Nature study has been one of the most rewarding subjects in our homeschool through the years. It reaches deeply into every single realm of science. It gets us outdoors for fresh air, sunshine and exercise. It creatively includes other subjects like language arts, math, geography, and even history. But most importantly, God has revealed so much about Himself to us through the study of nature.
Nature study works easily with all homeschooling styles. It makes a huge difference with children who need to be active. It can meet all kinds of learning styles, and offers those with learning disabilities a fresh perspective on learning to give them success. Best of all, nature study works really, really well when teaching multiple ages. I know you’ll enjoy some amazing learning using the lessons you’ll find below. Have fun!
Chromatography with leaves is a fascinating experiment that reveals some of the pigments hidden inside green leaves. Kids will explore the chemistry of chromatography while learning how leaf pigments contribute to autumn colors. This post contains affiliate links. What Is Chromatography? Chromatography is a scientific method used to separate a mixture into its individual parts….
How does a squirrel race headfirst down a tree without tumbling to the ground? Its ankle joints can rotate until its back feet point backward, giving its claws a better grip on the bark. That surprising detail is just one of the animal movements featured in this Jim Arnosky nature study podcast episode! Cheetahs lengthen…
Morning Time. Morning Basket Time. Circle Time. In our home, we called it Brain Training Time. Whatever you call the time when your family gathers for learning before jumping into the rest of the homeschool day, it can be a great place to fit in a little nature study. And no, I’m not going to…
Why are flowers so colorful? The answer has much more to do with plant reproduction than simply making a garden look beautiful. Flower pigments, reflected light, and even patterns invisible to human eyes can all play a part in helping flowers attract the animals that pollinate them. Listen to this No Sweat Nature Study Podcast…
Fall is a wonderful time for nature study, especially when you add creative nature walks, simple activities, and a few good living books. Fruits and nuts are abundant in autumn, making them an easy and interesting focus for a nature walk. You don’t need to travel anywhere special, either. A backyard, neighborhood, park, or hiking…
Late summer is a wonderful time for a music of insects nature study. Plants are producing fruits and seeds, animals are taking advantage of plentiful food, and the shortening days are already beginning to signal seasonal change. In this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast, we’ll talk about what makes late summer such…
I recently received a question from a longtime member asking if you can use No Sweat Nature Study in high school for science credit. That’s a great question, and I have good news! Take a peek at the original question. My daughters do not want to stop studying with you! We have decided that one…
Why do schools of fish, pods of dolphins, and sea lion colonies spend so much time together when the ocean is so vast? In this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast, we’ll learn why living in groups gives ocean animals an advantage. It’s also the perfect companion to a coral reef nature study…
Can an animal really live without a brain? It sounds impossible, but that’s exactly the question we’re answering in this week’s No Sweat Nature Study Podcast. As you listen, you’ll meet three amazing ocean creatures and gather plenty of ideas for a starfish nature study with your own family. Sea sponges, jellyfish, and sea stars…
Summer is here, and it’s a perfect time to explore nature. This free summer nature study printable packet can help you do that easily! As the days get longer, take the opportunity to go on nature walks as a family. The activities in the packet can help children make detailed observations of butterflies, summer fruits,…
Why does a watermelon have a thick rind while a grape has only a thin skin? In this watermelon nature study podcast episode, kids will discover why fruits have different kinds of coverings and how those coverings help them survive as they grow. We’ll explore how watermelons protect their watery interiors, how orange peels help…
Welcome to my 10 Days of Nature Study series! Each day features a creative nature walk idea and a fun follow-up activity to help your family enjoy meaningful science through nature study. Why Study Nature? Nature study is much more than a pleasant walk outdoors. When children spend time observing nature, they learn to notice…