Science Scribbles: Connecting Mashpee Elementary Students to the World Around Them Through Nature Journaling
In collaboration with the integrated arts teaching team at Mashpee’s Quashnet School the Waquoit Bay Fish Company is bringing placed-based education to the local classroom. Through a grant from the Mass Cultural Councils’ STARS (Science, Technology, Arts, Recreation, and Service) Program we are developing a curriculum centered around nature journalling.
Mashpee offers a trove of natural wonders, from the rich environment of our estuaries to the dynamic environments of our many coastal streams and woodlands. Students are learning about the abundance of natural resources that can be found in their own backyard and how their ecological knowledge can inform their own interactions with nature. By incorporating nature journaling into the elementary curriculum, we’re fostering a deep connection between students and the place they call home - one observation, sketch, and story at a time.
What exactly is nature journaling, and how does it work?
The first step is looking outside the classroom to the natural world. Students become nature detectives, using their senses to observe the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of their surroundings. From the slimy feel of seaweed, to the rough ridges of an oyster shell, each detail becomes a potential entry in their journal.
It isn't just about writing; it's about unleashing all manner of creativity. Students make leaf rubbings, paste in pressed seaweed, outline the curves of seashells, and draw the intricacies of river herring scales. They use their pencils, pastels, and shading tools to bring their observations to life on the paper. The unique artistic expression of their observations make them their own.
Their observations spark curiosity, leading to questions about the "why" and "how" of the natural world. How are seaweeds different from plants? Why do some seaweeds have air bladders? How old is this clam? These questions spark scientific inquiry, and the journal becomes a platform for recording observations, formulating hypotheses, and documenting discoveries. Students share their observations and artwork with classmates, fostering a sense of community and shared appreciation for the natural world.
Nature journaling is more than an academic exercise; it's a transformative experience. It equips students with the tools to observe, question, and appreciate the natural world, fostering a lifelong connection to Mashpee and a commitment to protecting its wonders. As they close their notebooks each day, they carry with them not just memories, but a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
About Mass Cultural Council’s STARS Residency Program: The STARS (Science, Technology, Arts, Recreation, and Service) program supports three-day-plus residencies that bring students and teachers together with practicing artists, scientists, and humanists to create rich cultural experiences. These residencies help youth build confidence, discover hidden talents, explore the natural world, understand their place in history, and rise as leaders in their community.
