Categories: Art , Easy Do-at-Home Activity , Plants , Science
In this activity students make notebooks to both hold materials they find and record their observations on nature walks.
Directions:
1) Folding Bags – Each journal requires 3 bags. Fold all three bags in half (top to bottom).
2) Rubber Band Binding – Punch two holes at the folded edge of the bags. Then insert a rubber band from the back to the front.
3) Insert Stick or Twig – A stick or twig is used to hold the rubber band binding in place. Insert a stick (about 4 “ long) through the rubber band loops at the front. Insert top to bottom.
4) Decorate – Have students decorate the journal as they choose, or to match a course theme.
Using the Journals:
Journals play a vital role in science for collecting and recording findings. They have also been used throughout history by everyday people and famous ones too. The book, Farmer George Plants a Nation, available for check out through AITC’s Free Loan Library, is a great companion to this activity and an excellent example of life long journaling.
After students make their journals, take them outside for a nature walk. Nature walks can be anywhere – playgrounds, the school neighborhood, local park or any community green space.
Give your walk a theme (i.e., seed collection, leaf gathering in the fall; looking for items of a particular color; or items that represent a season).
Have students take their books out with them on the walk. The pockets in the book can be used to hold with found objects. The pages can be used to make notes about what they observe.
Once back in the classroom, the students can share with the rest of class what they found and observed on the walk. They can label their book pages and make notes about the found objects.
