Which Homeschool Nature Study Curriculum is Right for Us?
Over the years, the selection of homeschool nature study curriculum offered by Our Journey Westward has grown and expanded. There are so many options, you might be wondering how to decide which is the best fit for your family. Thankfully, this resource will help you sort it out!
Seven Homeschool Nature Study Curriculum Options
Nature study IS science. So, all of the nature study product lines are designed to teach science through the lens of nature study. That means they all provide directions for creative nature walks and nature journaling. But what makes them different? Here is a brief overview of each nature study curriculum series and what makes it unique.
No Sweat Nature Study LIVE Membership
Hi! I’m Mrs. Cindy and I can teach science for you! Twice a month, your family can enjoy live, online classes to learn in-depth science and create a beautiful nature journal page. Don’t worry if you can’t or don’t want to attend live. It’s easy to watch the replay at your convenience. In the growing video library, there are well over 100 previously recorded classes!
Many families are glad to know there is never a need to print anything or do anything extra beyond attending a video class. However, there is a resource packet available for each class to help you “dig deeper” into a topic, if desired. Packets include introductory information, relevant vocabulary, living booklists, kid-friendly research projects, specimen images, and more.
Learn more about the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE Membership here.
No Sweat Nature Study Digital Curriculum
Nature study can’t be done without leaving the house, right? Wrong! It can, especially if you use the multi-media learning options in the No Sweat Nature Study digital curriculum series. These guides provide all the resources needed for a focused nature science study. Best of all, they can be used with the entire family from the kitchen table or a comfy sofa! Quite simply, read the text included in each guide and add hand-selected, kid-friendly videos, websites, and books as you wish.
Beyond the informational learning in each lesson, there is a simple suggestion for nature journaling, a research-based project, a hands-on activity, and (of course) a nature walk. Choose what works for you! Use this curriculum series to teach nature study topics to multiple ages in short bursts of time.
Learn more about the No Sweat Nature Study Digital Curriculum here.
NaturExplorers Studies
Can you build an entire unit study around a nature science topic? Yes, and it’s easy with a NaturExplorers guide! All of the preparation work has been done. The only job left is to pick and choose from the amazing activity ideas.
Choose from 20-40 creative nature walks (some of which include printable nature notebooking pages) to spur learning at home. From experiments to model-making and kid-friendly research projects to living books, the NaturExplorers guides are packed with options.
Learn more about NaturExplorers here.
Want a quick, visual guide? Download it here!
100+ Creative Nature Walks
Short and to the point, these nature study walks and nature journaling prompts are quick and easy to do. Just pull up the PDF on a smartphone and head out the door! The creative ideas reach into every branch of science and even other subjects through fun and resourceful outdoor learning.
Learn more about 100+ Creative Nature Walks here.
40 Nature Walks: Outdoor Science Labs On-the-Go
In reality, nature study is an outdoor science lab. Science labs are meant for hands-on, experiential learning with documentation – just like nature study. By using 40 Nature Walks: Science Labs On-the-Go, turn a simple nature walk into a worthwhile science lab. It’s easy to print one of the prepared activities and head out on a mission!
Each outdoor science lab engages students in a specific investigation with notation. Children build skills in measurement, charting, graphing, comparison, and diagramming – all while having tons of fun!
Learn more about 40 Nature Walks: Outdoor Science Labs On-the-Go – Volume 1 here or Volume 2 here.
Nature Study Through the Holidays
When Christmas and Easter are close at hand, it sometimes helps to switch things up. Thankfully, you can put aside the regular curriculum and “explore” the holiday at hand! These Biblical, Christ-centered, nature-based unit studies help families learn about the holidays through nature exploration and other creative activities.
Learn more about Nature Study Through The Holidays – Easter here and Advent here.
Nature by the Season: Preschool and Kindergarten
Preschool and kindergarten students are brimming with curiosity and there is no better time to begin exploring nature study with them! This series is the perfect mix of real learning and play, which is of utmost importance for early learning. Enjoy nature walks and other meaningful, age-appropriate activities with budding nature scientists!
Learn more about Nature by the Season: Preschool and Kindergarten – Winter here and Spring here.
Should I choose nature study video classes or a digital curriculum?
