Give the Gift of Nature-Based Science!
Surprise a homeschool family with an experience they’ll treasure. No Sweat Nature Study offers live, interactive science classes taught by Cindy West, a veteran homeschool educator with an M.Ed. Gift access to engaging nature study that sparks curiosity and learning!
With your gift, the recipient will enjoy:
- LIVE Zoom classes twice a month with Mrs. Cindy
- Full access to a growing library of 175+ recorded nature-based science lessons
- Enrichment resources to extend the learning
- Creative nature journaling that builds observation skills, vocabulary, and critical thinking
- A flexible format ideal for multi-age learning and different learning styles
How the Gift Works
After purchase, your recipient will receive a digital gift certificate via email with a redemption code and simple activation instructions. The recipient can activate the membership when they’re ready.
How do I purchase a gift membership?
- Pick between a quarterly or yearly LIVE membership gift.
- Fill in “To/From” and an optional message.
- Select your delivery date.
- The recipient receives a clickable gift code at your chosen time.
- They’ll apply it to their existing account—or create a new one.
Important Info for Charters & ESA Families
- The LIVE gift membership includes live Zoom classes.
- If your program requires video-only access, please choose the On-Demand gift option instead.
Pricing Options
- Quarterly LIVE Gift – $65
- Yearly LIVE Gift – $225
Want to Preview First?
Not sure if this is the right gift?
🎥 Watch a full sample LIVE class to see it in action.
Curious About Class Topics?
Explore our wide variety of science subjects from animals to astronomy:
📘 View the full class topic list
Meet Mrs. Cindy
Cindy West is a veteran homeschool mom with an M.Ed., a popular speaker, and the author of over 30 nature study guides. She’s passionate about making science engaging, meaningful, and doable for every family.
| Length | Quarterly, Yearly |
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Frequently Asked Questions
No Sweat Nature Study is a creative, nature-based science program for 1st–8th graders and beyond. Through engaging lessons and nature journaling, students learn meaningful scientific concepts in a hands-on, memorable way.
Led by veteran homeschooler Cindy West, M.Ed., the program offers two membership options:
- LIVE Membership – Includes twice-monthly, interactive classes with Cindy West and full access to the entire on-demand library of 175+ recorded classes.
- On-Demand Membership – Includes 10 months of 24/7 access to the same library of recorded classes for flexible, self-paced learning.
In every class, students create a nature journal page to build scientific understanding while strengthening observation, vocabulary, critical thinking, and a love for learning. All lessons and optional resources are designed to be neutral, with no religious or controversial science content included.
You get get access to a growing library of more than 175 recorded science classes that teach through nature study and nature journaling. Each class includes optional resources like a podcast episode, booklist, vocabulary activity, hands-on project, kid-friendly research idea, high school extentsion project, and a nature walk prompt.
Families with a LIVE membership also enjoy twice-monthly interactive classes with Cindy West, M. Ed., where students can participate in real time and ask questions.
How long do the classes last? Each class lasts 40-60 minutes.
When do the classes meet? LIVE lessons take place on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month at 2:00 PM ET.
Where do the classes meet? Classes are hosted via Zoom. You’ll preregister (it’s quick and simple), then receive a private access link by email before each session.
What happens if I can’t attend a live class? No worries! All LIVE classes are recorded and added to the on-demand video library. You’ll have full access to rewatch anytime during your membership.
What supplies will we need? Most often, students just need a nature journal (or plain white paper) and colored pencils. Occasionally, simple items like watercolors, a tape measure, or a magnifying glass are suggested—but never required. Supply lists are included in each class registration and reminder email.
Where should we sit to view the class? A sturdy surface is best for nature journaling, so gathering around a table tends to work well.
Do I need to teach anything before or after the class? No prior teaching is necessary. Each class is self-contained. Optional resources are available if you’d like to prepare for or continue the learning afterward, but they’re not required.
Can multiple children in my family attend the same class? Absolutely! One membership covers your entire household. Siblings can participate together and create their own nature journal pages.
Is this appropriate for a wide age range? Yes! Classes are designed for 1st–8th graders, with built-in flexibility to challenge older students and support younger ones.
Can other students see or hear my child during the live class? No. Students are never visible or audible during class. Cameras and microphones are completely disabled. A limited chat feature is available, which is monitored and used only when appropriate for learning or asking questions.
Will my child need to interact during class? No participation is required. Interaction is optional and takes place only through a limited chat feature, which is monitored.
What topics do the classes cover?
Each class focuses on a specific science concept—like animal adaptations, plant parts, weather patterns, or ecosystems—taught through the lens of nature study. A complete list of class topics is shared with members each season.
