Thinking like a Naturalist: Reclaiming the Art of Natural History- Portola Valley

Did you know that your powers of observation and curiosity are not static traits but skills that you can develop and enhance? How can you get more out of every nature ramble? Developments in neuropsychology have opened doors in our understanding of the brain and cognition and how you can train yourself to see more and to be more curious about what you discover. Naturalist and illustrator John Muir Laws will demonstrate simple and fun techniques you can incorporate into your own recreational nature study, classroom, or family outings. You will learn an adaptable four-step approach that will dramatically increase your memory and observational skills, focus and heighten your curiosity, help you think more creatively, and give you a framework for exploring mysteries in nature. It is useful to have simple heuristics to focus your observation technique and scientific investigation process. The “scientific method” we all learned in school is a misinterpretation of scientific process and not what most scientists do. Reframe your approach to scientific methodology to inform your own fieldwork and investigation. A perfect experience for teachers, home school parents, and anyone interested in taking their nature study to the next level.