Engage Students through Scientific Observation,

Saturday, April 20th at 10:30 am

Explore the Outdoor World Through Nature Journaling,

Saturday, April 20th at 1:15 pm

with Jennifer Robinson, Montana Natural History Center

Scientific Observation is designed to explore methods and activities that can strengthen student skills in making observations, which is a key practice in science. Making observations is the first way we collect data in order to interpret and make sense of phenomena. For our students, it’s a skill that can be learned and improved through thoughtful instruction in and out of the classroom. Spending time making careful observations also leads to engagement and emotional connections with the natural world. Teachers have found these tools transformative for their instructional practice, as it shifts the attention from the instructor onto student-student and student-nature interactions.

Nature Journals are indispensable and ubiquitous tools in natural history and science, and if journals are used well they can become an equally powerful part of any educators “toolkit.” Used strategically, nature journaling can help focus students, help them make better observations, provide a venue for student reflection, and get students excited about the process of journaling itself. Educators may find that writing and drawing in their own nature journals may also deepen their knowledge of natural history and their field instruction practices. Although there are other worthwhile purposes for using student nature journals, such as creative writing and art, this session focuses on nature journals used to learn about science.

Jennifer grew up in the Sacramento Valley of California and spent her summers hiking, camping, and exploring the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Her love for the outdoors led her to work with youth in outdoor settings, and Jennifer spent many years volunteering and working as a naturalist at outdoor science schools, summer camps, and as an Interpretive Ranger at national parks in Alaska and California. She earned a B.S. in Environmental Education and Interpretation from Humboldt State University and continued on to earn multiple teaching licenses to blend her passion for education in and out of the classroom. After college Jennifer spent six years working as an educator and Program Director for science education and the non-profit world. Jennifer is now taking her passion of blending formal and informal education into nonprofit leadership and recently earned her Masters of Education in Educational Leadership at the University of Montana in Missoula. Jennifer is continuing her education at the University of Montana and currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Teaching and Learning.