Writing in Science: Creating Nature Journals
Posted by David Wetzel
Science Nature Journals
A nature journal allows students to make observations and connections about the natural world in which they live.
As they develop their own nature journals, students develop a concrete understanding of what is going on in the part of nature they are studying.
One example is the impact of global warming on animals which live in a specific ecosystem.
Nature journals let students build upon their experience, remember a certain order of recorded events, and link data with events to develop relationships.
Students make close observations of nature to determine patterns and motions, along with considering the weather, sky, sounds, and temperature changes as they reflect upon nature’s disposition.
They use the science process skills as they observe, analyze, and communicate their findings.
Nature journals assist students with learning how to write about science as they follow these guidelines:
- Begin writing and often. Do not be too critical or edit writing at the beginning to let the writing flow naturally.
- Write as if writing a letter to yourself, close friend, or family member by creating a narrative account.
- Complete sentences are optional; the important point is to record pictures, observations, and data.
- Draw pictures (if a paper journal) or incorporate photographs (if an online journal).
Nature Journals and Technology
Developing a class nature journal using a free Wiki allows teachers and students to view and make comments.
Using Wikis to engage students by integrating technology provides them with their own online journal page in the class Wiki to update and maintain.
Advantages of using a Wiki for nature journals include:
- Students have the ability to embed links to online resources to support their journals.
- Students can upload images into their Wiki page.
- Students can work collaboratively to complete a group journal.
- Students can access and update their nature journal from home.
- Teachers can monitor their students’ progress at their convenience.
- Teachers can limit access to class Wikis, which eliminate concern for open access.
Any other ideas for Specific Science Journals?
