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…
We veered off the “typical homeschool path” this year to teach out-of-the-box homeschool high school chemistry instead. This isn’t the first time we’ve chosen a different path for our son, a smart kid who doesn’t thrive in the textbook world of science. Do you remember how we chose an out-of-the-box biology course last year? Because that course…
Have you ever watched a dragonfly dart across a pond and wondered how anything so small can move so quickly? In this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast, we investigate insect speed by comparing some of the fastest bugs on Earth, including tiger beetles, horseflies, and dragonflies. Along the way, you’ll pick up…
Ben Franklin nature study is such a fun way to help children connect history, science, and curiosity. In this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast, children learn how Benjamin Franklin’s observations and experiments helped scientists understand lightning and electricity. They also discover why asking thoughtful questions is such an important part of science…
Whether you currently enjoy nature study time with your children or not, being part of a nature club is a great motivator and offers hours of fun learning! 1. What is a nature study club? Quite simply, it’s a small or large group of homeschoolers who meet to study nature topics together. (I prefer a…
Why do some animals seem almost armored? In this informative podcast episode, children learn how turtles, beetles, armadillos, and hedgehogs protect themselves from danger in the wild. They’ll hear about shells, armored plates, exoskeletons, and sharp spines while learning how animal adaptations help creatures survive. The episode also introduces scientific vocabulary, such as exoskeleton and…
Have you ever noticed how bright a full moon can feel, especially when you’re outside at night? In this full moon nature study, we’re taking a closer look at how the changing light of the moon might affect the living things around us. From shifting shadows to brighter nighttime skies, the full moon gives us…
Hands-on rock cycle activities are one of the best ways to help kids truly understand how rocks form and change over time. Instead of trying to remember definitions, they get to see the process unfold right in front of them. Rocks might seem simple at first glance, but they’re constantly changing. Over time, they’re broken…
Plants don’t stop growing when no one is watching, which raises an interesting question for any garden nature study. What is actually helping them? In this episode, kids begin to think beyond hands-on care and consider the natural systems already at work. Sunlight, water, soil, and air all play a role in supporting plant life…
Spring is on the way, and nature is coming back to life. It’s such a wonderful time of the year for exuberant nature walks. Enjoy this free spring nature study printable packet designed to help children make detailed observations of flowers, life cycles, and the sometimes wild weather. The six activities in this free packet…
After our early-autumn trip to the beach, Eli was immensely interested in beach life. When I found him poring over one of our souvenir attraction maps, I knew it was wise to capitalize on his enthusiasm. So… a quick, delight-directed ocean study began immediately. This post contains affiliate links. Interest-Based Ocean Study Rabbit Trails Sometimes, interest-based…
Stories about talking animals have been loved for generations, but have you ever wondered why authors use them so often? In this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast, we look at the connection between storytelling, observation, and Beatrix Potter nature study. You’ll hear how careful attention to real animals helped inspire some of…