Methods and Fieldwork


Methods and Fieldwork
04/28/25
Great job today! We had success with catching butterflies and sucess in the methods room.


Summary of the day

Today in lab, we split into two groups: the Butterfly Catchers and the Methods Definers.

Outside the lab in the Arboretum, the Butterfly Catchers initially faced challenges spotting pipevine swallowtails — only a few caterpillars were found. However, there was great success at Cahill, where the team captured 13 butterflies!

Meanwhile, in the Methods room, the Methods Definers discussed and debated possible research approaches. After reviewing different ideas, four main research topics were selected for further development. 

Additionally, butterfly care protocols were expanded and set up to ensure the health and maintenance of the butterflies we collected. 


Shout outs 

Athena — for being an amazing MC!
Chloe — for stepping up and taking the first shift to feed our butterflies!

Thanks for helping everything run so smoothly!


Time table 

10:00–10:10  -  Morning debrief. Split into two groups: Fieldwork Team and Methods Team

Methods Team

10:10–10:50  - Discussed and expanded on methods from last class. Focused discussions on UV flowers and Color vs. Scent projects

10:50–11:30  -  Conducted independent research on project ideas

11:30–12:30  -  Group discussion to select four main projects for further development

12:30–1:00   -  Discussed and planned butterfly care methods

1:00–1:30     -   Searched the lab for necessary butterfly care tools (e.g., cages, feeding supplies)

1:30–1:50     -   Set up the butterfly fly cage and waited for the Fieldwork Team to return

Fieldwork Team

10:10–11:00  -  Searched the Arboretum for pipevine swallowtails (only a few caterpillars found)

11:00–11:00  -  Drove to Cahill Riparian Preserve

11:40–1:10    -  Successfully captured 13 butterflies at Cahill

1:10–1:55    -   Drove back to Davis


Pictures


Butterfly Catchers:



Method Definers:



Reminders

  1. Make sure you are working with your group to develop a fully fleshed-out experimental plan and budget for one of the four main project ideas.
    1. We will be presenting these on Friday, so please come prepared! Your plan should be detailed enough for us to discuss and begin making final decisions 
    2. When you are done with your presentation please send a copy to the slack.
  2. R5 is due this friday! 
  3. Please make sure you are staying up to date with your weekly refelctions.
  4. We will need to choose the next person to feed our butterflies over the weekend.
    We'll discuss and decide this on Friday — please be ready to volunteer!

Tentative Schedule for 5/2

10:00-10:10 - Morning debrief and choose next person to take care of butterflies
10:10- 11:40 - Presentations & discussion (about 22.5 mintues per presentation)
11:40- 11:50 - Chole sets goals for next class. 















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