Nature Journaling

Journals
Students will make their own journal entries about
a visit to a nature site in their community. As an
alternate, use an online virtual marsh/nature center.

Time Required
Multiple class periods depending on the length of
the field trip

Materials Required
• Blank paper or artist sketchbooks
• Pencils, pens, and colored markers
• Optional: Internet access if using
Web site in lieu of an outdoor field trip.

Procedure
• Discuss with students prior to visiting the
nature site what they should be observing.
• Remind students of the topics
° Wildlife present
° Natural habits of animals
° Locations of the animals’ homes
° Colors that nature has supplied
° Different types of plants
° Pay close attention to the birds.
• Take a field trip to a local nature site, or use
an online virtual site.
• At the start of the “field trip,” distribute paper,
pens, pencils, and colored markers to students
and ask them to record their observations based
on the class discussion. Encourage students
to include written text and sketches in their
journal entries.
• To conclude the activity, have students share
their observations, journal entries, and artwork
with the class.