Much more than childish pastimes, collections form the basis for museums of natural history, found object art projects, and personal hobbies. Furthermore, many notable scientists—Charles Darwin, for example—began their lifelong investigations with childhood collections. In this activity, students choose a category and collect specimens from the natural world, gathering as wide a range of those objects as possible. Students then analyze and compare the specimens within their personal collection. Also, each student contrasts the breadth, depth, and patterns of her or his collection with those of other students.