Nature journals are a fun way to pass the time. To many Great Parks nature interpreters, they are a tool that fosters meaningful connections with the natural world. This is your journal – something to help you connect to the natural world around you and make discoveries along the way.

If the weather is too awful to go outside for your nature observation, take a peak out a window from the comfort of inside your home! If you do venture outside, you may want to take a small pocket notebook to make notes or quick sketches to work further with them when you get back inside. Also, use a pencil – ink in a pen could freeze if it is too cold! Any notebook will work for your journal.

Today’s Prompt: A Trio of Super Moons

Tonight will be the full moon, the first of three super moons that will occur this year. A super moon happens when the moon is opposite the sun, with the Earth in between. It is also the closest to the Earth in its revolution around the Earth. It will appear larger and brighter than normal.

This full moon is known as the Pink Moon, as it coincides with the blooming of the wild blue phlox, which can range in color from pink to purple to blue. Other names for tonight’s full moon are Grass Moon, Growing Moon and Egg Moon.

What would you name tonight’s full moon? Describe the moon in your journal.

A Few Tips for Success:

• Work with your child’s attention span. If they aren’t enjoying an activity, allow them to choose a new one. If they are highly focused, give them plenty of time to continue the observations.
• Allow creativity. Children often have interests that go beyond the questions we pose. Create a safe environment so they can create and explore on their terms.
• Journal along with your child. You never know what you may discover and it’s a great way to spend some quality time together.
• Try activities at different times of day. Observations may change with time and temperature.

Want to try your hand at different nature journaling topics? Click here for more prompts.