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MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED

Computer, smartphone or headset

Internet

Paper

Pencil and Pen

Paper Towel

DURATION

1 hour activity

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Write Field Notes
Ask Questions
Find Evidence

MORE INFORMATION

thevirtualfield.org

Blurry video? See viewing tips posted next to each video link on The Virtual Field website.

Most people think they “can’t draw.” RELAX! This should be fun. This is not about the quality of the drawing. Drawing helps us hone our observational skills by making us pay attention to what we are seeing. Just make an effort to follow the directions and all will be well.

First, watch this 12-min video about basic drawing and labeling techniques: Virtual Field Drawing Tips
Gather your drawing materials and in the space below, warm up with a “Blind Contour” exercise (5 minutes)

Take a field trip to field stations and marine laboratories around the world. These are places where researchers study natural processes and how humans interact with the landscape. Each video is filmed by a researcher who takes you on a guided, but unnarrated, tour of an ecosystem. As you walk with them, hone your powers of observation by drawing what you see.

You see, but you do not observe…. The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes. - Sherlock Holmes

This exercise is not about getting the right answer. It’s about learning to go beyond seeing and to begin observing. So take a second to relax, filter out the noise from your surroundings, and imagine yourself as a detective in this ecosystem. We recommend you set aside an hour to complete the exercise.

DRAWING MATERIALS & WARM UP

The Virtual Field - Ecosystem Exploration Series

SKETCH WHAT YOU SEE

Explorer Guide

thevirtualfield.org is a project of the Organization of Biological Field Stations

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Make a few more sketches of things similar to your original subject. For example, if you drew leaves, draw 2 or 3 different kinds of leaves in different videos or different habitats. If you drew a water’s edge, find 2 or 3 more water edges to draw. A second page is provided if you need more room.

Compare your first drawing with your new sketches, and add labels that distinguish the differences between the objects you drew.

The Virtual Field - Ecosystem Exploration Series

SKETCH WHAT YOU SEE

Explorer Guide

thevirtualfield.org is a project of the Organization of Biological Field Stations

DRAWING COMPARISON

Choose an Ecosystem Exploration video (thevirtualfield.org/virtual-visits/ ecosystem-exploration) and watch through once. Write down the title here.

Video Title:

CHOOSE A VIDEO

Rewatch the video, pausing when you see something you’d like to draw. You might zoom in to make the picture bigger.
Draw an object that interests you in the space provided on the next page.
See if you can fill up most of the space with your drawing.
Try not to draw what a “leaf” or “fish” is “supposed to look like,” but rather try to see lines, shapes and areas of light and dark.
Look for geometric shapes, observe how the shapes in your picture vary
If there are many shapes in repeating patterns, draw a few detailed ones in the foreground and abbreviated/simpler versions in the background.
Add tone, making the drawing look 3D, either with
Graphite pencil, using blender and kneaded eraser, or
Ink pen, using hatching, cross-hatching, scribbling, or stippling
Add labels that describe key details you thought were interesting or you feel need clarification, such as textures, colors, sizes or parts.

MAKE A FIRST DRAWING

Share your drawings with a friend, then have them watch the same video(s) you did. Can they find the objects you drew? Ask them what you communicated accurately, and what you missed.

What did they say?

Did this exercise affect your observation skills? In what way?

COMMUNICATE

STUDENTS, PLEASE TAKE THIS 2-MINUTE SURVEY TO GIVE FEEDBACK

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The Virtual Field - Ecosystem Exploration Series

SKETCH WHAT YOU SEE

Explorer Guide

thevirtualfield.org is a project of the Organization of Biological Field Stations

First Drawing

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The Virtual Field - Ecosystem Exploration Series

SKETCH WHAT YOU SEE

Explorer Guide

thevirtualfield.org is a project of the Organization of Biological Field Stations

Drawing Comparisons