals (like mice, squirrels, or beavers) that have sharp front teeth used for gnawing.

  • scarce

    (skers): Lacking in quantity or number; not plentiful.

  • scarce

    (skers): Lacking in quantity or number; not plentiful.

  • species

    (spē sēz or spē shēz): A category of living things that ranks below a genus, is made up of related individuals able to produce fertile offspring, and is identified by a two-part scientific name.

  • species

    (spē sēz or spē shēz): A category of living things that ranks below a genus, is made up of related individuals able to produce fertile offspring, and is identified by a two-part scientific name.

  • susceptible

    (sǝ sep tǝ bǝl): (1) Having little resistance to something, like a disease or infection; (2) easily affected.

  • transmit

    (trans mit): To transfer from one person, animal, or place, to another.

  • turbid

    (tər bəd): Clouded or discolored by the material from a liquid that settles to the bottom (sediment).

  • vertebrate

    (vərt ə brət or vərt ə brāt): Any of a large group of animals (such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes) that typically have a bony or cartilaginous backbone which replaces the notochord, a distinct head containing a brain which arises as an enlarged part of the nerve cord, and an internal usually bony skeleton and including some primitive forms (such as lampreys) in which the backbone is absent and the notochord persists throughout life.

  • vulnerable

    (vəl n(ə-)rə bəl): Open to attack or damage.

  • wildfire

    (wī(ǝ)ld fī(ǝ)r): An uncontrolled, damaging fire started in a wilderness or rural area.

Classroom Review Board

Mr. Barela’s 5th Grade Homeroom Class

  • Pecos Elementary School
  • Pecos, NM

Editorial Review Board Comments

  • “The most important thing I learned is that riparian forests are excellent habitats for wildlife.”

  • “How did you guys come up with such a great story? I love those cute little hummingbirds!”

  • “I liked the pictures but they should be in color. It needs more color in the words.”

  • “The most important thing I learned was that animals are important and also scientists.”

  • “Investi-gator is a good way to learn.”

  • “I learned that prairie dogs are important. So I am going to tell my family to try not to hurt prairie dogs.”

  • “Put more activities. Also put the animal’s diet and their skeletal system.”

View All Classrooms
  • Photo of Sharon Coe standing inside a canyon.

    Sharon Coe

    Wildlife Ecologist

    I have had wonderful experiences doing science outdoors. One of my favorite experiences was studying a bird. I studied mountain chickadees in a forest in the Sierra Nevada. The Sierra...
    View Profile
  • Photo of Deborah Finch standing in a forest.

    Deborah Finch

    Wildlife Biologist

    “One of my favorite science experiences was collecting bird and small mammal data on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in Oregon and Idaho. While I was there, I lived in a...
    View Profile
  • Dr. Paulette Ford sitting with her feet propped up on a fence overlooking the ocean.

    Paulette Ford

    Ecologist

    “I like being a scientist because I love to read, write and explore. My research is really exciting to me, and I look forward to it every day. Holding small...
    View Profile
  • Photo of Megan Friggens. She is kneeling in a grassy field and is holding a cage.

    Megan Friggens

    Ecologist

    My first favorite science experience was taking a 10-day field trip to Belize as part of a college tropical biology class. Belize is in Central America. This trip was my...
    View Profile
  • Photo of Kenneth Gage, standing in front of a trail sign.

    Kenneth Gage

    Medical Entomologist | Zoologist

    My favorite science experience happened while working at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I was traveling to a remote village in the Andes Mountains of Peru. An outbreak...
    View Profile
  • Headshot of Darin Law. The background is a canyon.

    Darin Law

    Plant Ecologist

    My favorite science experience was completing a native and exotic grass study within the University of Arizona Biosphere 2. Biosphere 2 is a research facility where scientists perform experiments. Biosphere...
    View Profile
  • Photo of Dr. Hugo Magaña collecting algae in a river.

    Hugo Magaña

    Fisheries biologist

    My favorite science experiences are teaching about photosynthesis and studying food webs. In this photo, I was collecting algae from which I would later create pure diatom cultures. Diatoms are...
    View Profile
  • Photo of Alice McSweeny standing in front of a tree.

    Alice McSweeney

    Social science analyst

    My favorite science experience is talking with ranchers to learn how they teach their children about the land and animals. I also love working on my family’s guest ranch in...
    View Profile
  • Dr. Bob Parmenter working in the field.

