Make a list of the types of life characteristics you wish to study. Cellular characteristics such as the anatomy, physiology and physiological processes that make up a living thing are one way to increase understanding of a living organism but they only tell you part of the story; observations such as intraspecies interaction, interspecies interaction and interaction with or adapting to their environment is another approach. Studying the life characteristics that make up the basic needs of the living things is also important and includes food, sleep patterns, survival and reproduction as well as overall health characteristics.
Divide the list of characteristics to study into groups or separate into relevant sections. Write each on the top line of a notebook page; one page per characteristic set. Use the rest of the page to make notes while conducting research and, if applicable, observing the living things.
Conduct research through textbooks or library books and journals for the biological and zoological data needed to study the given living thing. The information should be specific to that living thing and include cellular research, health information, nutrition and diet as well as basic life cycle information from reproduction and birth to changes as the living thing grows and ages.
Observe the living things in their natural habitat, if possible. For large animals, a zoo may provide the best opportunity for this type of observation as well as documentaries as a back-up option. For humans, the opportunities are virtually limitless.
Make notes on behaviors, interactions and other observations witnessed by watching the living things. Also note when observation confirms or reaffirms something discovered through your research and reading or if you observe something that seems contradictory to your research.
Write down eating habits such as the order the living things eat in, if the animals are in a pack structure. What types of foods are consumed? How do the living things behave before, during and after eating? Record your observations as well as any additional questions which may arise.