Nature Note Resources
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Provided by: Gulf of Maine Research Institute|Published on: August 8, 2023
Activity - OutdoorsScientist Reviewed
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- These student pages will guide students in observing the world around them.
- Students will select a topic, make multiple observations on that topic, then create a nature note to present their findings.
Subjects: Biology
Authors: Gulf of Maine Research Institute
Region: Maine
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- There are many opportunities for student choice throughout this learning module, so students will feel like they have some autonomy in their learning.
- The opportunity to submit their nature notes to "Findings in the Field" gives students an authentic purpose for their work, especially if they also participate in the citizen science projects.
Prerequisites
- It may be beneficial to discuss with students what plants and animal species you have locally.
- For the Building Background Knowledge step, students may need explicit instruction for how to use books, field guides, or the Internet to research their topic. They may also need to be reminded to save their sources and that Google is not a source, but a search engine containing many sources.
Differentiation & Implementation
- To introduce more independent students to scientific observation, groups or pairs of students can go through stations reading multiple nature notes together, then record and discuss what most nature notes have in common.
- Students who struggle with finding something to observe can practice recording what they experience with their five senses (remind students not to taste anything, for safety).
- After completing this lesson, time to return to the observation spot can be incorporated into a daily, weekly, or monthly class routine.
- It may be helpful to create an anchor chart with students about safety measures that need to be taken while observing outside. This chart can hang in the room year-round.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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