Fieldsketching with Sami and Imène

Nature journaling for creative minds: Learning to see through drawing

January 2025

Instructor:
Sami Chang
Funder:
S.M.A.S.H

Course overview

Field Sketching, or 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, you should include 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.

This course is best suited for:

  • STEAM Educators who are currently teaching in K-12
  • Community such as Non profits after school programs
  • Homeschool Educators

The course is capped at 15 people.

What you'll get out of this course

  • You will carefully observe nature and document what you see through drawing and writing.
  • In addition to sketches, you will learn to include descriptive details such as the date, time, weather conditions, and specific features of plants, animals, or landscapes.
  • You will learn to combine 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.

Key concepts covered in this course

GET STARTER GUIDE

Course components

Tidepooling

Only when waters recede at a low tide does the intertidal zone reveal its majesty to the careful explorer. We will be right there to make scientific observations.

Field Sketching

Field sketches are developed in a journal based on your observations. Words referencing things like weather, date, time of day, and characteristics of the object are added to further describe the moment. These descriptive words are a form of data collection or note-taking commonly used in Science.

Group Discussion

The field sketching session will be followed by a discussion with Imène on How Ecosystems Adapt In A Changing Environment.

Art Supplies

A box with all the materials needed for the day

Where this course takes place

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, Moss Beach

Express Interest

About the Instructor

Sami Chang

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/.

Pricing and Stipends

This course is made available to participants at no cost.

Express Interest

What participants say about STEAM courses

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.

Imene's passion for empowering educators and igniting young minds through STEAM is infectious.  The course provided a safe and supportive space for educators like myself to share experiences, learn from one another, and most importantly, explore the possibilities of Liberatory STEAM practices.

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.

Frequently asked questions

Get more information

Still have questions about this course? Get in touch with Imène Ghernati, STEAM's founder, to request more information.

contact us