Grade Level: 5-8

Video 1: In the first video the concept of a nature journal is introduced – the purpose of a nature journal, benefits of a nature journal within scientific investigation, and how to properly use it, and important information that should always be included

Video 2: I notice, I wonder, it reminds me of.  Practice the art of observation.  A MarineLab instructor will introduce the idea with a mangrove leave, practice with a sea star, and then students will get to practice on their own by observing a tulip snail.

Video 3: Mangrove Mystery.  A MarineLab instructor will lead you thru asking questions resulting from observing a red mangrove tree.  Then we will use observations to create evidence-based explanations for the recorded questions. 

** Both of the nature journal activities will work well as a pre-MarineLab activity as the purpose of both of the nature journal activities is to enhance observations skills.  The better students can scientifically observe, the more they will get out of all MarineLab programs, whether on site or virtual.

** The nature journaling activities would tie in particularly well with two of our virtual programs – “Life on the Rock” and “Jelly Bellies.”  Both of these lessons were developed to learn and practice observation and scientific questioning skills with “I notice,” “I wonder” and “It reminds me of” statements.