Coastal Adventure at Pillar Point Bluff
Picture Science: Learning to see through nature journaling
August 23rd, 2026; 10-1 pm
Picture Science: Learning to see through nature journaling
August 23rd, 2026; 10-1 pm
Nature Journaling, is a method used to connect with nature through firsthand observations. Sketches are developed in a journal based on these observations.
The course is capped at 15 people.
Get a sneak peak at the course and participants' experiences.
STEAM K-12 educators
Educators from the nonprofits sectors.
Administrator interested in creating a more participatory STEAM learning environment
Curriculum designers interested in culturally relevant and place based learning spaces.
The workshop will last 3 hours . You will explore wonder-filled ways to use all our senses to nature-journal and deepen our understanding of the natural world.
The eyes often have it, but what about all our other senses, like sound, smell, touch, and taste?
Using nature journaling, you will access these hidden ways of observing and sensing.
The nature journaling session will be followed by a discussion with Imène on How Ecosystems Adapt In A Changing Environment.
Slightly off the beaten path in the coastal town of Moss Beach, one will come across Pillar Point Bluff, a 220-acre county park with gorgeous ocean views, welcoming of hikers, cyclists and dog walkers. A short hike with a relatively steep incline will bring you to the top of a mostly flat bluff offering panoramic views of Pillar Point Harbor, the world famous Mavericks surf break and working farmlands. Visitors may feel like they have wings as they walk or ride along soaring songbirds and feel the cool ocean breeze on their face.
Ross’s Cove, the beach below the bluff, is part of the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve Fitzgerald and is located within the Montara State Marine Reserve. It has been designated as a Marine Protected Area which is the highest level of protection. It is designated as a Marine Protected Area (MPA) which means no injury, damage, take or possession of living, geologic, or cultural marine resources is allowed. Visitors may sometimes spot marine mammals such as harbor seals and California sea lions sunbathing on the rocks or beaches below the bluffs.
The park’s sensitive wetlands and coastal scrub provide habitat for threatened and endangered species like the California red-legged frog and San Francisco garter snake. Pillar Point Bluff is also a wonderful spot to watch for birds, so keep an eye out for songbirds, cormorants, hawks, pelicans and egrets.
"Attending the nature journaling outing with fellow educators was an incredibly refreshing and inspiring experience. Being out in nature, taking the time to slow down, observe, sketch, and paint helped me reconnect with my own sense of curiosity and creativity. I came away with practical ideas for bringing nature journaling into the classroom and fostering deeper connections between students and the natural World."
"The field sketching course with Sami and Imene captures all the beautiful aspects of learning and encourages everyone to see nature in a new way...to truly be in your surroundings and observe more intentionally the little things we often overlook in our busy days. I walked away ready to take my students outside and have them observe and capture their observations visually and in notes."
"This was one of the best experiences that I have had as an educator in a long time. It was well organized, I learned a great deal, and left with enthusiasm as well as something practical that I can do with students. I am greatly looking forward to the next workshop!"
"Field sketching was a perfect opportunity to slow down and be immersed in the life and landscape of the California coast. So much beauty, movement, and stillness provided a wonderful scene for some close looking through sketching and note-taking. Sami is a wonderfully thoughtful and talented teacher and Imène is a welcoming host and organizer."
About the Instructor(s)
Sami Chang is a science illustrator who is particularly interested in marine ecosystems and the complex interactions displayed between different marine organisms and their environment. Her interests also expand above sea level and into the world of terrestrial organisms and processes. Through my artwork, I wish to inspire others to enjoy the natural world around us in hopes to protect it for future generations.
Her work can be found at https://www.schangstudios.com/
Dr. Imène Ghernati is the Executive Director of the STEAM Learning Institute. Trained as a veterinarian and a researcher, Imene's career spans academia, the pharmaceutical industry, and serving as an educational leader in the classroom and with new and aspiring STEAM teachers. Her journey from a successful researcher with multiple patents to an advocate for liberatory education is driven by her passion for teaching and her commitment to equity and inclusion. Imène has built strong partnerships with schools across the Bay Area and beyond, and maintains close ties with a broad network of STEAM educators nationwide.
The registration fees is $5 for K-12 educators. Sliding scale for others.
I really loved talking about our identities in STEAM and where they started. I loved discussing how we can implement personal connection and create a culture of safety for identity in the classroom.
Field sketching was a perfect opportunity to slow down and be immersed in the life and landscape of the California coast. So much beauty, movement, and stillness provided a wonderful scene for some close looking through sketching and note taking. Sami is a wonderfully thoughtful and talented teacher and Imène is a welcoming host and organizer.
Being on the coast, learning from a talented artist and teacher, and being in community with other educators were all parts of the experience I appreciated. I think what was most moving for me was being present, slowing down, and looking closely in nature. Starting to draw a shell only to have it move a little bit and realizing it is a hermit crab. Trying to draw a rock and realizing how hard it is to capture the edges, especially the curves and softer edges. Looking around and seeing a group of us with our field books.
This course opened up my mind to more ways to teach STEAM and to not be afraid to make connections in different ways with my students and those I work with.I appreciate how it is much more holistic approach to education than traditional STEM education. It really considers the student & the teacher for their unique cultural & social history.
Imene has a beautiful and powerful way of describing the importance of developing our lens and practice toward equity and celebration of all in our work with students. I really appreciated the metaphors she offered for this (the poem, murmurations, etc.) and will take them into my work to center and ground our community in these values.
Still have questions about this course? Get in touch with Imène Ghernati, STEAM's founder, to request more information.
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