The No Sweat Nature Study LIVE Membership video classes are taught by a professional educator. In addition to the twice-monthly live classes, there is an ever-growing library of recorded video classes on a huge range of topics! Besides all the additional resources already mentioned, there are several special bonus classes each year, too. Also, download a free digital curriculum each month. This option is the best bang for your buck!
All of the other homeschool nature study curriculum options discussed above are digital. Purchase the PDF once and reuse it again and again. Each PDF can be easily opened on a laptop, tablet, or phone. Feel free to print a copy, too.
What’s included in each nature study curriculum series?
As already mentioned, all of the curriculum options include instructions for nature walks and nature journaling. However, there are some nuances that work better for various homeschooling situations. Below, find some helpful points to consider.
Scheduling Guides for Various Types of Homeschoolers
Homeschool nature study doesn’t have to be a supplement to “real” science because nature study IS science! You can feel confident using it as an entire science curriculum or as a supplement. Either way, it can be hard to figure out how to include it in the daily, weekly, or monthly schedule. The No Sweat Nature Study LIVE Membership, No Sweat Nature Study Digital Curriculum, and NaturExplorers series all include plenty of scheduling ideas.
Living Nature Study Booklists
If you love living books, you’ll be glad to know you can find wonderful booklists in many of the curriculum options! The No Sweat Nature Study LIVE Membership resource packets include booklists for each class. The No Sweat Nature Study Digital Curriculum and NaturExplorers studies include large booklists for each topic.
Printable Nature Journaling Pages
Ready-to-print, visually appealing nature journaling pages can help make nature study simpler and happen more frequently! Find printable nature journaling pages in the following programs: the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE Membership, NaturExplorers Studies, 40 Nature Walks: Outdoor Science Labs On-the-Go, Nature Study Through the Holidays, and Nature by the Season: Preschool & Kindergarten.
Hands-on Nature Study Activities
Even though the curriculum is delivered through video classes or PDFs, that doesn’t mean students can’t have hands-on learning opportunities! Our Journey Westward offers plenty of curriculum options with ideas for hands-on activities. Find them in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE Membership, the No Sweat Nature Study Digital Curriculum, the NaturExplorers Studies, and Nature Study by the Season: Preschool & Kindergarten.
Kid-Friendly Research-Based Science Projects
You might think research should be reserved for older students, but don’t miss out on the amazing learning that elementary and middle school students can enjoy! Kid-friendly research projects promote higher-order thinking skills while stretching learning into other areas, like language arts. Find easy-to-implement, fun, kid-friendly research project ideas in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE Membership, the No Sweat Nature Study Digital Curriculum, and the NaturExplorers Studies.
Ideas To Continue Nature Study Indoors
Yes, you can do nature study indoors! Get lots of ideas for real nature study without even setting foot outside in almost every program. The No Sweat Nature Study LIVE Membership, No Sweat Nature Study Digital Curriculum, NaturExplorers Studies, Nature Study Through the Holidays, and Nature Study by the Season: Preschool & Kindergarten series include indoor suggestions.
Poetry, Literature, Art, Music, and More!
Expand nature study into cross-curricular learning by using the NaturExplorer series. Explore a science topic through the lens of nature study then add in some additional connection points. Surprisingly, it’s easy to use the suggested poems, art, and music suggestions for even richer learning. These guides also include ideas for group activities, making them great tools for teaching homeschool nature study in a co-op or homeschool group!
Want a quick, visual guide? Download it here!
For which ages is the nature study curriculum written?
One of the most popular aspects of all of the Our Journey Westward nature study product lines is that they can be used by multiple ages. Whether using them with one child or several at the same time, all of the curriculum options save homeschooling parents precious time!
Preschool Homeschool Nature Study
Nature Study by the Season is specifically designed for preschool and kindergarten students. Depending on a child’s ability, they are appropriate for 3-6-year-olds.
Elementary Homeschool Nature Study
Apart from Nature by the Season, all of the video and digital nature study curriculum choices are a perfect fit for elementary-age students. Choose from the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE Membership, No Sweat Nature Study Digital Curriculum, NaturExplorers Studies, 100+ Creative Nature Walks, 40 Nature Walks: Outdoor Science Labs On-the-Go, or Nature Study Through the Holidays.
