Squeaks and I just returned from a fun hike! We saw so many different birds, plants, and rocks. It was hard to remember them all, so we used a special tool called a field journal to keep track of our discoveries.
A field journal is a special notebook that scientists use when they explore outside. They write down important facts about what they see, as well as their thoughts and questions. You can use a field journal too!
If it’s spring where you live, like it is here, you might see lots of flowers. You can use your field journal to learn about the flowers in your neighborhood. Your field journal can be any notebook, binder, or even just a few pieces of paper stapled together.
When you’re ready to study flowers, grab your field journal, some pencils and crayons, and a grown-up. Head outside to find as many flowers as you can. First, write down the date and the weather. Is it hot or cold? Has it rained recently?
Find a flower and look at it closely. Ask yourself questions like: Where is the flower growing? What kind of soil is it in? Is there a lot of sunlight? Are there bugs around the flower? Write down everything you see and think about in your field journal.
Now comes the fun part: drawing! Scientists make careful drawings to remember every detail. Draw the petals and leaves of the flower and show how big it is. The more you look and draw, the better you’ll know each flower!
When you’re done, choose another flower to study. Once you’ve studied a few flowers, you can be done for the day. You can come back tomorrow or in a few days to see how the flowers have changed.
Over time, you’ll see how flowers change, like if they grow more after it rains. Scientists keep field journals to remember what they learn and see how things change over time. You can use your field journal to study more than just flowers. If there are lots of birds, you can keep track of them too!
When studying birds, notice things like what time of day you see them, if they’re alone or in groups, what sounds they make, and what they’re eating.
One of the best parts of having a field journal is decorating it! You can cover it with cool stickers and drawings. Do you have a super cool field journal? We’d love to see it! Grab a grown-up and send us an email at [email protected].
Thanks to Google Making Science for helping us make this episode! See you next time at the Fort!
Flower Detective: Go on a mini adventure in your backyard or a nearby park with your field journal. Choose a flower and become a detective! Look closely at the flower and try to find out what makes it special. Use your senses: What does it smell like? What colors do you see? Are there any insects visiting the flower? Write down your observations and draw a picture of the flower in your journal. Share your findings with a friend or family member and see if they can find the same flower!
Weather Watcher: Over the next week, use your field journal to record the weather each day. Note if it’s sunny, cloudy, rainy, or windy. Then, observe how the weather affects the flowers or plants you are studying. Do they look different on sunny days compared to rainy days? Draw pictures of the flowers on different days and write about any changes you notice. Discuss with a grown-up why you think these changes happen.
Bird Bingo: Create a bingo card in your field journal with different types of birds or bird activities you might see, such as “bird singing,” “bird flying,” or “bird eating.” Go outside with your journal and try to spot as many birds as you can. Each time you see a bird or bird activity, mark it on your bingo card. Can you get a bingo by the end of the week? Talk about your bird-watching adventure with your family and see if they can help you spot more birds!
