The fact that we share the planet with millions of other creatures that solve the problem of life in so many different ways is mesmerizing to me. And that thrill all started in my home--in my own backyard.
That's what BackyardBio is about. Getting out in nature to explore and learn what lives near you. Here's how to get started.
Start with just 10 minutes outside. It can be in a local park or literally in your backyard. Observe. Observe closely. See what different kinds of creatures you can see. Look up for birds and flying insects. Listen for distant calls. Take a peek at your feet and be amazed by the incredible diversity of ants, beetles, and spiders. My guess is that you can find 15+ different species in those 10 minutes. Use a sketchbook or camera to capture pictures of what you see.
Next, share what you found, and see what others BackyardBio participants are finding in their backyards around the world! Working with a teacher or a parent, there are several ways to do this:
For me, just starting this project has inspired me to learn more about what lives near me again.
