Observology for the classroom
Join Greta Dromgool and guest Giselle Clarkson in this recorded professional learning session which introduces the practice of observology.
Giselle Clarkson is a New Zealand author and illustrator, her work featuring in children’s books, Connected journals, New Zealand Geographic and more. Her book, The Observologist encourages readers to notice details in the world around them by providing interesting facts, handy tips, and plenty of humour.
In this webinar we show how observology – a term invented to describe the study of looking –can bring science learning alive in your classroom. Synergies with other curriculum areas and links to relevant digital resources and activities are showcased so you can get your class of observologists exploring straight away. Observology, although starting with the little things, highlights to children some big science ideas. From learning how scientists work to taxonomy and adaptations, this webinar provides a springboard for deepening students connection to and understanding of the world.
This session is valuable for educators from early years through to junior secondary.
Observology for the classroom
This is an edited recording of the webinar Observology for the classroom.
I hope it will encourage children to see that a fascinating, lively, natural world is more than just big animals in faraway places – it’s all around us.
Observology for the classroom – Slideshow
This slideshow, from the webinar Observology for the classroom, provides additional support for the video tutorial.
You can download the video and Slideshow presentation.
| Topic | Slideshow number(s) | Video timecode |
|---|---|---|
Welcome and introducing the Science Learning Hub | 1-2 | 00:00 |
Index and purpose | 3-4 | 00:37 |
Giselle Clarkson | 5-6 | 01:21 |
The Observologist | 7-8 | 06:25 |
Why use observology in your classroom? | 9-11 | 14:59 |
Drawing for observation | 12 | 17:41 |
Scale | 13 | 24:12 |
Tools for observation | 14 | 27:00 |
Taxonomy and scientific names | 15-17 | 30:31 |
Experiencing, connecting and conserving | 18-21 | 32:11 |
SLH links, keep in touch and thanks | 22 | 35:28 |
Related content
Many of the links shared in this webinar can be found in our editable, shareable collection here.
Activity ideas
The following activities support students to develop observation skills, essential for the young observologist:
Useful links
Giselle Clarkson’s website can be found here.
The Observologist, published by Gecko Press, can be purchased at many excellent bookstores.
Acknowledgement
Thank you to Giselle Clarkson.