    Bob Parmenter

    Biologist | Wildlife Ecologist

    “[One of] my favorite science experience[s] has been working on the Mount St. Helens volcano since its explosive eruption in 1980. In the early years after the eruption, the roads...
    View Profile
  • Photo of Carol Raish standing next to a small tree in a large pot.

    Carol Raish

    Anthropologist | Social Scientist

    Some of my favorite science experiences are listening to older people talk about the way things were in the past when they were young. I also love to travel to...
    View Profile
  • Photo of Max Smith, he is bird-watching with his dog near Seattle, Washington.

    Max Smith

    Wildlife Biologist

    My favorite science experience is going outside to discover where birds nest, what they eat, and what eats them. In the photo, I am bird-watching with my dog near Seattle,...
    View Profile

Jump To

  • Educator Guide
  • Lesson Plans

About Investi-gator

The Investi-gator is another member of the Natural Inquirer family. The Natural Inquirer, for middle school students, and the Investi-gator, for upper elementary students, present science the way scientists most often share their research with each other. That process is the written scientific paper. Each Investi-gator article presents research conducted by Forest Service scientists and their cooperators. All the research in the Investi-gator is concerned with nature or with society’s relationship to nature.

  • Meet the Scientist

    An introduction to the scientist or scientists who conducted the research.

  • Thinking About Science

    A short introduction to something about the scientific process that is related to the research being presented.

  • Thinking About the Environment

    A short introduction to something about the natural environment that is related to the research being presented.

  • Introduction

    The part of the written scientific paper that introduces the scientific problem or question the scientists wants to solve or answer.

  • Method

    The part of the written scientific paper that describes how the scientists collected and analyzed their data or information.

  • Findings

    The part of the written scientific paper that describes what the scientists discovered.

  • Discussion

    The part of the written scientific paper that summarizes the research and offers any new insights.

  • Reflection Section

    These are questions placed after the Introduction, Methods, Findings, and Discussion sections. The purpose of the questions is to help students think about what they have read.

  • Glossary

    Possible new terms you will find in the article. Glossary words are printed in bold in the article.

  • FACTivity

    This is an activity that you can do in your classroom.

Lessons

  • In this lesson, students learn about mistakes and the importance of acknowledging and correcting those mistakes. This lesson plan is designed to be paired with “The Lands of Time” from...

    Lesson Plan – Everybody Makes Mistakes

    • Lesson Plan
    • Upper Elementary
    • 1 Classroom Period
    • Social Science
    • Consequences
    • Correcting Mistakes
    • Science Communication
    In this lesson, students learn about mistakes and the importance of acknowledging and correcting those mistakes. This lesson plan is designed to be paired with “The Lands of Time” from...
    Explore Lesson Plan Download Lesson Plan (PDF)
    Explore Lesson Plan Download Lesson Plan (PDF)

    Part Of

    The Lands of Time: Understanding Land Grants in New Mexico

Additional Resources

  • USDA Forest Service: Rocky Mountain Research Station

    The Rocky Mountain Research Station works at the forefront of science to improve the health and use of our Nation's forests and grasslands.
    Visit Website
  • USDA Forest Service: Conservation Education

    Through Conservation Education, the Forest Service provides a variety of educational resources and programs for individuals of all ages to learn about the environment and our nation’s forests and grasslands. Through these hands-on, interactive learning opportunities, students, educators, and parents can explore how to become a responsible steward of our natural resources. There are also a variety of resources for teachers and parents to engage youth in environmental education and for exploring careers in conservation.
    Visit Website
  • FIND Outdoors

    Our story is rooted in education about the forest. Our passion is to help people become inspired. Our goal is to help people connect with nature. Our drive is to help people learn through discovery. Through forest-inspired nature discovery, we help people FIND Outdoors.
    Visit Website
Back to Top
  • Natural Inquirer - Homepage
  • Find Outdoors
  • USDA
  • USDA Forest Service logo.

The Natural Inquirer program produces a variety of science education materials for PreK through grade 12. Natural Inquirer products are produced by the USDA Forest Service, FIND Outdoors, and other cooperators and partners.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
* denotes mandatory fields
Loading
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • X, formerly Twitter
  • YouTube
  • About Natural Inquirer
  • Team
  • Partners
  • Press & Past Events
  • Contact Us
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Shipping Policy
© 2025 - Natural Inquirer | Website Credit