We are inquiring into how scientific observation fuels our understanding of the natural world. What better place to conduct such observation than at The Field Museum. The two first grade classes took a CTA bus to sketch the wealth of taxidermied specimens at the museum's magnificient World of Birds permanent exhibit. The children looked closely at birds of their choosing and studied beaks and feet specifically in order to better understand the way these creatures were adapted for survival. They then applied scientific drawing skills they'd already honed at school with Ms. Sheehan. She came along on the field study to coach the burgeoning Audubons. 
Mr. Hellbush also came in order to help kids focus on those avian adaptations that help specific birds eat specific foods. He supported the lead-up to this field study with hands-on experiences in which the students compared birds' beaks to human tools (e.g. a hummingbird's beak works like a straw to suck up nectar and a heron's beak works like a skewer for spearing fish and frogs). Preparing learners with skills and concepts prior to an excursion is a vital part of our school's field study cycle.
