Scientific Drawing

On the walk home from our pumpkin patch excursion, I challenged the children to find ONE special leaf. That was a tall order because it is so fun collecting leaves. The children changed their minds several times but adhered to the challenge.
Once back in our room, the kiddos were challenged to draw what they saw when looking at the leaves. This is called observational drawing or scientific drawing.

Observational drawing helps students observe and reflect upon what they see.  It provides teachers with useful information and shows us features that students notice. It also brings up topics for further discussion.  

We want children to be active observers of the world around them. To ask questions. Share observations that will guide their research and lead them to greater knowledge.  Observational drawing is just one of many entry points that we use as we teach science and math.

Scientists do not only use words but rely on diagrams, graphs, videos, photographs, and other images to make discoveries, explain findings, and excite public interest. 
I often have a drawing challenge for the children at our Discovery table to continually suggest this type of drawing during center time.

When looking so closely at an object it gives us chance to slow down and the results can be amazing! 

Check out the detail!!