$12
weeklyNature and Phenology Journal Club for Middle School Students
Ages 11-14
Live Group Class
Live video meetings
1x per week
3-10 learners per class
60 min
What's included
1 live meeting
1 in-class hours per weekAssignments
1 hour per week. Every week, students are welcome to observe the world and make journals entries.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Beginner Level
In this club for middle 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, make or use maps, take photos, 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 middle 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 in their journals infomation about what they observe.
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.
Meet the teacher
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.
Reviews
Other classes by Abigail Raynock Richard - "Mrs. Abigail"
Other classes by Abigail Raynock Richard - "Mrs. Abigail"
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