Journaling and Botany: Documenting Learning with Words and Pictures

 

Christine Petersen and Lyn Baldwin

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2014, Volume 35

Abstract

In most university curricula, science and art are separate endeavors. However, the work of scientist-artist such as Leonardo DaVinci illustrate that science and art were once used as interchangeable modes of investigation. Recently, several initiatives have attempted to reconnect art and science. Ainsworth et al. (2011) found that drawing increased the students’ engagement, reasoning abilities, and communication skills. Baldwin and Crawford (2010) found an illustrated botany journal had a positive impact on the student learning and appreciation of plants. In this workshop we will examine the use of illustrated journals in botany class. Participants will be asked to draw a little too! This invaluable approach can be adapted for other science classes.

Keywords:  botany, journal

University of Calgary (2013)