Field Journaling

July 23-25, 2010

Join us as we explore the Sierra Nevada landscape in the Yosemite region while learning to incorporate field journaling and corresponding Language Arts exercises in your intermediate science classroom!

After the success of our 2008 and 2009 journaling institutes, we look forward to bringing this opportunity to even more teachers in 2010. This summer's in-depth institute will return to the Jack L. Boyd Outdoor School (Fish Camp, CA) and from there investigate the Sierra Nevada with a strong content focus on improving observation skills, asking scientific questions, and exploring the natural world through field journaling.

The California Institute for Biodiversity is excited to work with the California State Parks and naturalist and illustrator John Muir (Jack) Laws (California Academy of Sciences) for this professional development institute. Under Jack's guidance as lead instructor (see photo at right), teachers will learn the difference between drawing a pretty picture and using sketching as a scientific tool to help record observations. The journaling activities, which include a matrix for grading, will serve as an excellent route to conducting scientific investigations of these incredible ecosystems.

This intensive course will integrate California science, social science, and Language Arts content standards for 4th through 8th grade. Teachers will conduct local field investigations, receive a teacher manual, and The Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada. Housing and meals are provided. Academic units are also available.

Registration is open.

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