Art & Science in One (AS1) is Cambridge School Volunteers’ outdoor STEAM program for students in Cambridge public elementary schools. CSV trains mentors in techniques of nature journaling with children. Our staff then matches each mentor individually to one student. Mentors volunteer for two hours per session in a structured, supervised program, accompanied by CSV staff, the trainer, and the classroom teacher. Together, the mentor and student develop and extend their observation skills, make discoveries in and about the habitat at a significant open space in Cambridge, practice drawing and recording information, and learn about nature journaling from a science illustrator.
Level: Grades 4 and 5
Drawing Instructor: Erica Beade
CSV Program Coordinator: Julie Croston
Program cancelled for Spring 2020 due to public health measures/school closure.
Resource List:
Places to Draw and Write about Nature in Cambridge
Comprehensive List of Open Space in Cambridge, including Parks
Nature/Art Hot Spots
Art & Science in One Volunteer Deb Lee’s Blog Post on Bronze Insects and Plants in Cambridge
Public Art Tours to take in Cambridge: Nature
Books and Videos
For Grownups:
A Brief Framework for Nature Journaling (Video), by Cambridge School Volunteers
Introduction to Nature Journaling (Video), by Cambridge School Volunteers
Interview with Art & Science in One Drawing Instructor Erica Beade, Part 1
Keeping a Nature Journal, by Clare Walker Leslie
The Nature Connection, by Clare Walker Leslie
How to Teach Nature Journaling by John Muir Laws
For Kids:
Make Your Own Nature Journal (Video) with Outdoor Afro
How to Make Your Own Nature Journal (Video), by Cambridge School Volunteers
Harvard Museums of Science and Culture: Simple Instructions for Nature Journaling (PDF)
The Curious Nature Book, by Clare Walker Leslie
The Nature Connection, by Clare Walker Leslie
How to Keep a Nature Journal 
The Curious Nature Guide 
The Nature Connection 
How to Teach Nature Journaling
Art & Science in One Program Forms
AS1/Program Reference Form Two references are required. Print two copies of the reference form and mail or bring them to two persons who know you. They may fill them out and return to you to bring to orientation, or they may scan, complete, and email them to CSV. At least one must be a professional reference; one can be a personal (but not family) reference.
Why is the section above crossed out? Well, it’s because our in-person Art & Science in One Program only operates in the spring. We were not able to offer this program in Spring 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Contact us or bookmark this page to find out in January if we are offering the program in Spring of 2021!