Nature Journal

A field or nature journal have long been a tool used by field naturalists and biologists.  Regardless of what one studies - plants, insects, birds, mammals, or fish, or interactions between organisms - field journals are used to keep notes on observations made in the field.  These observations may lead to deeper understanding of the organisms with which one works, or spur a scientific research project.  Field journals are often kept by research institutions for use as a reference decades or even centuries later.  

Purpose of Field/Nature Journal

Essentially, field journals are about the Exploration and Discovery portion of  the scientific process.   The purpose is to 

• • • think like a scientist
    • explore the natural world
    • make observations
    • ask questions
    • record information 

Tools for Keeping Nature Journal

• Pencil and eraser- please bring to class with you
• Colored pencils- we have some in the lab, but you might want to bring some with you
• Notebook: we will make this in class using scratch paper from the department.
  • To make it sturdier (and prettier), please bring to class a piece of thicker paper
    • ideally that has a nice image on it.
    • It should be at least 8.5 X 11 inches.
    • The cover from a magazine, a picture from an old calendar, a poster are all good options. 

Assignment 

We are going to make our own nature journals. You will need to bring to class

A piece of sturdy paper that will be the cover of your nature journal

• Examples: an old calendar 
• Example:  a magazine cover
• Example:  cardboard from a cereal box ( or any type of packaged food box- cookies etc)

It needs to be at least 8.5 X 11 inches ( standard binder paper size)