Field Observations Research Articles

The influence of cultural design in hospitality spaces

Uttarakhand's rich culture, with its flavorful cuisine, vibrant textiles, and melodious folk music, offers a unique opportunity to create a memorable dining experience. By incorporating elements like Himalayan-inspired decor, traditional dishes, and friendly service, your restaurant can transport guests to the heart of this beautiful region. This research explores the profound impact of Uttrakhand's unique cultural heritage on the design, ambiance, and overall experience of hospitality spaces, specifically focusing on restaurants. By examining various cultural elements such as cuisine, aesthetics, social norms, and values, the study aims to understand how these factors shape the distinct identity and appeal of Uttrakhand's restaurant establishments. Through a combination of literature review, in-depth interviews with restaurant owners and patrons, and field observations, this research will delve into the ways in which Uttrakhand's cultural heritage is reflected in the design, decor, menu offerings, and service standards of local restaurants. The findings will provide valuable insights for restaurant owners, designers, and tourism professionals seeking to preserve and promote Uttarakhand's cultural heritage through the development of authentic and memorable hospitality experiences.

Uses of Urban Sewer Water for Agriculture in Nanded City, Maharashtra, India

Abstract: Estimating the effluent's quality is crucial for much wastewater research, as wastewater's chemical and physical characteristics influence its amount and usability. Field observations regarding the source or circumstances of wastewater occurring, the source of pollution, and other relevant factors that may impact wastewater quality are considered when assessing wastewater quality. The sustainability of wastewater for use is evaluated based on factors including pH, EC, TDS, hardness, total alkalinity, chloride, nitrate, sodium, and potassium. The assessment of sewer sustainability for irrigation is contingent upon its electrical conductivity and sodium content. These investigations were conducted in 2022 and 2023. Water samples gathered from industrial effluent, primarily used in farmlands and solely in the nearby areas, were examined in this study.

Breeding success of the interspecies hybrids: Reduced fertility in the hybridogeneous magpie population (<i>Pica pica</i> × <i>Pica serica</i>, Aves)

Data on the breeding success of hybrids, collected during direct field observations, are principally important for understanding nature of the species isolating factors and future fate of the hybridogeneous populations. In the zone of secondary contact between Eurasian magpie Pica pica and Oriental magpie Pica serica, emerging right now, limited hybridization occurs, what has been shown in our reported data on nuclear single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). In the present work, we have analyzed composition of 119 nesting pairs and content of 89 nests in the hybridogeneous population of P. pica leucoptera × P. serica jankowskii in Eastern Mongolia, then in the recent contact zone in Eastern Transbaikalia (South Siberia) and the relatively pure populations of P. p. leucoptera in Central Transbaikalia and P. s. jankowskii in Northeast China. In the hybridogeneous population of Mongolia, significantly increased portion of nonviable clutches with all dead eggs was recorded, as well as a portion of partly dead clutches, compared with the data on the pure population of Central Transbaikalia. The egg mortality was found to be much less dramatic in the population of the Eastern Transbaikalia, where hybridization is less pronounced than in Mongolia. Several possible mechanisms of genetic incompatibilities breaking the reproductive barriers are discussed. The future fate of this magpie contact zone is considered, taking in account selection against hybridization which was revealed in this study. Among possible scenarios, reinforcement of prezygotic isolation may occur, i. e., in the species-specific calls. It is possible that a kind of mosaic hybrid zone with some features of tension zone will appear. Monitoring of the unique situation with the emerging zone of contact and hybridization of two young magpie species is needed, as a necessary addition to genomic studies.

An Analysis of Potential for Reducing Operational Costs Through The Use of LED Lighting in Indonesian Hotel

Indonesia has significant tourism potential, which drives the growth of the hospitality industry and increasing energy needs. Large energy consumption in hotels, especially in lighting systems, leads to high operational costs and carbon emissions. This study aims to analyze the potential for reducing operational costs through the use of LED lighting at the Bumi Sawunggaling Hotel, Bandung. The methods used include field observation and energy consumption measurement using a Power Quality Analyzer (PQA) for one week, with data taken every 30 minutes. The results of the study show that the hotel's electrical energy consumption reaches 923.45 kWh per week at a cost of IDR 1,334,166. By replacing conventional lighting with LED, hotels can reduce energy consumption by up to 80%, which translates to operational cost savings of 30% or more. The conclusion of this study emphasizes that the application of LED technology not only provides financial benefits but also supports environmental sustainability. The implication of this study is the importance of adopting energy-saving technologies such as LEDs in the hospitality sector as a strategic step to reduce costs and carbon emissions and improve the hotel's reputation as an eco-friendly business, besides that it is very important for Hotel Bumi Sawunggaling to replace its conventional lighting with LED lights to achieve higher energy efficiency. LED lights are known for their superior energy efficiency compared to traditional incandescent lamps or CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp) lamps.

