What is Nature Journaling or Field Sketching?
Nature Journaling, is a method used to connect with nature through firsthand observations. Sketches are developed in a journal based on these observations.
Focus on Observation: The primary goal is to carefully observe nature and document what you see through drawing and writing.
Detailed Notes: In addition to sketches, is included descriptive details such as the date, time, weather conditions, and specific features of plants, animals, or landscapes.
Scientific and Artistic Blend: Field sketching combines scientific curiosity about the natural world with artistic expression through drawing. There is no right or wrong in how one practices Field Sketching; there is no pressure—just doing and allowing for awareness.
Through nature immersion and nature journaling, educators will learn to:
observe and experience the world through their senses by paying attention to sounds, color, touch, smell, and taste with playfulness.
nurture their relationships with each other and the environment by listening more deeply while experiencing awe and wonder.
integrate scientific learnings with their emotions, thoughts, and experiences in their journal pages while feeling calmer by being with nature.
What happens if I decide to take part?
Sami Chang and Dr. Imène Ghernati will invite you to a Nature Journaling session. Sami is a science illustrator who is particularly interested in marine ecosystems and the complex interactions between marine organisms and their environment. Her interests also extend above sea level into the world of terrestrial organisms and processes. Imène is the founder of the STEAM Learning Institute and the author of The Starter Guide on Liberatory STEAM Education.
Educators who attend the three sessions can share their work for the magazine on Nature Journaling and Reclaiming Making (summer 2026).
* This event is $ 5 for K-12 Educators (sponsored through individual donations). Other educators will be asked to make a tax-deductible donation at the level that is right for them. We encourage a minimum of $45 per workshop.
Why should I attend?
This session is an opportunity to meet other educators interested in providing their students with creative ways of developing relationships with the natural world around them.
At the STEAM Learning Institute, we advocate for art and imagination as a sort of resilience practice, a cultural invitation not just to prevent AI's flattening effects but also to expand and deepen our imaginative capacities in the face of accelerating technological change.
You will receive a field sketching lesson with Sami Chang as well as a box with all the materials needed for the day, such as:
- Pencil
- Watercolor paints (contained in a palette)
- Sketchbook (with watercolor paper)
- Waterbrush
- Micron pen
This course is best suited for:
- STEAM Educators who are currently teaching in K-14
- Community organizations such as non-profit after-school programs
- Homeschool Educators
- K-12 administrators/staff and art teachers
Other:
Children and partners are welcome. Children under the age of 11 will need another adult for supervision so that the educator can focus on the experiential learning.
Snack/water/drinks provided.
Number of Participants:
Limited to 20.
Time:
Each workshop lasts 3 hours.
- Introduction and welcoming: 20 min
- Presentation and techniques: 40 min
- Field sketching: 90 min
- Final discussion: 30 min
If interested, please fill out the form and register below and/or share the information with your network.
Locations and dates:
Forest Bathing (08/09/25): Butano Park in Pescadero
Tidepooling (12/6/25) : Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Moss Beach
Wildflower (03/21/26): Walk in San Bruno Hills
