Scientific Sketching and the Subnivean Zone

Room 10 has been practicing sketching like a scientists. We have learned that we need to look closely (drawing what we see), draw basic shapes, draw contour lines, draw details, add shading and add labels to our work. We have been practicing our sketching skills on nature and metal objects.

When we went to Ann & Sandy Cross we learned about the subnivean zone. Today we read a book about the subnivean zone and began an art project that demonstrates which animals live in the subnivean zone in the winter months. The subnivean zone is the area between the surface of the ground and the bottom of the snowpack. The word subnivean comes from the Latin “sub” (under) and “nives” (snow). Mice, voles, and shrews retreat here for protection from cold temperatures, bitter winds, and hungry predators.