Naturalist Journal: Instructions for pages 1, 2, & 3
In Biology this year you will be required to keep a Naturalist Journal.
Question: What is a Naturalist Journal?
Answer: It is a record of your observations of the natural world around you. These observations may
include: weather data; animal photos and descriptions; plant collections; sketches; and general
descriptions of your surroundings.
Question: What do you need to do?
Answer: First you may either purchase or make the physical journal. If you choose to purchase a
journal, make sure that the pages are UN-LINED. To make your journal, you may simply use blank
computer paper and either put them in a separate 3-ring binder OR bind the papers together using
some type of binding clip. Whatever you choose is up to you, just make sure it is neat! Remember, all
entries should be handwritten. Do not use the backs of pages.
Question: How is this whole thing going to work?
Answer: Each quarter there will be 2 or 3 assignments with a list of things you must put in your journal.
You will be provided with a rubric each time showing you the requirements and the point breakdown.
Expect the value of each assignment to be in the 30 to 40 point range.
This assignment is due: ____ (There will be a 5 point deduction for each school day this is late.)
PAGE 1 of Journal: This is your title page. Set it up as shown:
Draw a picture, or glue in a picture of
something natural that you like. It could be
a plant, an animal or some scenery.
(Your Name)’s
Naturalist Journal
2012-2013
___ Name, Title, and Date (3 points)
___ Picture (5 Points)
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.
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.
Choose one complete leaf and:
1) Tape the leaf onto the left-hand side of page 2 of your journal.
2) Make a pencil sketch of the same leaf on the right side of page 2 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 below will help you.
Venation
___ Leaf taped to page 2 (5 points)
___ Sketch of leaf (5 points)
___ Sketch is labeled (4 points)
___ Leaf is properly described (3 points)
Page 3 of Journal - Weather Observation: Pick any 5 consecutive days during this assignment and
record the high and low temperatures for those days. This data can be found online or in the major
newspapers.
Write this information on page 3 in the following way:
Date:
7/1 7/2 7/3 7/4 7/5
High:
90
92
91
96
92
Low:
80
81
80
83
82
___ weather data present (5 points)
___ overall neatness of journal entries (5 points)
Total Point Value for these entries: 35 Points