Keeping a Nature Journal With Elizabeth Smith

Observation

First, observation.

Everything has a story behind it.

Sometimes I think of this process as being like a nature detective.

I ask the “W” questions.

Do you know what they might be?

Detectives ask questions

Who?

What?

Where?

Why?

When?

How?

Do I know the name of this object? If not, can I guess?

Who?

What color is this? What shape? Can you think of more “what” questions?

What?

Where did I find this? Where would I Iook for more?

Where?

Why is it here? Why is it shaped like this?

Why?

When did I observe this? Is it important that I write the time, too?

When?

How tall is it? How does it move or grow? How many leaves? Berries?

How?

Can you see how asking and answering those questions made me more aware of what I was drawing?

Other ways to observe

I use my five senses, especially when I’m outside

My five senses Eyes I use my eyes to see Ears I use my ears to listen for sounds Touch I pay attention to how things feel Nose I think about the odors I smell Taste I taste the air to see if its salty

Safety first! I never: Pick a plant I don’t know about or that is on someone else’s property. Put something in my mouth. I always: Look before touching Handle things carefully Wash my hands after I handle nature objects

Now it’s time for you to make a

nature journal page!