Learning Scientific Sketching

4 Activities

Grades 3 - 12

4 Hours

Overview

This collection of activities teaches students how to sketch like scientists. Students learn techniques for observation, data collection, and analysis. After learning and practicing these introductory sketching techniques, they will then be able to confidently use their skills for scientific inquiry.

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Kit Inventory

Students learn to use the Windowpane technique to take stock of materials at the beginning of an investigative unit.

Grades K - 8

1 Hour

Kit InventorySTEM, Nature and Wildlife

1 Hour•Grades K - 8

Introduction to Scientific Sketching

Students learn how to sketch like scientists. You can teach this even if you think you can't draw!

Grades 3 - 12

1 Hour

Introduction to Scientific SketchingSTEM, Nature and Wildlife

1 Hour•Grades 3 - 12

Scientific Sketching Practice

Conducting science involves both careful observation and drawing what you see. Most students won’t know where to start if you ask them to sketch a crayfish, a beaker, or even a rock. Lay the foundation for sketching by explicitly teaching drawing techniques so students can build the confidence and skills they need to sketch during science investigations.

Grades 3 - 12

45 Minutes

Scientific Sketching PracticeSTEM, Arts

45 Minutes•Grades 3 - 12

Sketching for Observation Exercises

Scientific sketching isn’t about making a pretty picture! It’s about looking at something so closely you notice something new. These exercises help students practice sketching for observation, data collection, and analysis during a science investigation.

Grades K - 12

3 Hours

Sketching for Observation ExercisesSTEM, Nature and Wildlife

3 Hours•Grades K - 12