An investigation on the effect of soil erosion on the properties of soil adjacent to a road right of way (ROW)

ABSTRACT Recently, soil erosion has been a significant and common issue along road right of way (ROW). This study was designed to identify the effect of soil erosion on the physical and chemical properties of soil across a ROW. Land use land cover (LULC) map, soil map, and field observation were adopted to ensure proper sampling. Moisture content, grain size analysis, soil texture, consistency test, organic content and matter, pH, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were conducted on 10 representative soil samples collected from 14 km ROW. The laboratory results from moisture content, pH, and CEC revealed samples taken from the erosion fields (20.79% to 26.41%), (8.48 to 8.66), and (18.02 to 24.03) appeared to be higher than those taken from non-eroded fields (16.79% to 18.51%), (8.18 to 8.3), and (14.5 to 16.15), respectively. The organic content of the soil in the non-eroded areas was higher than that in the eroded areas. This variation in soil properties is primarily attributed to differences in LULC and soil composition. With regard to consistency properties, the soil was marked as highly erodible. Treatment of drainage structures, demarcating ROW, ROW stabilization, and awareness creation were proposed as feasible remedial measures. Finally, the soil along Sawla to Bulki ROW was identified as erodible soil as per experimental results and analysis.

Empirical and Machine Learning Models for Soil Erosion Risk Assessment: A Case Study of Tsageri Municipality, Georgia

Soil erosion caused by water is one of the most common causes of land degradation worldwide. Within framework of this research soil erosion risk in Tsageri municipality, Georgia was evaluated using Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and a machine learning-based Random Forest (RF) model. Open access digital datasets and field observations collected in 2023-2024, which included visually identified erosion areas and GPS-recorded data on the presence or absence of erosion, were utilized in modeling process. Data processing and modeling conducted using ArcGIS Pro 3.0 and RStudio software. According to RUSLE results, 39.7% of the study area falls under the very low erosion risk zone, and 20.7% is in the very high risk zone. The RF model results indicated that 16.5% of the territory is under very low risk of erosion and 13.9% - very high risk. It was observed that RUSLE model tends to overestimate erosion rates on steep, forested slopes, while the RF model, by incorporating additional variables, provided more accurate prediction. These findings suggest that combining RUSLE with machine learning improves soil erosion risk assessment, particularly in complex landscapes such as in Tsageri municipality. Future researche should focus on testing additional variables to refine the modeling process further and enhance predictions. The generated digital thematic maps offer valuable insights for understanding the spatial dynamics of soil erosion within the study area, analyzing the factors driving the process and developing effective mitigation strategies.

Heterogenous Chemistry of I2O3 as a Critical Step in Iodine Cycling.

Global iodine emissions have been increasing rapidly in recent decades, further influencing the Earth's climate and human health. However, our incomplete understanding of the iodine chemical cycle, especially the fate of higher iodine oxides, introduces substantial uncertainties into atmospheric modeling. I2O3 was previously deemed a "dead end" in iodine chemistry; however, we provide atomic-level evidence that I2O3 can undergo rapid air-water or air-ice interfacial reactions within several picoseconds; these reactions are facilitated by prevalent chemicals on seawater such as amines and halide ions, to produce photolabile reactive iodine species such as HOI and IX (X = I, Br, and Cl). The heterogeneous chemistry of I2O3 leads to the rapid formation of iodate ions (IO3-), which is the predominant soluble iodine and its concentration cannot be well explained by current chemistry. These new loss pathways for atmospheric I2O3 can further explain its absence in field observations and its presence in laboratory experiments; furthermore, these pathways represent a heterogeneous recycling mechanism that can activate the release of reactive iodine from oceans, polar ice/snowpack, or aerosols. Rapid reactive adsorption of I2O3 can also promote the growth of marine aerosols. These findings provide novel insights into iodine geochemical cycling.