Middle School Homeschool Nature Study
Almost all of the curriculum options work for middle school ages, too! Choose from the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE Membership, No Sweat Nature Study Digital Curriculum, NaturExplorers Studies, 100+ Creative Nature Walks, or Nature Study Through the Holidays. When using a curriculum with multiple ages at the same time, simply expect more detailed work from older (or more capable) students. Note: If your middle schooler is a highly advanced learner, you may need to move into a higher-level curriculum.
Want a quick, visual guide? Download it here!
Which nature study curriculum fits our homeschool style?
As a Charlotte Mason homeschooler myself, I’m a big fan of nature study, living books, short lessons, and rich, meaningful learning! All of the nature study curriculum options were written to fit beautifully with a Charlotte Mason approach to homeschooling.
Unit Study Curriculum Options
Unit studies fit well in a Charlotte Mason homeschool and so quite a few of the homeschool nature study options work perfectly with a unit study approach to homeschooling! Choose from the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE Membership, No Sweat Nature Study Digital Curriculum, NaturExplorers Studies, Nature Study Through the Holidays, or Nature Study by the Season: Preschool & Kindergarten.
Traditional Homeschool Curriculum Options
A traditional approach to homeschooling still has room for nature study! It’s easy to schedule nature study in place of a science class. some of the nature study curriculum choices to consider include the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE Membership, 100+ Creative Nature Walks, or 40 Nature Walks: Outdoor Science Labs On-the-Go.
Classical Homeschool Curriculum Options
Because families who follow a classical homeschooling model find their schedules to be fairly set in stone, they often think nature study can’t happen. In reality, a weekly nature walk can be just the thing to break the monotony and ignite creative thinking! Choose from the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE Membership, No Sweat Nature Study Digital Curriculum, NaturExplorers Studies, 100+ Creative Nature Walks, or 40 Nature Walks: Outdoor Science Labs On-the-Go.
Montessori Homeschool Curriculum Options
Montessori educators, there are two homeschool nature study curriculum choices that can work well for you. The NaturExplorers Studies and 100+ Creative Nature Walks help to build real-life, hands-on explorations into the school day.
Student-Led Homeschool Curriculum Options
Many families find that student-led learning is the best way to approach their goals for home education. Believe it or not, there is plenty of nature study curriculum to support that homeschool style, too. Choose from the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE Membership, No Sweat Nature Study Digital Curriculum, NaturExplorers Studies, 100+ Creative Nature Walks, or 40 Nature Walks: Outdoor Science Labs On-the-Go.
Discovery-Based Homeschool Curriculum Options
For children who learn best through personal discovery, consider NaturExplorers Studies, 100+ Creative Nature Walks, or 40 Nature Walks: Outdoor Science Labs On-the-Go. What’s the difference between student-led learning and discovery-based learning? In student-led learning, a child’s interests guide the next step. In discovery-based learning, opportunities are presented by the parent or teacher, but students take the lead in asking questions and acquiring information.
Nature Study Curriculum for Special Needs
Struggling learners or students who have difficulty learning from traditional textbooks or completing traditional assignments are welcome here! Those with ADHD, dyslexia, sensory challenges, autism spectrum disorder, or any other special need have found that nature study is a great way to make learning accessible. Some of our best options are the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE Membership, No Sweat Nature Study Digital Curriculum, NaturExplorers Studies, 100+ Creative Nature Walks, or Nature Study Through the Holidays.
Nature Study Curriculum for Gifted Kids
Additionally, gifted, twice-exceptional, or asynchronous learners will be glad to know that almost all of our curriculum works for them, too. It can be used to support in-depth learning, while also allowing students to follow passions and special interests. Choose from the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE Membership, No Sweat Nature Study Digital Curriculum, NaturExplorers Studies, 100+ Creative Nature Walks, 40 Nature Walks: Outdoor Science Labs On-the-Go, or Nature Study Through the Holidays.
Nature Study Curriculum for Every Child, Family, and Homeschool
There are so many homeschool nature study curriculum choices here at Our Journey Westward. Hopefully, this article helps you find the ones that are a perfect fit for your family’s needs. Don’t forget to download the quick-reference chart so you can see at a glance which options have the features you need.
