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Nature and Phenology Journal Club for Elementary School Students

In this weekly club, we will observe our local natural environment. Phenology is the branch of earth science and ecology that tracks earth's natural cycles. This includes animal, vegetation, and weather changes. Ex.- 1st frost, 1st robin
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Class

What's included

1 live meeting
1 in-class hours per week

Class Experience

US Grade 2 - 5
Beginner Level
In this club for elementary school learners, we will explore the natural world and learn how to observe and describe the many aspects of phenology. (Phenology is the branch of earth and ecology science that studies the cyclical nature of the earth. Examples include the 1st robin of spring, the 1st frost, and when the last produce in the garden is picked.) We will discuss themes for our journals, including weather, vegetation, wildlife, night sky, and various others. 
Every session will include a short talk about a major theme, such as weather, and how to record it in our journals. Following the theme will be a specific topic, such as clouds. Each of these sections will be brief; about ten minutes each. The remainder of the class will be for open discussion and sharing of what is in our journals, what we've seen in the natural world that relates to our day's theme or topic, and how we choose to record our observations and data.
When we have new learners join, we will talk a little about nature journals and their place in  history. The major themes of our club- Vegetaion, Animals, Daylight, and Night Sky will repeat. The "topics" in which we break down these themes will vary from week to week. They might include trees, budding plants, birds, butterflies, twilight, stars, temperature, and clouds. Our weekly discussions will allow for the learners to expand on things they find interesting or apply to their local environment. 
Most nature journal classes focus on art. This club will focus on observational and documentation skills. Learners are welcome and encouraged to create their journal according to their own interests and talents. They are welcome and encouraged to sketch, paint, take rubbings, make charts and graphs, take photos, draw or use maps,  or simply use words in their records. 
Some learners have ample outdoor areas to explore. Some have limited yards, playgrounds, and parks. Still others  have few outdoor areas either available to them based on location or safety. There are many ways to explore nature and I invite and encourage any elementary school aged learner interested in the natural world to join our club. 
Here is a sample of weekly Themes
Week 1, Week of January 13- Introduction to Nature Journals
Week 2, Week of January 20- Vegetation 
Week 3, Week of January 27- Animals 
Week 4, Week of February 3- Daylight 
Week 5, Week of February 10- Night Sky
Week 6, Week of February 17- Weather
Week 7, Week of February 24- Nature Journals through History
Learning Goals
Scientific Observation- Learners will use their senses and curiosity to observe the natural world.
Data Collection- Learners will record information in their journals about what they observe.
learning goal

Other Details

Supply List
Necessary-
Notebook - any type. If they think they will include drawings, they might consider a blank notebook as opposed to lined, but that is personal preference. 
Pencils/Pens- an assortment
Optional-
Ruler
Art supplies
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined October, 2024
New on Outschool
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
My background is in geography. In 2022, I was a Harrison Fellow of the Historic Landscape Institute at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. I work in landscape heritage. My work involves preservation, conservation, and interpretation of cultural and historic landscapes. My education is ongoing and continuous through classes, seminars and workshops. 

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Live Group Class
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$12

weekly
1x per week
60 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 7-10
3-9 learners per class

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