Seismic performance assessment of structural systems in the aftermath of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes: Observations and fragility analyses

This article evaluates how different reinforced concrete (RC) building systems in Türkiye behaved during the extreme 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. The analysis relies on a comprehensive field survey covering 242 RC buildings across various heavily affected locations. Most surveyed buildings were low- and mid-rise RC moment frames and frame-wall (hybrid) systems, with RC wall construction being less commonly observed. Both RC frame and hybrid buildings exhibited several common deficiencies, resulting in significant structural and non-structural damage due to high drift demands. The performance of RC wall construction varied, with some buildings sustaining severe damage while others remained largely unaffected. An analysis of structural plans revealed that RC wall buildings with adequate wall amounts demonstrated exceptional performance, while those with inadequate amounts of walls experienced severe damage. In addition, fragility analyses using simplified models based on surveyed buildings reinforced these findings. The analyses suggested that RC frame and hybrid systems were insufficient in ensuring life safety during the earthquakes. Conversely, properly designed RC wall buildings are expected to perform well. This alignment between field observations and fragility analyses underscores the reliability of the study’s findings and emphasizes the effectiveness of RC wall construction in mitigating seismic risks and protecting life and property.

The social forming of professionals’ adaptive performance: a sensemaking perspective

ABSTRACT Adaptive performance of professionals describes task achievement under conditions of novelty or uncertainty. Research shows that this type of performance can be trained, and that social interaction often plays an important role in it. This study sought to clarify that role, by posing the research question of how social interaction shapes professionals’ sensemaking in adaptive performance. Our conceptual model integrates two concepts from organisational studies, sensedemanding and sensebreaking, with the Data/Frame Model of Sensemaking from cognitive psychology. To test this model empirically, we carried out an explorative, qualitative study. Data collection took place by means of interviews and field observation at an intensive care unit of a Dutch hospital. The analysis revealed that sensedemanding and sensebreaking facilitate sensemaking of professionals by, enabling ‘switches’ between sensemaking cycles crucial for adaptive performance. Based on our findings, we propose that the integration of sensedemanding and sensebreaking in the D/F Model of Sensemaking contributes to our understanding of socio-cognitive mechanisms shaping (the development of) professionals’ adaptive performance.

Environmental Conservation by Using Recycled Aggregates: Enhancing Sustainability in Road Construction

Every day, construction and demolition waste is generated worldwide. As the road business and traffic grow, construction materials have evolved to include more unorthodox features. Road construction and maintenance rely significantly on quarried aggregates, resulting in high resource extraction demands. There is a trend toward employing secondary (recycled) materials rather than primary (virgin) ones to address this. This transformation requires the use of a variety of secondary and tertiary components, including waste byproducts. Numerous studies have been conducted to study and analyze the suitability and practical application of recycled materials in the field. Some recycled materials have better qualities than others, proving satisfactory performance in real-world circumstances. However, concerns about their incorporation persist, based on laboratory research and field observations. These concerns emphasize the necessity for more in-depth research to address potential difficulties. It is claimed that using recycled and tertiary materials in road construction can greatly help to save natural resources. This study predicts the attributes of selected materials, such as gradation, water absorption, maximum dry density, impact value, flakiness, and elongation, to establish their appropriateness for the production of Granular Sub-base (GSB) and Wet Mix Macadam (WMM).

Navigating the challenges of over-tourism: comparative insights and solutions from Petra and Karnak

ABSTRACT This study examines the impacts of excessive tourism on two distinct UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Petra in Jordan and the Karnak Temples in Egypt. These sites were selected for their unique archaeological value and the specific, contrasting challenges they face due to their geographical locations, cultural significance, and differing visitor management contexts. By employing qualitative methods, such as interviews, field observations, and document analysis, the research investigates the environmental, structural, social, and cultural consequences of over-tourism at both sites. The findings reveal that, despite their differences, Petra and Karnak share common issues, including environmental degradation, structural damage, social inequality, and cultural erosion, exacerbated by overcrowding, irresponsible tourist behavior, and inadequate management practices. The study highlights the need for targeted and context-specific solutions, such as improved crowd management, eco-friendly transportation, comprehensive waste management, and stronger community involvement in conservation efforts. By adopting these integrated and sustainable approaches, stakeholders can better mitigate the adverse impacts of tourism and preserve the historical and cultural integrity of these sites. This research provides a valuable contribution to the discourse on sustainable tourism management by offering practical, site-specific insights for heritage preservation.

