Amy Vedder - Pet Detective

Wildlife biologist Amy Vedder observed mountain gorillas to find out how they interacted, what they ate, and where they went. In this activity you will be the wildlife biologist! You will pick a pet to observe and come to a conclusion about the pet's behavior. Whether you observe a dog, cat, rabbit, bird, ferret, or fish, you can study animal behaviors in different situations or conditions by using some of the same techniques Amy Vedder used in the African jungle.

Bring a fellow scientist to help, take pictures if you can, and always have an adult nearby for safety. It's time to head into the field!


	Pet Detective Data Sheet Watch/timer Writing utensils Camera (optional) Pet Detective Journal A fellow scientist

1. Choose a question.

When scientists do experiments, they start by asking questions. What would you like to know about your pet? Pick a question below.

2. Develop your hypothesis.

What do you think the answer to your question will be? Consider what you already know about the pet and animal behavior. Type in what you expect will happen and why it might happen. For example: My dog will bark before it is fed because that's how it announces it's hungry. It will take a nap after it is fed because eating makes it sleepy.

Type your hypothesis here.

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3. Find a pet, a fellow scientist, and an adult.

Find a pet to observe. Remember, Amy's research subjects were wild, but your subject is not. Even if your dog is your best friend, in this experiment you will just observe its behavior. No petting or "Good boy!" allowed! Call up a friend and invite her over. Invite an adult to join you or monitor you for safety. Then get to work!

4. Print this activity.

Print this page and the Pet Detective Data Sheet. Examine them carefully with your scientist friend.

5. Organize your supplies.

Get everything on the "What You Need" list.

6. Pick a spot.

Find a place where the pet won't notice you.

7. Do Observation A.

This will be your first observation. If you chose the first question, do your observation before the animal is fed. If you chose the second question, do your observation in the morning. Write the details on your Pet Detective Data Sheet.

8. Do Observation B.

This will be your second observation. For the first question, you will observe your pet after it has been fed. For the second, you will observe your pet in the afternoon. Write the details on your Pet Detective Data Sheet.

9. Analyze your data.

Now it's time to answer your question. Compare the results in Observation A and Observation B. Review your original question and your hypothesis. Were you correct? Record your observations in your Pet Detective Journal.