Nature Observations


Study the World Around You - Just Like a Biologist


PURPOSE

Observing our natural world is a big part of how we know our climate is changing over time. Observations of nature can be anything from sizes, numbers, types, temperatures outside, sounds, colours. Biologists get out into the field to make these observations and take measurements. When biologists get out into the “field” (anywhere outside they are studying), they usually take their field journal with them.




GRADE LEVELS

1-6

TIME NEEDED

30-45 minutes



Image

Curriculum LINKS

Grade 1, Science, Topic B:Seasonal Changes

Grade 1, Science, Topic E: Needs of Animals & Plants

Grade 4, Science, Topic E: Plant Growth & Changes

Grade 3, Science, Topic E: Small Crawling & Flying Animals

Grade 5, Science, Topic D: Weather Watch

Grade 6, Science, Trees & Forests

Grade 1-6, English Language Arts

MATERIALS NEEDED

Download: Field Guide Template (also, see example below)

Pencil

Instructions

1. Find a large window or go into your schoolyard to view nature. It could be grass, moss, trees, insects, birds or any other wildlife. It could also be signs of wildlife, scat (poop), foot prints, etc.

2. Have participants fill out their own field journal entry like this example. If possible, make observations multiple times over the year! The more comparisons the better.