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Observation Reports
Identifying Scientifically Helpful Details

Sample Report #1 Sample Report #2
September 27
Boones Mill, Virginia

At 11:00 AM the second grade science class excitedly observed 15 monarchs in about 10 minutes. They were flying in a westerly direction. We watched them fly from over the roof of the school, and then at about tree-top level.
September 30
Grover, Missouri (39 N, -91W
)

The afternoon temperature was in the mid 80's and a strong wind was blowing from the south. I counted 13 Monarchs in a 2 hour period. Most were feeding off a butterfly bush and resting in a Sweet Gum Tree. They were so beautiful!


Checklist
Check off details you find in each sample report.

 

Sample #1

Sample #2

The date the observer saw the monarchs

 

 

How many monarchs the observer saw

 

 

The name of the observer's town and state or province

 

 

Latitude and longitude information

 

 

Details about monarchs’ behavior

 

 

The time the person saw the monarchs

 

 

The length of time the person was watching

 

 

Details about how often the observer was watching

 

 

Details about wind and/or other weather conditions

 

 

Details about habitat: nectaring plants, water sources, how the place was providing for needs: food, water, shelter, space

 

 

Comparison details: one place to another; one time to another

 

 

Reflection Question
Why is it important to include details when you submit a monarch report?