Field Notebook Syllabus

Field Notebook
2006-2007 Trillium Charter School Quarter 1
Instructor: Tobie
E-mail: trillium.science@gmail.com

Course Description:
Part of science’s mission is to increase understanding of our world. An important part of this is developing skills of observation and developing curiosity about the world around us. We will explore the concept of a field notebook where writing, drawing, and detailed observation are combined with illustration and inquiry to create a more in-depth understanding. In this course, we will use a field notebook as a tool for inquiry and investigations. We will learn not only different traditional strategies (like note-taking, graphing, and communication logs), but also more creative ways to explore and organize our growing knowledge of the world. We will explore traditional sources of information while we also learn to use human and local places as a source of information and insight.

Materials:
A field notebook. Sketching books, composition notebooks, and spirals are all options. Please see me if you help getting one—you must have one by next week. Collage on Alberta has decent ones for 3.00. Blank pages are best.
Writing instruments. A PENCIL EVERY CLASS!
Glue stick and scissors.
Other art supplies to reflect personal interest (paints, pastels, color pencils, etc.)
A folder (like a pee-chee)

Class Objectives:
Students will use observation skills to look at the world around them in more detail. They will learn about different non-fiction conventions by creating a notebook around a topic and by practicing different writing, sketching, and creative exercises. They will explore sketching, interviewing, adding detail, note-taking, map-making, surveying, graphing and more. To this they will be encouraged to bring their own sense of creativity, enthusiasm, and sense of engagement. Given the inquiry part of this course they will also be challenged to seek information from both observations and human engagement.

Course Structure:
We will develop a variety of observation and recording skills by practicing different techniques. These new techniques will then be explored in individual and creative ways in the field notebook—around a theme of the student’s choice. We will often practice inquiry skills within our community, then students can independently practice the skills focusing on their topic.

Code of Conduct:
All Trillium students and staff are accountable for respecting themselves and each other as laid out in the Constitution. This class will reflect the constitution and our right to have a respectful learning environment. As an instructor, I will provide engaging, hand-on/minds-on learning activities; I will also be open to feedback from students in terms of their needs/ideas for the class. In the learning environment I have these specific expectations that are non-negotiable:
• In whole group sharing one person speaks at once while other people respectfully listen.
• People treat each other with courtesy and respect
• Students try out new techniques and ideas, giving them the benefit of the doubt
• Students are safe and respectful at all times (to each other and our space)
• No cursing.
• Be on time to class.
I understand if students are unable to follow these expectations and will be available to sign add/drop forms as needed. By choosing to attend this class, I assume these expectations are accepted!

The grading sheet for this course will be handing out next week. Each notebook will be graded on a rubric designed around completeness, creativity, and inclusion of information. There will be homework (fun!) for this course.


A general class schedule…subject to change (especially the order depending on student need & interest)
Date Class Focus
11/27 Inquiry
11/29 Interviews
12/4 Share presentations of interviews, rubrics
12/6 Diagram
12/11 Surveys
12/13 Surveys
1/3 Pictures and Captions
1/8 Maps, zone maps
1/10 Artifacts and Art
1/17 Guest speaker
1/22 Narratives (poems, lyrics, blogs and more)
1/24 Observation & data taking
1/29 Graphic organizers
1/31 Reflections, presentation & celebration