Will you teach classes during the summer? Yes! Classes continue through the summer to support year-round homeschoolers and schools. If you take a summer break, you can catch up at your own pace using the recordings.
What topics are already in the video library? Click here to view the full list of previously taught classes. New topics are added regularly.
Who gets access to the video library? Whether you choose the LIVE or On-Demand membership, access to the full video library is included for your immediate family. All children in your household can watch the lessons throughout your active membership.
How do we access the video library? Once you purchase a No Sweat Nature Study membership, you’ll receive login details by email. After logging in, you’ll have 24/7 access to the full video library through your member dashboard for the duration of your membership.
Can I download the recorded videos to my device? No. Videos are available to stream only and cannot be downloaded.
Do I get access to the videos or other materials after my membership ends? Once your membership ends, access to the video library and any accompanying materials will be removed.
What supplies will we need? Most often, students just need a nature journal (or plain white paper) and colored pencils. Occasionally, simple items like watercolors, a tape measure, or a magnifying glass are suggested—but never required. Supply lists are included in each class registration and reminder email.
Where should we sit to view the class? A sturdy surface is best for nature journaling, so gathering around a table tends to work well.
Do I need to teach anything before or after the class? No prior teaching is necessary. Each class is self-contained. Optional resources are available if you’d like to prepare for or continue the learning afterward, but they’re not required.
Can multiple children in my family attend the same class? Absolutely! One membership covers your entire household. Siblings can participate together and create their own nature journal pages.
Can I pause or rewatch a lesson? Yes! The beauty of On-Demand access is the ability to pause, rewind, and rewatch any lesson at your convenience during the 10-month membership period.
Is this appropriate for a wide age range? Yes! Classes are designed for 1st–8th graders, with built-in flexibility to challenge older students and support younger ones.
The video lessons with Mrs. Cindy are the heart of No Sweat Nature Study. Whether you’re part of the LIVE membership or On-Demand access, you’ll have access to a growing library of 175+ pre-recorded classes to choose from.
If you’re a LIVE member, you also have the option to attend twice-monthly interactive classes in real time, but live attendance is never required.
All additional resources—like podcasts, booklists, vocabulary pages, hands-on projects, kid-friendly research projects, high school extension projects, and nature walk prompts—are optional. Use them as they fit your family’s learning style and schedule.
How will No Sweat Nature Study lessons fit into my current science schedule? No Sweat Nature Study is designed to be flexible. Here are a few ways families commonly use it:
- As your primary science curriculum for a time, using both the video lessons and optional enrichment resources
- As a supplement to your existing science curriculum
- As a thematic resource by selecting recorded topics that match your current science or seasonal studies
- As interest-based lessons that allow students to dive deeper into topics they love
How often should we use the lessons? There’s no set schedule! Some families use one or more lessons each week, others follow the twice-monthly live schedule, and some rotate lessons seasonally. The flexibility allows you to adapt the program to your unique homeschool rhythm. How often you use the lessons may also depend on whether you simply watch the video or take advantage of the optional learning extensions like booklists, vocabulary, hands-on activities, research projects, and more.
What topics does No Sweat Nature Study cover? No Sweat Nature Study offers a wide variety of science topics across life, earth, and physical sciences—especially botany, zoology, weather, geology, and space. Many classes also include connections to geography, history, and math. Every lesson integrates language arts through scientific vocabulary, note-taking, and diagram labeling. Standards alignment is available for each class to help with planning or meeting school and program requirements.
Can we skip around or choose our own topics? Yes! Lessons are stand-alone, so you can pick and choose based on interest, seasonal relevance, or what fits best with your other studies.
Can this count as our complete science curriculum? Many families use No Sweat Nature Study as their full science curriculum, especially during the elementary and middle school years. By combining the video classes with the optional extension activities, you’ll cover core scientific concepts, vocabulary, and science skills through an engaging nature-based lens.
The program provides rich coverage of life science (zoology, botany, and occasional human biology), as well as earth and space science, with regular connections to physical science concepts. However, for a fully comprehensive approach—especially in chemistry and advanced physical science—you may choose to supplement with additional resources as your children grow.
Is there a scope and sequence to the lessons? No Sweat Nature Study does not follow a formal scope and sequence as a full-year program. However, each individual class includes a downloadable Learning Record with a lesson description, learning objectives, a class-specific scope and sequence, and standards alignment—particularly to NGSS and ELA. This makes it easy to document learning or meet the requirements of schools, charters, or ESAs.
