by Ashlyn, Savannah Children’s Museum educator
July 29, 2026 – At Savannah Children’s Museum, we encourage intentionality in creating safe and creative learning outside. We encourage children and adults alike to ask “why” questions that spark curiosity.
Environmental Education is a key component of our “learning through play” mindset.
One great way to help students understand the importance of outdoor education is by making easy D.I.Y. Nature journals.
Students are able to slow down and acknowledge the biodiversity of the world around them. Nature journaling is an activity you and your student can participate in with both rural and urban environments. Depending on the age of your child, you may want to create a more guided activity with a guided walk or add advanced vocabulary and data collection for an upper grade level teaching opportunity.
At Savannah Children’s Museum, we use any opportunity to deepen natural science knowledge and outward artistic expression for our students. This art activity is an opportunity for you and your student to connect while having a creative, hands-on sensory exploration through art.
Creating a paper bag nature journal is simple.
Your supplies:
- paper lunch bag
- scrap paper
- adhesive of choice
- scissors
- ribbon/string
It’s important for kids to develop fine motor skills and unconventional ways to create. Feel free to find alternatives to decorate the cover of your journals with natural materials.
Creativity is the key, and your child can create their own DIY designs using free and found objects. Once you find all the necessary supplies, you’re going to bind your natural journal, creating a small booklet with the paper bag as your cover (and an additional pocket for found object storage).
Once your journal is bound, you’re going to take a walk outside to explore species both big and small. Try counting how many different types of trees you can identify or craft a leaf rubbing on one of your journal pages using a crayon and your favorite leaf. Draw a picture of any animals you find and journal what behaviors you observe.
This should be a student-led activity where the student chooses which objects or species outside they would like to journal about. This allows the child freedom of choice and to focus on their topics of interest.
As the guardian, you are there to ensure safety for your child as well as encouraging them to ask the “why” questions.
This entire activity is about inspiring curiosity and young minds outside. Environmental Education does not need to fit the mold. Encourage your child to explore the reasons why different species interact outside and have them evaluate their reasoning for their answers.
Bonus points if you create a journal alongside your child. Interacting with a student in a direct manner encourages them to become excited about learning. You might find something interesting along the way!
To accompany this art activity, try discussing the importance of conservation and respecting nature. Extra education points if you can focus on how species interact with each other and how we interact with their environment. Explore things such as food webs or natural resources.
When encouraging your student or child to connect with science, starting small will always help a child to connect on a deeper level. Remember, being intentional about encouraging questions and activities related to STEAM doesn’t have to be complex; sometimes it could be as simple as taking an extra 15 minutes outside.
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