Is Christmas nature study really a thing? Are we truly worried about nature study during, arguably, the busiest month of the year? Yes, and yes! During the colder months, we often forget the importance of fresh air, sunshine, and exercise. This can lead to combustible behavior from cooped-up kids (and parents). When you add busyness to…
Since the Christmas season can bring along busy days and sometimes cold weather, it can be challenging to incorporate nature study into your homeschooling routine. I’ve created a list of Christmas nature study books that will help you bring new and inviting ideas to the table without much effort. Each book description gives you an…
This cranberry nature study is perfect for families who enjoy hands-on learning. The topic works well for your science lessons about the harvest season, Thanksgiving, or Christmas! In this No Sweat Nature Study Podcast episode, your children will explore the surprising science behind cranberries and why they float. Mrs. Cindy uses simple yet effective descriptions…
Corn isn’t just tasty; it comes in a rainbow of colors! Discover why corn kernels can be yellow, white, purple, red, and even blue in this No Sweat Nature Study Podcast episode. Your family will learn how natural pigments, like carotenoids and anthocyanins, create these vibrant shades in corn and other plants, such as carrots…
Why would you want to identify rocks and minerals during nature study? Heck, why would you even care to observe rocks when there are so many other things to see in nature? Rocks are boring. They’re dull and colorless. Once you’ve seen one, you’ve pretty much seen them all. Be honest. You’ve thought some of…
Are your children overjoyed to learn about soil? Probably not. But, oh, I bet they will be when you introduce these unique activities! Eli and I have had so much fun playing in the dirt AND doing some pretty cool chemistry experiments. I received free products and compensation from Home Science Tools in exchange for…
This No Sweat Nature Study Podcast episode explores a fascinating question: “Why do kangaroos hop instead of walk?” Kangaroos are incredible creatures, and their unique mode of movement is not just fun to watch but also an efficient way for them to get around the vast Australian landscape. Join Mrs. Cindy as she dives into the science…
Can you imagine using pumpkins to teach math, science, geography, history, AND language arts? You can do just that while enjoying a super-fun day of pumpkin school! Skip the textbooks for a few days and enjoy fall-themed fun with your elementary and middle school students. They will love the playful activities, and you’ll be thankful…
Have you ever spotted a striking orange and black butterfly fluttering through your garden? That was likely a monarch butterfly! Monarchs aren’t just beautiful to look at—they’re also part of one of nature’s most fascinating insect-plant relationships. Milkweed, the monarch butterfly’s favorite plant, is vital to their life cycle. But why do monarch butterflies love…
In this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast, Mrs. Cindy takes kids on a journey inside the human body to explore the fascinating role of cells. Children will be amazed to learn that their bodies contain more cells than people on Earth! With engaging explanations, Mrs. Cindy introduces the basics of how cells…
I am so excited to share this unique nature study freebie with you! You’ll love using autumn play dough mats in your elementary homeschool for all sorts of meaningful fun and learning. Play dough mats provide various benefits. At the most basic level, molding and sculpting dough helps to exercise fine motor skills. This is…
Have you ever wondered how nature inspires some of the coolest inventions around us? In the latest episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast, Mrs. Cindy introduces the concept of biomimicry. This fascinating science shows how humans mimic nature’s designs, like how sticky burrs inspired Velcro. As your family listens, your children will discover…