Naturalist Journal: Instructions for Page 1 & 2
Research Bio. Naturalist Journal: Instructions for pgs. 1 to 12
Some basic rules to remember:
1.) All entries must be handwritten in pencil (NO PEN).3.) Must be in an unlined bound journal. No 3 ring binders.
2.) Do not use the backs of pages.4.) You must have page numbers written on front of each page.
PAGE 1 of Journal: This is your title page. It should be set it up using the format indicated below:
___ Name, Title, and Date (3 points)
___ Picture (5 Points) IN COLOR
PAGE 2 of Journal: Locate a tree with green leaves. This tree should be one that you can easily observe again later in the year. Try to pick one in your yard at home or in front of the school. Take a picture of this tree and paste it in on page 2 of your journal. Also on page 2, underneath the picture of your tree, write both the scientific name and common name. Write one sentence describing the appearance of your tree (think about height, color, leaf structure, etc.) Use the information below to assist you:
Look at the leaves on the tree. Are they simple leaves or compound leaves? This can be determined by looking carefully at where the petiole attaches to the stem. If it is a simple leaf you will notice a small node or axillary bud. The diagrams below will help you decide this.
___ Picture of tree (5 points)
___ Common Name & Scientific Name (2 Points)
___ Description (2 Points)
PAGE 3 of Journal: Leaf Anatomy
1) Remove a leaf from the tree on page 2 and tape the leaf onto page 3 of your journal.
2) Make a pencil sketch of the same leaf on the right side of page 3 of your journal.
3) On your sketch, label the blade, vein, midrib, and petiole.
4) Under your labeled sketch, write the descriptions of the following observations: the texture, color, size, margin, venation, and shape of your leaf. The diagrams on the back of this page will help you.
___ Leaf taped to page 2 (5 points) ___ Sketch is labeled (4 Points)
___ Sketch of leaf (5 points)___ Leaf is properly described (1 Point)
PAGES 4 through 10 of Journal: Leaf Collection
The fall piece of this project requires you to look around you and notice the leaves. You will be collecting and learning about variation in leaves and the terms/vocabulary associated with their descriptions. There are many websites that can help you with this task. Try:
For each of the terms below you must find and collect a leaf that is an example. The leaf should be intact without insect damage. Do not collect leaves that are already brittle. You must dry the leaf, mount it in your journal, and neatly label it. All labeling is done in pencil. NEVER USE PEN.
Page 4: Arrangement on branch. (You will need to collect several leaves and part of a branch to show these.
Alternate
Opposite
Page 5: Arrangement (continued)
Whorled (3+ leaves per node)
Page 6: Leaf Types
Trifoliate
Dissected
Fan
Page 7: Leaf Types (continued)
Needle
Scale
___ 2 Points per leaf (15 x 2 = 30points) You may earn extra credit by correctly
identifying leaves by common and scientific
names. (1 pt. per leaf up to 2 points max)
Drying Leaves
To press leaves, place objects between several layers of newspaper, making sure that all parts of the leaf are flattened out. Place a heavy book or two on top of the paper and leave for 7-10 days, or until items are completely dried.
Mounting Leaves
Position the leaf to allow room to record the term illustrated. At least 3 of your leaves must be identified - record their common name and scientific name below your specimen (extra credit for others see above). The leaf should be positioned (you can use a drop of glue to hold it in place), then carefully cover the leaf with a rectangle of clear contact (or clear labeling paper) and press the contact paper into place over the entire leaf.
PAGE 11 of Journal: Fall Observations (Create a chart/data table)
There are many changes going on in the natural world as summer turns into fall. You will observe these changes by using all your senses. Sit outside, alone, and still for about 15 to 20 minutes in silence (no talking, no music, etc…) and listen to the sounds of nature. Consciously ignore out any sounds that are man-made. Note the date and time of day in your journal as well as the weather (include temperature in oF and oC). Create and fill in a table with your observations. Make notes of all the colors in the living things that surround you. Smells? Do you see any animals? Insects? Which birds to you see or hear?
___ Observation Notes (5 Points)
PAGE 12 of Journal: Writing
After you have spent your “quiet time” with nature, look over your descriptions and observations from page 11 and compose an essay (150 + words) or poem (100 + words) to record your experience. You will probably want to write a draft on another paper before entering your writing into your naturalist journal. Write neatly and use a ruler if you need to keep your writing fairly straight.
___ Essay/Poem (5 Points)
The total point value for this assignment is 72 points. There will be a 5-point deduction for each school day that it is late. Due Date: ____