The "Seek" mobile phone application enhances nature exploration by using image recognition technology to help observers instantly identify animals and plants. This free digital tool also provides biological information and taxonomic classification for each species, along with options to participate in challenges and citizen science through the iNaturalist website. The "Seek" app turns an outdoor investigation into an interactive learning experience, where students use critical thinking to observe, identify and classify flora and fauna while discovering the remarkable biodiveristy of our natural world.
This digital resource supports Grade 3-10 Science investigations that are examining species distribution and abundance within local habitats and ecosystems. Each species page includes information about taxonomy, seasonality and frequency which can assist students who are learning biological classification systems or exploring how environmental changes may impact regional biodiversity. The app also enables pupils to practice applying technology in a scientific context to collect and evaluate data.
The "Seek" app could become the basis of a citizen science project where students partner with a community naturalist group to conduct a BioBlitz of a local wetland, forest or grassland habitat to compile a list of plants and animals found there. The information could identify potential threats such as invasive species and also be used to support local conservation initiatives.
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