Local fieldwork log
Compare litter at two accessible sites. Use adult supervision where appropriate; stay in safe public areas. Do not handle hazards or photograph identifiable people.
📝 Define the sample
Use a ten-metre stretch at each site. Count visible items on the same side of the path for two minutes. Record time, weather, and unusual events. Use the same definition of litter and the same observation area at every site.
📊 Compare the latest observation at each site
Use the same site code each time. Your newest submitted count appears for each site; repeated counts are not added. Compare matching observation dates.
📊 Compare fairly
Use the latest-count chart alongside the dated observations. A higher count could reflect more littering, less cleaning, wind, or a longer time since maintenance. Repeat at the same time on another day before inferring a persistent pattern.
📝 Report
State the question, sampling method, counts, possible explanations, and limitations. Avoid claiming that one observation proves a neighborhood is careless. Choose a follow-up that would distinguish your competing explanations.