Are the lessons aligned with academic standards? Yes! Each No Sweat Nature Study lesson includes a downloadable Learning Record that outlines the lesson’s description, learning objectives, a class-specific scope and sequence, and alignment with academic standards—particularly NGSS and ELA. When applicable, connections to other subjects like math, history, and art are also included. These records are helpful for planning, reporting, or meeting charter and ESA requirements.
Do students need prior knowledge to enjoy the lessons? Nope! Each lesson is designed to stand alone. Mrs. Cindy teaches everything your children need to know to understand the topic, no matter their prior exposure.
What if we don’t live in the same area as you? Will the lessons still apply? Absolutely. The lessons are designed to be relevant wherever you live and in any season. While nature specimens may vary from region to region, the scientific concepts apply universally, and no specific materials are required to participate.
We offer two main options—and several ways to access No Sweat Nature Study—depending on your needs and how you plan to pay.
The LIVE Membership is best for families who want to attend live, interactive Zoom classes with Mrs. Cindy twice a month. (Many of our families LOVE the live classes.) It also includes full access to the on-demand video library and additional learning resources. Available as a quarterly or yearly subscription, it’s the best value for families looking for real-time connection and long-term engagement. You can cancel at anytime.
Families using charter or ESA funds usually must receive pre-approval from their program to request reimbursement for this version because of the live component.
- Gift Certificates are a great option for grandparents, relatives, or friends who want to gift No Sweat Nature Study LIVE. The buyer sends a digital gift code via email to the recipient. They recipient uses the code toward the LIVE membership.
The On-Demand Access is ideal for families who prefer self-paced learning. It includes 10 months of access to the full library of recorded lessons and additional learning resources. This option does not include live classes, making it ideal for families who use state funds.
There are a few options for purchasing the On-Demand Access:
- Self-Pay works well for families who plan to purchase the On-Demand Access independently and submit receipts to a charter or ESA program for reimbursement. Be sure to keep your receipt.
- Prepaid Charter Access is available for programs that purchase access directly on behalf of families. Once the order is placed, we’ll provide a coupon code that allows the family to activate their program.
- Purchase Orders are available for charter schools or organizations that require a formal PO process. We’ll issue a custom invoice and activate access (via account setup or coupon code) once the PO is received.
Teaching a Co-op or Classroom Group?
If you’re a teacher or co-op leader planning to use No Sweat Nature Study with multiple students, please explore our Classroom & Co-op Access, which is specially designed to meet group needs with fair pricing and appropriate licensing.
How is the LIVE Membership different from On-Demand Access? The LIVE Membership is a subscription that includes everything—twice-monthly interactive Zoom classes with Mrs. Cindy, full access to the on-demand video library, and all additional learning resources. It’s a year-round experience that keeps kids engaged and learning consistently, with the added benefit of real-time connection.
On-Demand Access is a one-time purchase that provides 10 months of video-only access to the recorded lesson library and resources, without the option to attend live classes.
For families who want the most complete experience and best long-term value, the LIVE Membership is the way to go.
How do I choose between the quarterly and yearly membership options? Both options give you full access to live classes, the on-demand video library, and all printable resources. The quarterly plan is great if you’d like to test the waters or prefer a shorter commitment. The yearly plan offers the best value overall, with a deeper discount for families ready to commit to a full year of consistent learning. Both are discounted compared to On-Demand access since you’re subscribing to auto-renew.
Can I switch between quarterly and yearly membership later? Yes, you can switch at the end of your billing cycle by updating your subscription in your account. Contact us if you need help with the process.
Does the LIVE Membership include access to the on-demand video library? Yes! All LIVE Members enjoy full access to the entire recorded lesson library (175+ lessons) for the duration of their membership.
When are the LIVE classes? Live classes take place on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month at 2:00 PM Eastern. A reminder with registration details is emailed before each class. Replays are always added to the video library if you can’t attend live.
How do we register for the LIVE classes? When you’re a LIVE Member, you’ll receive email reminders before each class to register from your member dashboard. You’ll get your private Zoom access link right away. It’s quick and easy, and you only need to register once per household.
Will I get reminders about upcoming LIVE classes? Yes! You’ll receive email reminders with class registration links and supply suggestions before each session. Additionally, Zoom will send reminder emails one day and one hour prior to each live class once you register.
What happens if I miss a live class? No worries! Every live class is recorded and added to the video library, so you can catch the lesson anytime, even if you miss it live.
How soon will I get access after I join? Immediately! You’ll be able to watch videos, download resources, and register for live classes right away.
