Making and keeping a Science Nature journal is a fun way for kids of all ages to study nature. I did one in College as part of my Ecology of South Florida class and I always promised myself I would make sure to create one with my kids.
The Purpose Science Nature Journal
A nature journal is a place to jot down thoughts, ideas, observations, and experiences with nature. It is an opportunity to reinforce and expand on learning. It can also be handy to keep a record of outdoor learning lessons we complete each week as part of our homeschooling requirements.
Our focus is to learn about the weeds and edible plants that grow on our homestead, the animals that come to visit/call this area home and the environment and ecosystems around us.
A Good Start
This week we started keeping one as a way to keep notes on all the opportunities to study the natural world around us and we are on a roll.
Yesterday, we learned about Dragonflies and their purpose, Spanish Needles and how to identify American Nightshade. We also talked about how the berries are toxic and being careful about what we eat when we are in nature.
Today we went to visit a friend and while we played outside, we found an unusual caterpillar. We talked about how some are dangerous and can sting as a form of protecting themselves.
Learned about Moss and pet a friendly chicken.
We also found another plant to learn more about. These look like, Spanish Needles (Bidens Alba) but we found that these are actually a type of Daisy, and learned that their scientific name is Erigeron annuus.
We also ran into a Monarch Butterfly that was probably just hatching and drying its wings to get ready to fly. This gave us the opportunity to learn about their life cycles and how they grow.
When we got home, we jotted it all down in our K-2 Primary Journal with extra large lines and space for drawings. Not only are we learning about Science and Nature but also practicing penmanship, vocabulary and grammar.
For now we are just keeping track of Names, Scientific Names and Descriptions (in our own words). We posted the picture of the Daisy’s to a plant identification group, and searched the rest on Wikipedia and Youtube. I am also using Google Images for Coloring book type illustrations and gluing them into our notebook. Then our son color’s them in and writes his descriptions.
So far we are off to a good start and our son is enjoying it.
Stay tuned as the journey continues!
RESOURCES:
The Nature Connection: An Outdoor Workbook for Kids, Families, and Classrooms
Keeping a Nature Journal: Discover a Whole New Way of Seeing the World Around You
The Curious Nature Guide: Explore the Natural Wonders All Around You
