Page content
Resize textResize textResize text largerEmail pagePrint pageShare this page

Mark Catesby, Colonial Naturalist

Introduction

A group of gentlemen referring to themselves as the Fellows of the Royal Society began meeting in England in 1660. They had a common interest in nature and sought to attain knowledge about the natural world. One of these men was Mark Catesby. Catesby, whose father had scholarly and scientific connections, studied natural history in London and then traveled to the New World. In 1712 he visited Virginia, the Carolinas, and the Bahamas,where he observed, documented, and collected plant and animal specimens. He published his findings in Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands between 1731 and 1734. It was the first published, fully illustrated book on the flora and fauna of North America.

Materials

Strategy

Activity One: Whip Around Vocabulary Game

1.Cut apart the Whip Around Vocabulary Cards. Shuffle the cards and give one to each student [Note: The word on each card matches a definition on another card.]

2. Read aloud the definition from the teacher card.

3. Have the student who has the word matching the definition call out the word. Have that student read aloud the definition at the bottom of their card. [Note: Teachers, during the game refer to the Whip Around Words and Definitions—Teacher Answer Key.]

4. Repeat, and “whip around,” until all student cards have been addressed. If desired, the cards can be collected, shuffled, and redistributed to play the game again.

Activity Two: Naturalist Sketches

1. Explain to students that when colonial naturalist Mark Catesby visited the North American colonies, he spent a lot of time carefully observing, and creating detailed drawings and watercolors of plants and animals in their natural habitat. Students can have a similar experience by going outside, observing their natural surroundings, and recording what they see.

2. Give students paper, pencils, and a hard surface to draw on (a clipboard, etc.). Take them outside and have them select a specific plant animal to sketch. Have them make as many sketches as time allows.

After returning to the classroom, lead a class discussion in which students what they thought about the experience. Questions may include:

  • What about the assignment was challenging? Why?
  • What made it easier?
  • Why are such scientific observations important?

Optional: Provide art supplies and have students color their sketches. Display finished artwork around the classroom.

 

This lesson was written by Elaine Friend, elementary school teacher, Kearnerysville, West Virginia, and Chris Sink, middle school teacher, Battle Ground, Washington.