Req 4 — Choose Your Investigation
4.
Do ONE of the following:
This requirement is a choose-your-own investigation. You will pick exactly one option, and the choices range from hands-on museum specimen work to field photography to book analysis. Each one teaches a different way scientists and naturalists learn about mammals.
Your Options
- Req 4a — Museum Study Skins: Work under expert guidance to prepare two study skins of rats or mice and explain how study skins differ from mounted specimens. This option teaches specimen-based science.
- Req 4b — Wildlife Photography Log: Photograph two wild mammals and record the field conditions that may have influenced their behavior. This option builds observation, patience, and photo-documentation skills.
- Req 4c — Game Mammal Life History: Research and write a life history of a native game mammal, then list your sources. This option is strong for Scouts who like reading and structured writing.
- Req 4d — Tracking Pit Investigation: Build and bait a tracking pit, then report what animals visit. This option is excellent for Scouts who enjoy field experiments.
- Req 4e — Natural History Museum Visit: Visit a museum, learn how specimens are prepared and cataloged, and explain why museums matter. This option connects science, history, and collections work.
- Req 4f — Mammal Book Report: Read a book about a mammal species and write a 500-word report. This option works well for Scouts who like thoughtful reading and summary.
- Req 4g — Food Chains to a Carnivore: Trace two food chains from the soil through four stages to a carnivorous mammal. This option teaches ecosystems and energy flow.
How to Choose
Choosing Your Investigation
Compare effort, access, and what you will learn
- Need expert supervision? Option 4a requires guidance from a nature center or natural history museum.
- Want outdoor action? Options 4b and 4d put you in the field.
- Prefer research and writing? Options 4c and 4f are strongest fits.
- Have a museum nearby? Option 4e can be a great choice if you can visit a real collection.
- Want ecosystem thinking? Option 4g is best if you like seeing how soil, plants, prey, and predators connect.
- What you gain: 4a teaches specimen methods, 4b teaches careful wildlife documentation, 4c and 4f strengthen research writing, 4d teaches field experimentation, 4e teaches museum science, and 4g teaches ecological reasoning.
One important decision factor
Choose the option you can finish with strong evidence, not the one that sounds most dramatic. A well-documented museum visit or book report is better than a rushed wildlife photography attempt with poor notes.
Start with the first option page. Even if you choose a different path, it helps to understand how specimens contribute to mammal science.