Intro | Project Directions | Project Links | Connections & Extensions | Stuff We Love | FAQ | Full Toolkit
So… 2 am. The insomnia creeps in, and the crafting begins! I literally sat staring at a pile of scraps and painting supplies and promised myself this would all make sense when I woke up in the morning 🙂
I’ve been thinking about creating a fun STEAM challenge (STEM + Art) using my nature journal obsession, wrapped around a dose of color, and deep-fried in found objects. And here we are!
Don’t try this at home – I’m a professional!
No really, do try this at home- the project works great for homeschooling, in class, at camp, or as a daycare activity, so keep reading!
Ages: 6–12
Grade Levels: 1–6
Time Needed: 45–60 minutes (or 2 shorter sessions)
Group Type: Independent, Partners, or Small Groups
Setting: Classroom, Homeschool, Camp, Makerspace
Materials: Found & recycled materials, basic art supplies
Prep Required: Low
Skills Practiced:
Engineering & design thinking
Nature observation
Creative problem-solving
Fine motor skills
Cross-Curricular: STEM • Art • SEL • Nature Study
For this demo, I used pencils, pens, markers, twine, a box I found in the recycling bin, magazine cutouts, found objects, watercolors, sketches scanned and printed on brown paper, photographs printed on brown paper, lots of different acrylic paint, and homemade paste.
These can be anything you have lying around! Get creative! Your “book” can also be made of fabric, reuseable plastics, bark… anything! It just has to meet the challenge requirements when finished.
Check out the 17-page full toolkit for this project – just $1.99!
STEM Nature Journal Project | Outdoor Science & Pollinator Activities | Grades 2–5
STEM + Art Challenge: Nature-Inspired Mixed Media Journal
The Challenge
Design and create a three-panel art book using found or recycled materials, then turn it into a nature-inspired journal using mixed media.
Part 1: Build the Book
Your mission:
Create a sturdy three-panel book using cardboard, paperboard, or other found materials.
Part 2: Create the Nature Journal
Your mission:
Use nature as your inspiration to turn your book into a creative journal.
Project Links
Get the Free Instruction Sheet: In Our Library | On TPT
See More STEM Challenges Here!
STEM Connections
- Science: Observe patterns, textures, and materials found in nature
- Engineering: Design a book structure that is strong and functional
- Art: Explore mixed media techniques and visual storytelling
- Creative Thinking: Transform natural inspiration into original artwork
Does the book have to look a certain way?
No. Each journal should be unique. The only requirements are:
- Three panels/pages
- It opens and closes safely
- The inside pages are covered with nature-inspired artwork
Can this be used as a nature journal over time?
Yes! Students can revisit their books to:
- Add notes, drawings, or labels
- Record seasonal changes
- Reflect on new outdoor experiences
Extension Ideas (Optional)
Add labels or short journal notes describing each page
Test which materials hold up best over time
Create a cover title inspired by your outdoor experience
Stuff We Love
Homemade paste recipes – Out of glue sticks? Check this out!
Nature Journal Prompts & Inspo – What should the nature journal be about?
STEM Challenges – What is a STEM Challenge, and what do I need?
2mm – 164FT Natural Jute Twine Rope String – for Crafts Gardening Plant Accessories Gift Wrapping, Arts Packing Material Christmas Twine Bulk Wedding Decor
Seriously, can you have enough twine? The narrower the strand, the more you can use it for 🙂 For the book demo, I punched holes in the cardboard with needle nose pliers, and then looped the twine to make hinges.
360 Sheets Vintage Scrapbook Paper Pack, Retro Aesthetic Journaling Supplies for DIY Crafts, Junk Journal, Collage, Ephemera, Aged Backgrounds & Mixed Themes
Scrapbook paper works great! Also, try tissue paper, newspaper, the brown paper from shipping containers, magazines, etc 🙂
Mr. Pen Craft Scissors – Decorative Edge, 6 Pack, Zig Zag, Scrapbooking, Fancy, Pattern, Design
These are super cheap and create different edging cuts. Perfect for younger kids to create a more finished look.
I’d Love to Hear From You!
If you use this activity, I’d love to know how it goes in your classroom or at home! Feel free to tag me on social media @creativebrainsgrowhere — I love seeing how learners explore science through hands-on creativity!
As an educator, author, and illustrator, your reviews and feedback help me continue creating meaningful, kid-friendly resources that support curious minds.
Thank you, and have a fantastic week!
— Julianne (J)
creativebrainsgrowhere.org
@creativebrainsgrowhere
FAQ – STEM + Art Challenge: Nature Journal
This activity works well for ages 6–12. Younger students can focus on basic construction and collage, while older students can add written reflections, labels, and more complex mixed-media techniques.
No. This challenge is designed to use found, recycled, and everyday materials. Cardboard, paper scraps, glue, markers, crayons, and natural items like leaves or twigs work perfectly.
Students can:
Draw or paint nature elements
Use magazine cutouts or recycled paper
Focus on weather, seasons, or memories of outdoor experiences
The goal is nature-inspired creativity, not perfect materials.
Yes! Students can collect nature items ahead of time, use photos or drawings of nature, or reflect on a past outdoor experience. It works well for classrooms, homeschools, camps, and rainy days.
It’s both. Students practice:
Engineering by building a functional book
Science by observing nature and materials
Art through mixed media and design
Creative thinking by problem-solving and experimenting
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