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O.S.E.A.

Subject:                Geography      
Grade:                  3-12
Presented by:       Adapted from Dr. Kit Salter, University of Missouri
Geography Themes:          All 5
Geography Standards:       All
Skills:
The O.S.E.A. method (Observation, Speculating, Evaluating, Analyzing), as well as computing, organizing, synthesizing, writing, illustration, and presentation.
Objectives:
1. Understand and apply observation techniques, gather information about the physical and/or human characteristics of a geographic area, including illustrations or sketches. 2. Analyze data and answer observation questions.  3. Develop, conclude, and articulate theories, based on gathered facts, about the many aspects of a geographic area. 4. Evaluate the observations, information, and speculation.  5. Utilize computer technology to research, organize data, and present information on topics that arise from their investigation.
Method:
Students will learn a technique for observing, especially observing physical and human geography.  It is designed to activate the students’ "geographic eye" as a means of seeing the world in a somewhat more attuned way.  At one end of the spectrum, students can observe and study something as small as the leaves and soil of a particular area using a hand-lens, or they can observe a valley, the river running through it, and the mountain range surrounding it.
Materials:
Journal or notebook, sketchbook (optional, can sketch right in journal), pencil.  Materials will need to be adjusted, depending on what is being observed.
Procedures:
The first part of this activity can be adapted to fit almost any grade level or classroom need, and can be used in a variety of lessons and subject areas.   Example: exploring the flora and fauna of the area in which the students live. During a field trip students can observe and write about plants and animals they see, and make sketches including isolated pictures.
Closure:
Time in class should be used to debrief the field trip portion of the activity and to briefly discuss findings.   To prepare their reports, groups should be given class time  to speculate and further analyze and evaluate.  A whole-class discussion may be useful.  Internet research, email communication, and computer presentation (appropriate to age level) should be utilized by the students  in preparing and presenting their findings.
Evaluation:
Journals and sketchbooks, presentations, or microscope work. Students can make comparisons between the plants or animals within the greater environment, or both. They can gather samples for further observation under a hand-lens, including plants and/or soils collected and animals that they drew. (See "Extension" for further ideas)
Extension:
Have the students observe a political and/or physical map.  (This could be of a state, country, or continent.)    Have them ask and write down questions about what they see.  They should then speculate (a) why it is the way it is, (b) what kind of climate (weather) might occur in the different regions and why, (c) what kind of plant-life might live there, (d) and how people live in various regions represented on the map.  Then have the students answer their questions.  This may produce more questions and speculation.   Finally, have students evaluate what they discovered. For example, in speculating how people might exists on a particular landscape, students can evaluate what might be good ways in which to co-exist with the environment and the harmful things people might have done or might do. 

Note: for the lower grades, a handout with items to look for and discuss could be given to students to get them started.  Take a field trip to various points along a river.  Have students follow the same steps as above.  Take a field trip to a high point such as a high plateau or mountains.  Follow the same O.S.A.E steps observing both the environment where the students are and the greater landscape below and surrounding.   Take a field trip to a local park.  Employ the same steps.  Take a field trip to your local town or city.  Observe the human geography utilizing the same steps.  Have an art exhibit showing the various sketches.
Notes:
Students will gain an awareness and understanding of a scientific method.  Students will apply their technological skills to research and present information.  Students will understand and apply organizational skills and deductive reasoning skills to research and information gathering.  Students will evaluate their research. This is an excellent opportunity for students to learn in cooperative groups.

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The Idaho Compass
Copyright © 2002
by
Katherine A. Young and Virgil M. Young
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in cooperation with Boise State University