Do I need a LIVE membership for each child? Nope! A single LIVE membership covers your entire immediate family. Whether you have one child or several, everyone can join in the fun of learning together.
Can I share my LIVE Membership with another family? No. Membership is licensed for one household only. If you’re part of a group, please explore our classroom and co-op licensing options designed for multiple students.
What is the refund policy for the LIVE Membership? Due to instant access to digital materials, we do not offer refunds. If you’re unsure, the quarterly option is a great way to try things out. A free sample lesson is also available to help you decide.
How can I renew or cancel my membership? You can manage your subscription from your account dashboard. From there, you can upgrade to yearly, downgrade to quarterly, or cancel automatic renewals. We’re always happy to assist if needed. Upon cancellation, you will have member access until your period expires.
Is this membership eligible for charter/ESA reimbursement? It depends. Because live components are included, most programs require prior approval for reimbursement. Be sure to check with your specific program before purchasing.
What is included with On-Demand Access? You’ll receive 10 months of access to the full, growing video library of previously recorded No Sweat Nature Study classes, plus additional learning resources like vocabulary activities, hands-on projects, booklists, nature walk prompts, research projects, and more. Live classes are not included.
Can I download the videos? No. Videos must be streamed online.
Who is this best for? On-Demand Access is perfect for families who prefer self-paced learning or who use charter or ESA funds. It’s a flexible way to enjoy nature-based science lessons on your own schedule.
Can I share On-Demand Access with another family? No. Access is licensed for use by one immediate family only. Others will need to purchase their own access. If you’re part of a group, please explore our classroom and co-op licensing options designed for multiple students.
What happens after 10 months? Your access will end after 10 months. We’ll send you a friendly reminder beforehand in case you’d like to purchase again and keep learning.
Is this a subscription? No. This is a one-time purchase and does not renew automatically.
Can I get a refund? Refunds are available within 30 days of purchase and are subject to a 20% administrative fee.
Is the On-Demand option best for families using charter or ESA funds? Yes! Because it’s a one-time purchase with no subscription or live classes, the On-Demand option is often the easiest to get approved by charter schools, ESAs, and similar programs. Families can purchase directly and seek reimbursement, or programs can prepay and receive a code to share with families.
Each No Sweat Nature Study lesson includes a rich collection of optional resources designed to deepen learning, provide cross-curricular connections, and give you flexibility in how you use the program. These include:
- Podcast Episode – A kid-friendly audio introduction to the topic that builds background knowledge and sparks curiosity before the lesson.
- Themed Booklist – A curated list of picture books, nonfiction books, and field guides related to the topic. These are perfect for reading aloud, independent reading, or research.
- Scientific Vocabulary Words – Key terms on the lesson topic are highlighted to support understanding and reinforce science language. These can be reviewed before or after class and incorporated into journaling or discussion.
- Nature Walk Prompt – A creative idea for taking the topic outdoors. These prompts encourage observation and application of the lesson in your local environment.
- Hands-On Activity – A simple, meaningful activity that helps students see the lesson in action. These often involve observation, experimentation, or model-making and are science-focused rather than craft-based.
- Kid-Friendly Research Project – An age-appropriate project idea that encourages students to dig deeper into a related topic using their own research skills. These projects are designed to be open-ended, allowing for creativity and independent exploration, and include creative suggestions for how students might share their findings.
- High School Extension Project – A more advanced activity or research idea that encourages deeper analysis, synthesis, or application of the topic, perfect for advanced or older students.
Do I have to use all the extras? Not at all! The only essential part of the program is watching the video class. Everything else is optional and provided to help you dig deeper if time and interest allow.
Where can I find the extra resources? You’ll find all the extras on the resource page that comes with each class, accessible from the video library.
How long do I have access to the extras? The additional learning resources are available throughout the length of your membership or access period. Once your period ends, so does access to the resources.
No Sweat Nature Study offers a rich and varied selection of science lessons designed especially for 1st–8th graders. Through nature-based observation and journaling, your students will engage deeply with scientific content in a way that sparks curiosity and builds lasting understanding.