Construction of Legal Order in Traditional Villages under the Background of Rural Revitalization Strategy--Taking Qianmei Village of Shantou City as an Example

Since the new era, the construction of rural rule of law has gradually received more attention and attention. The construction of rural rule of law order is an important link to promote the construction of rural rule of law, and it is an inherent requirement to promote the implementation of rural revitalization strategy from the track of rule of law. Under the background of rural revitalization strategy, traditional villages take cultural tourism development as a means of revitalization and development and introduce more subjects such as tourists into the field of rural development. The experience and deficiencies of rural governance and the construction of legal order are of more reference value. Taking Qianmei Village, Shantou City, Guangdong Province as an example, this study uses the research methods of questionnaire survey, interview survey, field observation and literature survey to explore the practical experience of traditional villages in promoting rural governance by industrial development and forming villagers' norms by village rules and people's conventions, and concludes that there are four problems in the construction of the rule of law in the process of unclear legislation, lack of confidence, lack of law popularization and insufficient guarantee mechanism. In the face of these problems, the author tries to improve the basic legal system and build the foundation of the legal order in rural areas. Improve the ability to practice the rule of law and establish the authority of the rule of law in rural areas; Improve grassroots legal services, based on the actual needs of rural areas; The overall idea of strengthening the publicity and education of the rule of law and innovating the publicity methods of the rule of law seeks to make the rule of law truly rooted in the rural land of Chinese society.

Evaluation of the Sustainability Status of Arabica Coffee-based Eco-farming on Sembalun’s Drylands, East Lombok Regency

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the application of eco-farming practices to support the sustainability of Arabica coffee farming in the drylands of Sembalun, East Lombok Regency. Specifically, it aims to: (1) assess the effectiveness of eco-farming in creating a sustainable agricultural system, (2) evaluate the sustainability status of Arabica coffee farming in Sembalun, and (3) identify solutions that enhance the sustainability of Arabica coffee farming and the well-being of local farmers. Study Design: The study follows a mixed-methods design, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted in the Arabica coffee farming areas of Sembalun, East Lombok Regency, over a period of two months Methodology: Arabica coffee farmers in Sembalun were selected as the primary unit of analysis. Data collection involved direct interviews, field observations, and documentation of farming practices. The gathered data were analyzed using Multiaspect Sustainability Analysis (MSA) with Exsimpro software to assess the sustainability across five dimensions: ecology, economy, sociocultural aspects, institutional factors, and technology. Results: The findings reveal varying levels of sustainability across the evaluated dimensions. The sustainability status of Arabica coffee farming in Sembalun is considered good, with an average score of 64.58, indicating that current farming practices meet sustainability standards. Sustainability solutions for Arabica coffee farming in Sembalun involve a holistic approach, including agroforestry, farmer empowerment through training and cooperatives, product diversification, and support from government and private sectors to balance economic and environmental goals. Conclusion: The study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the sustainability status of Arabica coffee farming in Sembalun, highlighting the role of eco-farming practices in improving ecological balance, economic viability, social welfare, institutional support, and technological advancement in farming. The findings suggest several actionable recommendations for policy enhancements to support long-term sustainability and improve farmer well-being in this region.

‘I thought I was a refugee’: a narrative inquiry of an EFL teacher’s piloting of a newly published textbook

ABSTRACT Textbooks hold a central position in English Language Teaching (ELT), providing linguistic, sociolinguistic, and cultural resources embedded within specific pedagogical frameworks. Despite its centrality, the end-users’ engagement in textbook development remains vague and untouched. Situated within a textbook development project, this longitudinal study attempts to delineate an experienced English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) teacher’s piloting of a newly published textbook in tertiary education in China. Drawing on data from semi-structured interviews, field observations, classroom observations, and documents spanning over one year, the narrative inquiry traces and depicts the participant’s transition from ‘groping in the darkness’ to ‘seeing a silver lining in the cloud’, which is fluctuated with the participant’s analysis, adaptation, evaluation, and appropriation of the material, highlighted with her re-interpretation of the textbook rationales and re-construction of the personal pedagogical approach in a context-response manner. Facing the challenges and pressures during the textbook piloting project, the teacher’s continuous self-reflection and perseverance are the fundamental driving forces to customize the materials. Furthermore, the flexibility of the textbook content and the support from the editorial team do play essential roles in the piloting project. Through deciphering the rocks and roses in a teacher’s first encounter with a newly published textbook, the study provides practical insights for textbook publishers, textbook writers, language teachers and teacher educators regarding both textbook development and professional development.

