Adventure #1:
Drawing Like a Scientist
Draw Like a Scientist
Let's begin this adventure by drawing like a scientist.
The drawing should represent your hypothesis of where all the water comes from, where it goes, and what happens in between.
This is often called the water cycle.
Write out your thoughts next to each step on the water's journey in order to clarify your thoughts. Each written explanation is called an annotation. Like a real scientist, you will make the drawing in your field journal so you can easily go back. Below you will find more in-depth instructions and directions. Have fun!
Ready to start? Follow the steps below to begin!
Watch the overview video first so that you can gain an understanding of what you will be doing today.
Field Journal
To create our outdoor picture, we will be using a Field Journal. Watch the video to understand what a field journal is, as well as how to use it.
While the video talked about finding flowers for a field journal, we are going to be doing a full backyard investigation.
A field journal may include:
Date, time, and place of observation (coordinates, weather)
Specific facts, numbers, details of what happens
Other people whom are helping you
Sensory impressions: sights, sounds, textures, smells, taste. Some people like to put how they are feeling that day in their journal
Personal responses to the fact of recording field notes like thoughts they might be having
Specific words, phrases, summaries of conversations, and insider language
Questions for future investigation
Page numbers to help keep observations in order
This is a picture of a real field journal, by a real scientist!
Step 1
First, take a look at the place where you will be drawing your picture. Is it your backyard? A nearby park? Look around and pick a good spot to draw your picture.
Step 2
Set up all the materials you need, such as pencils, paper, and/or a notebook. For coloring later you should also have something to color with. You may also have a camera to take a picture of the area.
Step 3
Sketch in a line, separating the background and the ground.
Step 4
Start drawing in the big things you see, such as fences, trees, and big rocks.
Step 5
Start adding smaller details that you see in this area, such as flowers and small plants.
Step 6
Label everything on the picture, using exact language.
Step 7
Color your drawing.
Step 8
Label the picture with the date and time that you finished it, as well as give it a title.
Step 9
Show it off to others!
This last step is very important: Scientists often talk to other scientists to see what they think about the subject.
Go and talk to a friend or an adult about what they think the water cycle is. You can add their comments to your drawing or on the next page in your Field Journal.
Listening to others and respecting their opinion can be difficult, but scientists have to rely on the knowledge of others in order to learn. Learning from other people's opinions and experiments makes you a better scientist.
Finished with your water sketch? Fantastic job!
Click below to continue to the next page.
