Stay-at-home science: Find your spot
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” -Rachel Carson
By now, you’ve probably taken all the virtual tours of museums, zoos, and aquariums out there. It’s time to get real…as in doing some real science in your backyard or local open space. We’re here to guide you in some fun outdoor activities based on the work of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The most important skill for a scientist is observation; perhaps the second is recording results. So let’s practice. Grab a notebook and pencil, and find a spot in your yard or park where you can sit comfortably for 10–15 minutes. Maybe atop a big rock. Or up in the crook of a tree. Or leaning against a sturdy trunk. A park bench will also work.
Now sit quietly, and pay attention to what you see, hear, smell, and feel (save the tasting for snack time). Are there birds flying by or singing? Is the breeze blowing on your face? Perhaps some flowering trees nearby are scenting the air. Maybe there’s an ant crawling along the sidewalk. Be still and notice. Feel free to close your eyes if it helps you focus on sounds and feelings.
After a few minutes of noticing, choose something to record in your notebook. Draw a nearby flower, plant, or tree. Try to describe a bird song. Write a short poem or essay about your time sitting. When you return indoors, use colored pencils or watercolors to add color to your work.
Try returning to your spot every day and noticing what’s different and what’s the same. Visit at various times of day. In spring, things change quickly, with birds returning to their nesting grounds, plants sprouting and growing, trees and shrubs budding, and everything from mammals to insects emerging from winter’s embrace.
A fancy name for this type of activity is nature journaling. Want to learn more? Mother Nature’s Network has some great ideas.