Integrating Remote Sensing and GIS-Based Map Analysis in Determining Spread of Built-Ups and Land-Use Dynamics of Terrain of Onitsha Metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria

Land scarcity in most cases hampers development and encourages the misuse of land. The suitability of land must be considered before appropriating or allocating land for any use. Land supports the livelihood of every being on the Earth and therefore determines survival, success, and sustainability (sustainable living). This study aimed at integrating remote sensing and GIS-based analysis to determine the rate at which built-up areas have spread across the terrain of Onitsha Metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria, and the dynamics of other land uses. This research involved both primary and secondary data. The primary data included measurements, direct field observations, and key informant interviews to understand people’s perceptions of the land use in the area. The secondary data included satellite images of the area obtained from USGS and analyzed using ArcGIS 10.2 for variations in the terrain of the Onitsha Metropolis; to determine the land use and land cover change (LULCC) of the Onitsha Metropolis over 40 years, published and unpublished articles and books were also consulted. The geological analysis of the study showed that the area of the Ogwashi/Asaba formation is 318.57 km2; the areas of the Nanka sands and Bende-Ameke are 423.07 km2 and 259.42 km2, respectively. The Nanka sands and Bende-Ameke formations are best suited for engineering construction purposes, while the Ogwashi/Asaba formation is suitable for agriculture and should be designated as a buffer zone or park. However, due to the unavailability of land as a result of the growing population and the proximity of the area to the city center, the area is being encroached upon, and a large area (about 30.40%) has been converted to built-up areas as of 2022. Forecast analysis showed that if the trend continues, 158.28 km2 (49.68%) of the alluvium soils of the Ogwashi/Asaba formation will be covered with buildings by 2072. The geology and the terrain of the Onitsha Metropolis determine the soil characteristics and the land use suitability; mapping the geological formations and overlaying these with the land use and land cover change of the area revealed the extent of the encroachment on the Ogwashi/Asaba formation, which must be discouraged.

The Strategy of the Yogyakarta City Government in Implementing a Sustainable Zero Inorganic Waste Policy

This research aims to analyze the implementation of the Zero Inorganic Waste policy enacted by the Yogyakarta City Government, focusing on waste sorting strategies, infrastructure support, and challenges encountered in managing inorganic waste. The qualitative methodology involves field observations, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions with various stakeholders. The research findings indicate that while this policy has successfully raised public awareness about waste separation, significant challenges remain, such as low public participation, limited infrastructure, and insufficient education efforts. Therefore, the government must increase resource allocation for waste management infrastructure and develop more effective educational programs to encourage behavioral change. This study’s contribution to urban waste management literature lies in its emphasis on the importance of a participatory and systematic approach to waste management and the need for public behavioral change to achieve sustainability goals. The conclusions of this study provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners in formulating more effective waste management strategies in Yogyakarta and other urban areas. This research also offers substantial theoretical contributions, particularly regarding the importance of participatory and systematic approaches in urban waste management and the necessity for societal behavioral changes to achieve sustainability objectives.

Evaluating Quoddy Region archaeological site vulnerability to sea-level rise and erosion through the integration of geographic information system modeling and surveys

Modeling archaeological site erosion often depends on regional site databases that record sites accurately but with variable precision. This study examines the impact of sea-level rise (SLR) on 10 archaeological sites in the Quoddy Region of Maine through comparing models and field observations. Sites were categorized as low, mid, or high priority for field excavation based on exposure to tides. These model results were compared to field reports of site condition to evaluate the accuracy of modeling SLR as an indicator of erosion and to evaluate the application of models in developing prioritization protocols for site investigations. Models for current sea level scenarios broadly underestimate the degree of erosion reported by field observations because not all site locations were recorded at the precision required for analysis. This study emphasizes the importance of field audits for sites recorded in databases to enable large-scale modeling for the prioritization of urgently threatened sites.

