Here are some more ideas to get you started.
Engage the fives senses (whenever possible)
Make leaf prints ( paint the leaf and press the print into the journal)
Make leaf rubbings
Trace the items they are looking at
Add leaves into the journal using tape
Count the birds/squirrels/insects etc.
Measure as much of the phenomena as the students can using non standard and standard units of measurement.
Here is a downloadable lesson from John (Jack) Muir Laws and Emilie Lygren book: How to Teach Nature Journaling. All resources shared with permission. "I Notice..., I Wonder...?, It Reminds me of..."
GIVING FEEDBACK here is a fantastic resource from Jack and Emilie
NOTE: You are encourage to spend time in the outdoors Nature Journaling. However, you can also bring nature inside, look out your wonder window, have a refrigerator Safari or even observe a house plant or pet.
Write down your own base line measurements as well others who agree to participate
Creatively decide on some tasks that will affect your body's baseline measurements (i.e. walk/jog/run past 10 driveways, 25 jumping jacks, before and after eating a meal, sitting in place, waving at neighbours, playing a video game or watching a TV show etc.)
Take measurements before, during and after the activity. Record results
Explain why the results varied from activity to activity and person to person
Extension : Research at least one animal and compare their resting heart rate, breaths per minute and body temperature to your own. What are the differences and what are the factors that affect these changes? Amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds, and fish are a few categories to think about for different species.
Curriculum Links: see Writing
NOTE: This can be used with the Nature Journaling activity at the top of the page.
Then take a small object (rock, stick) and toss it onto your body outline.
Describe beneficial or harmful affects on this body part because of physical exercise, or social factors (i.e smoking) or environmental factors (i.e. sun exposure). You can choose the factor.
Does this part of the body rely on another part of the body to function?
What would be the affect on your body if this part wasn't working properly?
This can be played with 1 - 10 people, in person or online, inside or outside.
Curriculum Link: see Writing
Once you have highlighted three different benefits continue to Media Literacy.
Curriculum Links:
NOTE: This can be used with the Nature Journaling activity at the top of the page.