Presented by Terry Lynch (TAL)
Artist, Poet, Philosopher and Naturalist
This site presents experiments and challenges for the amateur naturalist. My purpose is to stimulate young people and hobbiest to question, inquire and explore the natural world. I hope to inspire creativity, not only in the scientific study of nature, but in the artistic and humanistic expression which comes through an intimate experience of life and our natural universe.
It is very easy to get bogged down or stuck in some academic or laboratory study which separates one from the true experience of life and nature. This is not to negate the value of careful and controlled experiments, but only to accent that other aspect of learning which comes from field work, form observing the complexity of nature, its grandeur and diversity as one experiences it when in far away from city lights and the hectic rush and chaos of life in the city, which can be not only a distraction to learning, but detrimental to the environment and nature one is investigating.
Over the last thirty or so years I've had the opportunity to travel widely, exploring the natural world with my camera and sketch book. Every journey results in more questions than answers. There is, in fact, no limit to the number of questions one might ask about the most minute of things, such as a firefly larvae or fly maggot. Yet the mountains and the forest in their grandeur and majesty pose, as does the universe itself, a host of questions of their own: such as how many millennium are in a compressed layer of Navaho sandstone cliffs near Arches National Park which might take a good Moab rock climber all morning to conquer?
Since I can not answer all the questions myself, I'm going to share some of my thoughts and experiences with others, hoping to inspire, if not delight, young and open minds to make their own adventures and discoveries. I do not venture to say where this exploration will lead or end, for it really has no beginning or end. I can only say that if you travel along with me we will have some exciting adventures and perhaps learn something of significance and value along the way.
I propose to present some experiments in natural science. Also I may present examples of my own creative work or photographs which are themselves an exploration of figures and forms in nature. This will require some time to provide, so check back to this site often. In fact, this presentation may take some years to complete, since the volume of unpublished photographs and writing I have to draw from is rather large and is still growing.
I will begin simply by providing a few links to favorite sites I've created or discovered upon the Internet. Then in time I will be adding more original material to this site. Included will be controlled experiments, lesson plans or suggestions for field work and travel adventures. This might be of some interest to teachers and students who have inquiring minds and really want, "to go where no man has gone before."
Sincerely,
Terry Lynch
4 March, 1999
Firefly Notebooks by Terry Lynch: How to collect and rear firefly larvae This report presents original research detailing how to collect and rear firefly larvae from eggs.
GEO: Bioluminescent Sprintail of Christchurch, New Zealand Original photo micrographs of a little known species of bioluminescent Collembola, Anurida granaria (Nicolet, 1847) are presented to celebrate the beauty and splendor of this Springtail from down under. Site includes guestbook, gallery, links and updates.
The Infinite and Eternal Nature of the Universe as a Sinusoidal Flux in the Space-Time Continuum by Terry Lynch This theory pokes a hole in the Big Bang, God, time and mortality, suggesting that the universe is eternal in nature.
Project K9 For dog lovers only! This site has information about all breeds of dogs.
Friendship Force Fostering friendship between people of all nations to promote world peace and goodwill.
After Life Songs -- John Denver Tribute Poem/songs inspired by John Denver
Electronic Art Kit Everything you need to know about web site design
Blinks and Links Explore the fascinating world of the firefly and other living light!