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.
Read more….
Any other ideas for Specific Science Journals?
Posted by David Wetzel
Science Newsletters
One strategy for teaching science concepts is through the use of student developed science newsletters.
This approach involves students in the learning process as they research information, write articles, and present these articles in class science newsletters.
This newsletter project helps students improve their writing skills as they learn how to write in science.
Using publishing tools in classroom computer software programs, students embed supporting images and links in the newsletters.
This format also allows newsletters to be published in a classroom Science Blog or Science Wiki for viewing by parents and other interested parties.
If no paper is used, then this becomes a green newsletter.
Science Newsletter Format
The format of the newsletter uses the following guidelines:
Lead Story – a breaking news story format about the specific scientific concept which is the focus of the newsletter.
One Example: Scientist Discover Earth Shaking News about Earthquakes! Based on research.
Personal Interest Story – a story about people or animals using the scientific concept being studied.
One Example: Family uses levers and pulleys to remove debris from their home after an earthquake.
Optional Newsletter Sections
The following sections are optional and are more likely used when a whole class is involved in the development of the newsletter.
Comic Strip – a student draws a cartoon strip involving the scientific concept or finds one (citing source) which addresses the concept.
Want Ads – advertisements from people searching for or selling products related to the science concept.
Puzzles – word puzzles or other puzzles involving the scientific concept.
Read more about Science Newsletters.
Posted by David Wetzel
Writing in Science
Teaching students to write scientific reports takes time and patience on behalf of teachers and their students.
Students must learn to write scientific reports with precision, clarity, and objectivity.
Figurative language must be avoided in scientific writing.
Also, active voice provides readers with a scientific report that specific, reducing ambiguous and confusing language.
Avoiding Figurative Language in Science
Students need to learn to avoid figurative language. This language can make topics more interesting and engaging to a casual reader; however, it is imprecise and not acceptable in science reports. For example:
- Figurative – Experimental subjects were assaulted with a wall of sound.
- Scientific – Experimental subjects were presented with three 20 second pulses of conspecific (same species) bird sounds.
Active Versus Passive Voice
Students must steer clear of passive voice and only use active voice in their science reports.
Avoid using the “be” words: is, am, are, was, were, and been.
The use of “I” and “we” are acceptable and reasonable in science reports.
Resource
Read more at
Writing in Science for more important scientific writing concepts that provides students with how to write science reports.