Dengue Outbreak Control and Prevention: A Case Study of Gampaha District, Sri Lanka

Dengue fever remains a persistent public health challenge in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka. Despite ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Healthcare, Nutrition & Indigenous Medicine, the district reported 10,212 cases in 2022, with significant hospital admissions and deaths in high-risk areas like MC Negombo, Gampaha, and Minuwangoda. The study examines Dengue control and prevention strategies implemented from November 2022 to March 2023. Data was collected from existing records, interviews with key informants, and field observations. Major challenges were identified and prioritised using evidence-based methodologies, including the "Five Whys" root cause analysis. The analysis revealed significant challenges categorised into program-related and non-program-related issues. Key issues include inadequate use of existing data, insufficient evidence-based control measures, and operational inefficiencies. The root cause analysis identified core problems such as lack of funding, poor planning, and limited community engagement. The study highlights the critical need for data-driven decision-making and enhanced collaborative efforts. Establishing a technical body, develop context-specific programs, and improve community involvement. Resource mobilisation for research and forecasting epidemics was also emphasised. This case study provides valuable insights into the challenges and strategic interventions necessary for effective Dengue control in the Gampaha District. Emphasising evidence-based decision-making and a comprehensive action plan underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to combat Dengue in the region.

Development of a localized Web-based GIS Visualization Platform as a tool for Disseminating Habitat Abundance of Aedes Mosquito Vectors in the Philippines

Abstract. Disseminating up-to-date information on dengue mosquito habitats aided by modern GIS approach would yield benefits to people being informed on the localized developments of the vector and therefore reduce people’s risk of being affected by the disease. This paper discusses the development of this monitoring and sensing mechanism through a Web-based GIS mapping and visualization. It utilizes the environmental, WHO dengue indices and weather information for a case of a city in the Philippines to visualize hotspot areas for habitats of dengue vectors. The paper would aid the government in deploying key assets and supporting DOH’s 5S drive or Search, Self, Seek, Support and Sustain strategy to curtail the spread of the disease. Through this paper, the author intends to develop a localized web-based platform Aedes mosquito vector. Presented in this study provides the data workflow from field observations and the inputs from environmental and meteorological data which has the potential to help enhance the data dissemination as well as the IEC campaign of local health leaders in reducing the mortality and morbidity of people affected by Dengue mosquitoes. This visualization platform includes an easy to set-up system using the available Web-based GIS which can be updated depending on the availability of field data and meteorological observations.

Into the Buzzing World: Integrating Artwork with Fieldwork to Learn About Bees

This article describes a pedagogical approach that integrated artistic expression with experiential fieldwork to enhance pupils’ learning of bees. Initially, pupils were tasked with creating an artwork of a bee or bees based on their preconceived notions, allowing teachers to identify their prior ideas of bees. Afterward, an immersive field activity was conducted to provide pupils with an opportunity to close-up observe live honey and native bees in canola fields and their pollination processes. Through teacher-guided explorations, pupils systematically inspected the morphology of various bee species, relating their external structures to associated functions. The fieldwork allowed for detailed observations of bees’ features, such as the proboscis, antennae, and legs, and their roles in nectar collection and pollen distribution. In addition, exposure to honey and native bees informed pupils of the differences in their stinging, nesting and sociality. Pupils’ summative reflections post-fieldwork suggest that the immersive fieldwork enabled multi-sensory modes of learning barely available in a traditional classroom setting. By juxtaposing the new insights from field observations with the prior ideas of bees embodied in their initial artworks, pupils achieved gains in both their conceptual understandings and perceptual knowledge about bees. Pupils acknowledged deeper understandings of bee anatomy, pollination processes and the diversity within bee species. This approach to learning about bees epitomizes the value of empirical investigation for advancing pupils’ scientific practices and understanding life science core ideas of how animals' external structures fulfill various functions and of how plants and pollinators are interdependent, as highlighted in <i>the Next Generation Science Standards</i>. The integration of artwork creation and experiential fieldwork exemplifies an effective pedagogical approach for enhancing pupils' engagement and learning of biological ideas.