The majority of lessons fall into these core areas:
Life Science
- Botany: Examples include seeds, flowers, fruits, roots, stems, leaves, vines, trees, plant life cycles, pollination, plant adaptations, edible plants, plant parts used for food and medicine
- Zoology: Examples include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, ocean animals, animal adaptations, camouflage, hibernation, migration, animal classification, food chains, symbiosis, endangered animals, animal tracks and signs, life cycles
- Occasional Human Biology: Examples include senses, systems of the body, nutrition, and human connections to nature
Earth Science
- Geology: Examples include rocks, minerals, soil types, erosion, landforms, fossils
- Weather and Climate: Examples include clouds, types of precipitation, weather instruments, air pressure, wind, extreme weather, seasons, drought, atmosphere
- Natural Cycles and Processes: Examples include the water cycle, decomposition, ecosystems, biomes, natural resources, environmental balance
Space Science
- Astronomy: Examples include the moon, moon phases, stars, constellations, day/night, planets, solar system, gravity, Earth’s rotation and orbit, tides, and seasonal changes
Physical Science (integrated through natural contexts)
- Forces and Motion: Examples include friction, gravity, push/pull, speed, simple machines
- Energy: Examples include light, sound, heat, magnetism, reflections, shadows
These are often introduced through nature-based examples like how sound travels in different environments or how light moves through water.
In addition to core science content, many classes naturally weave in:
- Geography: Examples include maps, landforms, hemispheres, biomes, and regions
- Math: Examples include measurement, data collection, graphs, estimation, patterns (like Fibonacci), geometry in nature
- Language Arts: Examples include vocabulary, labeling, copywork, note-taking, narrations, scientific writing, poetry
- History and Culture: Examples include when lessons touch on how people throughout history have used or interacted with certain plants, animals, or phenomena
All lessons and optional resources are designed to be neutral, with no religious or controversial science content included.
Please click here to see a list of class topics currently in the video library.
All lessons include downloadable Learning Records that include a lesson description, lesson objectives, scope and dequence, and NGSS Standards, among other noteable standards.
Yes! Every No Sweat Nature Study lesson includes a downloadable Learning Record with detailed learning objectives, a lesson description, a scope and sequence for the lesson, and alignment to NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards), ELA standards, and others when appropriate. These records are especially helpful for families using the program with charter schools or needing to meet documentation requirements.
See a sample learning record here.
No Sweat Nature Study is intentionally designed to be neutral. All classes and optional learning materials are free from religious content and avoid controversial science topics. That makes the program easy to use in a wide variety of homeschool styles, charter schools, and co-op settings.
No Sweat Nature Study was thoughtfully created to support a wide range of learners in a homeschool setting, especially families who want to learn science together across multiple ages and ability levels.
Every class is led by Cindy West, a veteran homeschool mom with a master’s degree in education and extensive experience teaching children with varied learning styles and needs. Her engaging teaching style, combined with visual aids and verbal explanations, makes scientific concepts clear and approachable without watering them down. This allows children at different developmental stages to each take away meaningful understanding from the same lesson.
The core content is ideal for elementary and middle school students. Nature journaling activities and discussion prompts are designed with built-in flexibility so younger students might focus on simple drawings, labels, or narration, while older students practice vocabulary, critical thinking, and cross-subject connections. In every case, learners are encouraged to work at their own level, with just enough structure to support them and just enough freedom to stretch their creativity.
Families often find this format perfect for multi-age learning. One class can be used by several siblings at once, and the optional additional learning resources, including hands-on activities, nature walk prompts, and research ideas, are equally adaptable. They support varied interests, learning styles, and academic goals without creating complication for parents.
For high schoolers, No Sweat Nature Study continues to provide meaningful science instruction through engaging lessons and journaling. A dedicated high school extension project is included with every class to encourage deeper research, independent analysis, and higher-level communication skills. These projects make the program a valuable way to maintain interest in science while fulfilling more advanced learning objectives.
Whether you’re teaching a wide age range or looking for flexible, creative science instruction that fits real homeschool life, No Sweat Nature Study is designed to meet your family where you are.
Yes! We offer a full sample lesson so you can experience what No Sweat Nature Study is like before committing. It includes a video class with nature journaling and a the accompanying additional learning resources. Click here to access the free sample lesson.
We work with a variety of educational models and are happy to support your needs:
Charters & ESAs: We offer both self-pay and prepaid options for On-Demand Access, which is typically approved by charter and ESA programs. LIVE memberships are sometimes eligible with pre-approval due to the interactive component. See charter options here.
Co-ops & Classrooms: Group licenses are available for teachers using the program in a group setting. These come with special terms and pricing. Please visit our co-op/classroom licensing page or reach out for help finding the right fit. Learn more about a group license here.
Purchase Orders & Invoices: If your organization requires a formal PO, we’re happy to accommodate. Learn more about purchase orders here.
Gift Certificates: Perfect for grandparents or groups looking to give a nature-based science experience to the LIVE membership! Purchase LIVE gift certificates here.
Please note that all access to No Sweat Nature Study is intended for single family use, except for group licensing.