It’s summer time and, if you’re like me, you usually have a family vaca planned. Except this year plans had to be cancelled, or at least postponed, until things are safer. So, what do you do now? Why not draw a picture of where you would like to be? It can anywhere. Make a window drawing and escape to a different state, country, or even a different world!
How to Start: Close your eyes and picture a window. What does your window look like? Is it large or small? What shape is it? Is it made up of multiple windows? Now, picture in your minds’ eye what you see outside that window. Got it? Good! Draw it!
What to do next: Describe the world outside your window. Is it real or made-up? Where is it? Pick at least one living thing outside your window and describe it. What is it called? If it is made-up, give it a name. Make sure you give it a scientific name along with a common name (see the binomial nomenclature link below). What does it look like? What does it need to survive? In what climate does it live? Are there predators? Prey?
What we found: When doing this activity, we found that one window wasn’t enough. We ended-up using multiple windows and “evolving” our view but adding new elements to each window. Say hello to Sciurus niger, or the Eastern Fox Squirrel. We just call him Bobby.
Expand it: How can you bring in other content areas?
- Science: What is a food web? Where does your organism fit within the food web?
- Technology: How would you make a vehicle to travel to, and through, your world? What materials would you need? (see “Engineering” below).
- Engineering: How would you prefer to travel to, and through, your world? Design your vehicle.
- Arts: Did you know people work as science artists? What type of science artist would you like to be? Photographer? Fine artist?
- Math: Math is everywhere! Can you find math in your nature drawing? Can you add math to it?
STEAM Resources:
- Here is an overview of binomial nomenclature from ABC Science: https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2016-08-05/how-to-scientifically-name-species/7681634
- Kahn Academy provides a detailed description of the food web: https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/ecology/intro-to-ecosystems/a/food-chains-food-webs
- If you’re looking for less detailed information on the food web, go to Project Learning Tree: https://www.plt.org/food-chain-activity?gclid=CjwKCAjw4MP5BRBtEiwASfwAL1jGPjHlHwIJqYDPY4zhhnN7HV9cmgw0DS9T1o9tTel5Fl-BKQl9EhoCTbcQAvD_BwE
- The Guild of Scientific Illustrators has a description of scientific illustration and information on potential careers: https://www.gnsi.org/learn-about-it
- Digital photography school provides general photography guidelines: https://digital-photography-school.com/13-lessons-to-teach-your-child-about-digital-photography/
- At Connections academy, you can find activities on math in nature: https://www.connectionsacademy.com/support/resources/article/using-math-in-nature-activities-for-kids
-Peace
The Unexpected Parent-Teacher 