Live Science Classes + Video Library

Online Nature-Based Science for 1st–8th Graders

Live science classes with Cindy West, plus 200+ recorded lessons

$225

per year

Best value – save $35!

$65

per quarter

Still a great value!

We’re ready to Purchase!

What’s included in this homeschool Science curriculum?

Engaging, nature based science made simple for your homeschool.

With your membership:

Two live science classes each month
Full access to the growing video library
Guided nature journaling built into every lesson
Multi-age lessons for 1st through 8th grade

Plus:

Extension ideas, projects, and activities
Printable planning and documentation resources

Everything is ready for you inside the membership, so it’s easy to jump in and get started.

Join No Sweat Nature Study

Check Out This Season’s Science Topics!

Meet your homeschool Science Teacher

Hi, I’m Cindy West.

I’m a mom of three with more than 20 years of homeschooling experience and a master’s degree in education.

In No Sweat Nature Study, I guide your children through engaging, nature-based science lessons that help them observe, think, and truly understand the world around them.

You don’t have to be a science expert. I’ll teach the lessons for you!

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No Sweat Nature Study Overview

Nature Study Classes

Each class lasts 40–60 minutes and is designed for 1st–8th graders, with flexibility for the whole family. Two new video lessons are added each month.

Full Video Library

Access all previously recorded classes and bonus lessons anytime.

Supplementary Resources

Available with each lesson: a curated book list, companion podcast episode, nature walk suggestion, kid-friendly research prompt, hands-on activity idea, and a printable scientific vocabulary activity sheet.

Multi-Age Learning

Lessons are designed for 1st–8th grade, with options for younger and older students, including high school extensions.

Planning Support

Simple planning resources and sample schedules are included.

Engaging, In-Depth Learning

Creative nature journaling is built into every lesson, making learning hands-on and memorable. Students build a strong understanding of plant, animal, earth, space, and physical science concepts.

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🎥 Want to try a lesson first?
Watch a sample class now →

“Thank you again for the wonderful nature study classes. You are one of my top 3 best investments for homeschooling.”
Cameron l.
“I’m a biologist and veterinarian, and I absolutely love your classes!”
Dana c.
“We all enjoy your lessons so much. We purchased at the quarterly level, but I’ve decided now is the time to upgrade to yearly!”
Cathy R.
“Cindy West for the win! The kids even wanted to do extra research after the lesson was over.”
Samantha G.
“We are new to NSNS. The kids are LOVING the classes, and I am very pleased with their journaling. Can’t wait for more!”
Terri s.
We are a family of dyslexics and dysgraphians. Learning to take notes during your lessons has been wonderful for my middle schooler. I have seen organization and proficiency increase dramatically.
kelli r.

Purchase No Sweat Nature StudY

BEST VALUE

YEARLY

$225

Subscription renews annually
Cancel any time

Not eligible for purchase with government funds.

Quarterly

$65

Subscription renews every 3 months
Cancel any time

Not eligible for purchase with government funds.

Need a different purchasing option?

Charter and ESA funds require the on-demand option →
Purchase for a classroom or group →

Frequently Asked Questions

No Sweat Nature Study is a creative, nature-based science program for 1st–8th graders and beyond. Through engaging, easy-to-follow lessons, students learn meaningful science concepts in a hands-on, memorable way.

The membership includes twice-monthly classes with Cindy, plus full access to the complete video library of recorded lessons.

If you prefer a non-subscription option, an on-demand version is also available with access to the recorded lesson library.

In every class, students create a nature journal page to build scientific understanding while strengthening observation skills, 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.

Your membership includes twice-monthly classes with Cindy, along with access to a growing library of more than 200 recorded science classes taught through nature study and nature journaling.

Each lesson is complete on its own and easy to follow.

Optional resources are included with every lesson, such as a companion podcast episode, a curated booklist, a hands-on activity idea, a kid-friendly research prompt, a nature walk suggestion, and a printable scientific vocabulary activity.

How long do the classes last?
Each class lasts about 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. (See your local time here.)

Where do the classes take place?
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 if we can’t attend a class?
No worries! All classes are recorded and added to the video library, so you can watch them 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. Each class is fully taught and self-contained. Optional resources are available if you’d like to extend the learning.

Can multiple children in my family attend the same class?
Yes. One membership covers your whole family.

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 not visible or audible. Interaction is optional and limited to a monitored chat when appropriate.

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 lessons are regularly added about plants, animals, earth science, space science, and physical science.

Who gets access?
One membership covers your immediate family, so all of your children can watch the lessons during your active term.

