In the future this page will be the portal to an online interactive classroom with links to lesson plans that can be printed, as well as other multimedia elements that will bring the lessons to life. The first teaser lesson introduces the use of journals as observation tools, and gives examples including a few from Will Steger's archives.

Teaser Lesson:  What is a Journal?

Journals are a tool for exploring the natural world and can be used to develop many different skills. In this activity students will have the opportunity to look at journal excerpts written by Will Steger at different points in his life. They show different styles of journaling and ways of observing and documenting the natural world. In addition to excerpts from Will’s journals there are examples from other individuals that have kept journals about Minnesota’s natural world throughout history. Journal excerpts, as well as background information on each writer follows the lesson.

Adventure Learning

The following videos are meant to be used to support Minnesota’s Changing Climate Teaser Lesson, What is a journal for?

Video On Journaling

Will discusses the importance of journaling to help make observations and connect with the natural world.

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Video On Curiosity

Will discusses about how he became interested in astronomy and weather forecasting and how this was valuable in his later life.

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Video on Inspiration

Will discusses how Mark Twain’s Huck Finn help shape his interest in the Mississippi River and inspired his journey down the river at the age of 15.