A Lesson Plan from the Virginia State Parks'
Your Backyard Classrooms

Marsh March

Wetlands Observation Sheet



Scientific observations are descriptions of what we actually see, hear, feel, taste, or smell. We make inferences when we use logic, or even guesses, to interpret or explain our observations. One set of observations may lead you to many inferences or none. How do you know if your inferences are on the right track? Use the scientific method to test your ideas. This observation guide suggests where to direct your observations in order to make some logical inferences about a wetland.

1. Are all the plants in the marsh the same kind?




7. Are some specific types of plants usually found close to the water?
2. How many kinds are there?




8. Are some types of plants never found close to the water?
3. Are they distributed evenly, randomly, in clumps, or in some pattern?




9. Is the soil everywhere equally damp and of the same feel (texture) and smell?
4. Are some kinds always found close together?




10. Are there any kinds of plants you find only in areas of a particular smell, texture, or dampness?
5. Are some kinds never found lose together?




 11. What does it look (smell, feel) like under the surface?
6. Is the same amount of water visible everywhere?




 12. Are there any plants that are not green? Where did you see them?
List other observations on the back of this sheet which your team will need to make in order to suggest answers to the inference questions.