The Budding Botanist

By: Michelle Cyr, Youth and Family Programs Manager

The Intersection of Art and Science

Time in nature is a chance to have fun while thinking like a scientist. The world is filled with wonder just waiting to be discovered. While much of nature’s wonder is obvious, like the color of a flower, noticing more subtle phenomena, such as an insect’s eggs on the underside of a leaf, requires deeper observation. Often, this takes a willingness to ask some additional questions.

Whether we intend to make profound observations or not, art intrinsically lends itself to picking up more details because the act of drawing or representing something requires observing it closely. Utilizing a nature journal can not only be a great place to compile findings but can also be a powerful tool that helps us better understand the world around us. Furthermore, a journal can serve as a time capsule for your whole family’s nature observations, which can carry scientific value, especially if you compare observations over time.

Prompts To Promote Deep Observation

The goal of a journal entry isn’t to create a pretty picture but to record observations. We encourage children to create diagrams rather than drawings. A diagram is essentially a drawing with observations attached to it. These observations can be connected to the drawing with leader lines and symbols (see image at lower left).

To provide guidance for your observations, we recommend using these three prompts:

I notice ...

Example: I notice this plant has leaves with pointy edges.

These are the physical characteristics and interactions that you observe. This could include the color, shape, behavior, quantity, scent, etc. of the plant(s) or the animal(s). Be sure to include senses such as smell and touch to get a wide variety of observations.

I wonder ...

Example: I wonder if these edges make animals not want to eat this plant.

These are the queries that pop into your head when you are making observations. Don’t worry about finding solutions or answers. The goal is to reflect on what you’re observing to promote critical thinking. Write down as many inquiries as you can think of. You may be able to come up with some potential responses while making your observations, or you can do the research later.

It reminds me of ...

Example: It reminds me of the cactus I saw when we visited the desert last summer.

Connecting an observation to a past experience is an excellent way to create a more lasting memory that you’ll be able to recall much later than if you just looked at your subject. A leaf on its own may not be very memorable, but tying it to your summer trip to the desert anchors the observation to an impactful experience, making it more likely to be remembered. Furthermore, while you may not be able to recall how the underside of a leaf felt, if you note that it reminded you of how sandpaper feels, you are immediately given a clear image of how that plant felt.

Activity

Search your backyard, neighborhood, or local park for a plant that you can easily check on. Begin by drawing your plant and including your “I notice; I wonder; It reminds me of” prompts. Return to this plant in one week. Do you notice any changes? Return again regularly and flip through your observations to see how much you have noticed about your plant.

Want to learn more tips for nature journaling? Check out the-private-eye.com and johnmuirlaws.com to learn more about this and other approaches to journaling. O