Citizen Science Lesson

Natures Notebook
Name: Anjana Nair
Date(s) of Lesson: April 13-27, 2015
Grade: 3rd
Content Standards:
E.ES.01.12 Demonstrate the importance of sunlight and
warmth in plant growth.
L.OL.03.41 Classify plants on the basis of observable
physical characteristics (roots, leaves, stems, and flowers).
Student Learning Objective(s): Students will learn to observe
our great outdoors, while noting their observations of plants
and animals around us!
From: http://scistarter.com/project/7-Nature%27s%20Notebook?
tab=participate

Materials/Resources:
Datasheets
Species Profiles
Phenophase definitions (all freely available from
www.nn.usanpn.org), Writing Utensils
Mobile telephone w/camera

Learning Activities:
I would like to introduce this topic to the students in the
beginning of the year, and have us observe at least twice a
month, for the whole school year. This way, students will be
able to observe seasonal changes on animals and plants. For
example, in December, they may note that many plants are
gone and birds have travelled south for warmer weather. And
then, in May, they could note new plant buds and many
animals coming out.
To introduce this topic, I would first discuss our unit on
the scientific method, and focus on observations and why
they are important in our community. I would then go on
http://scistarter.com/project/7-Nature%27s%20Notebook?
tab=participate, and discuss with students how we record

animal and plant observations. We will also be discussing

photosynthesis, and the reason why living things grow, and
change which will correlate with the project.
During the visits, I would like students to take turns
taking photos so everyone has at least 4, for each season!
At the end of the school year, I would like students to
discuss their findings, and what they liked most about this
project is a verbal presentation in front of the classroom.
They will be graded on their observations, photos, and
presentation.