What is Science? 1.03By Michael Mena

Location

Location Information/ Observations

This is a lake located in Miami, Florida. In a park called A.D Barnes park.

This lake is surrounded by grassy slopes and plants. The color of the lake is a dark green.

There are recreational shelters near the water which causes some light pollution.

Plants

The main plants are these tall green plants that surround the edge of the water. Most of it is healthy green grass.

Some of the plants seem to be a light brown and seem to be dying.

Animals

Some of the animals I saw were Squirrels, Iguanas, White Ibis, and a raccoon which was surprising to see in the afternoon).

The squirrels zipped around the grass in search for small nuts in the grass.

The White Ibis, traveled in large flocks around the park.

The Iguanas were found laying on some rocks near the water.

The raccoon was eating a piece of fallen fruit (I think it was mango from a nearby mango tree).

Predictions for 4 months

My prediction is that most of the tall green plants will soon match the the color of the light brown dying grass. I think the cause of this will be because of the lack of water around the edges of the lake. I also think there will be much more White Ibis, because the trees will only get bigger and there will be more homes for the birds. Every time I visit the park, I see larger flocks!

Extra Info: Pollution

While observing the area around me, I noticed there was some light pollution in the water, such as plates, cups, and bags. Since there are recreational shelters nearby, where parties and events are thrown every weekend, the water gets some minor pollution.

What is the Scientific Process?

The scientific process is the gathering of information by doing several observations, looking up background research, forming a hypothesis, and finally conducting an experiment.

Would others make the same observations?

I think there is a small chance others will make the same observations I made today because the lake is a very diverse environment for the animals. For example the white ibis come only on some days. Also, the iguanas usually don’t come out or blend in very well due to their colors. Since raccoons are mainly nocturnal, I got lucky to see one out and about. Others might make the same observations on the dying plants that surround the lake.

What would you do to see if predictions came true?How does this relate to what a real scientist would do?

I would take pictures in the same spots and then compare them to really see an accurate difference. I would also take make another trip in time and compare notes.

This relates to what a real scientists would do because in most studies and experiments, scientist take pictures in the same spot and time and it provides a clear answer to whether predictions came true.