Can I watch lessons on my own schedule?
Yes. You can pause, rewind, and rewatch any lesson at your convenience.

How long do we have access?
You’ll have full access to the video library for the length of your membership.

What happens when my term ends?
Access to the video library and materials ends when your membership expires.

The video lessons with Cindy are the heart of No Sweat Nature Study. Every lesson is complete and easy to follow, so you can simply press play and learn.

Your membership includes access to a growing library of recorded classes, and new lessons are added regularly.

Twice-monthly classes are available if you’d like to join, but they’re never required.

All additional resources, like podcasts, booklists, vocabulary pages, hands-on activities, research ideas, and nature walk prompts, are completely optional. Use them as they fit your family’s learning style and schedule.

No Sweat Nature Study is designed to be flexible, so it can fit easily into your homeschool in a variety of ways.

Here are some of the most common ways families use it:

As interest-led learning that allows students to dive deeper into topics they love
As a complete science curriculum for a season, using the video lessons as the foundation
As a supplement to an existing science program
As a thematic resource that supports current studies or seasonal topics

There’s no required schedule. Some families use one or more lessons each week, some follow along with the twice-monthly classes, and others rotate lessons throughout the year.

Please click here to see scheduling ideas.

Because each lesson is stand-alone, you can easily pick and choose what fits your family’s needs.

Many families use No Sweat Nature Study as their full science curriculum, especially in the elementary and middle school years, while others choose to supplement as their children grow.

Each lesson includes a downloadable learning record with lesson descriptions, objectives, and standards alignment (including NGSS), making it easy to document learning for portfolios, reporting, or requirements.

The lessons are designed to be relevant no matter where you live.

How long do we have access?
Memberships are available as quarterly or yearly subscriptions. You’ll have full access for as long as your membership is active.

Is this a subscription?
Yes. Membership renews automatically at the end of each billing cycle, and you can cancel anytime.

What if I want a non-renewing option?
A one-time, non-renewing access option is available for families who prefer a set term instead of a subscription.

Can I download the lessons?
No. Lessons are streamed online and available anytime during your access period.

Who can use the membership?
One membership covers your immediate family, so all of your children can participate.

Can I share access with others?
Memberships are for one household. If you’re purchasing for a group, classroom, or co-op, separate licensing options are available.

What about charter or ESA funds?
Some programs require the non-renewing option. Be sure to check your program’s guidelines for purchasing or reimbursement.

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.

Each No Sweat Nature Study lesson includes optional resources designed to help you go deeper, make connections, and add variety to your learning. These include:

Podcast Episode – A kid-friendly audio introduction that builds background knowledge and sparks curiosity
Curated Booklist – Thoughtfully chosen books for read-alouds, independent reading, or research
Scientific Vocabulary Activity – A printable to help reinforce key science terms
Nature Walk Suggestion – A simple idea for taking the topic outdoors
Hands-On Activity – A meaningful, science-focused activity to help students apply what they’ve learned
Kid-Friendly Research Prompt – An open-ended idea for digging deeper into the topic
High School Extension – Optional deeper thinking for older or advanced students

Do I have to use all the extras?
Not at all. The video lesson is the only essential piece. Everything else is optional and meant to support your family if and when you want it.

Where do I find the resources?
All extras are included with each lesson and are easy to access from the video library.

How long do I have access?
You’ll have access to the resources for as long as your membership or access period is active.

No Sweat Nature Study includes a wide variety of science topics designed for 1st–8th graders. Lessons explore life, earth, space, and physical science through the lens of nature study and journaling.

Topics include plants, animals, ecosystems, weather, geology, and much more, giving students a well-rounded understanding of science in a meaningful, engaging way.

In addition to science, many lessons naturally connect to subjects such as language arts, math, and geography through vocabulary, observation, and real-world applications.

All lessons and materials are designed to be neutral, with no religious or controversial science content, making them easy to use across a wide variety of homeschool styles and settings.

See a list of class topics currently in the video library here.

Do lessons meet academic standards?
Yes. Every lesson includes a downloadable Learning Record with clear objectives, lesson descriptions, and alignment to standards like NGSS and ELA, making it simple to document learning for portfolios, charter schools, or other requirements.

See a sample learning record here.

No Sweat Nature Study is designed to work beautifully for a wide range of ages, especially in families learning together.

Each lesson is taught in a way that makes scientific ideas clear and engaging, while still allowing every child to participate at their own level.

Younger students might draw, label, or narrate what they learn
Older students can dive deeper with vocabulary, critical thinking, and written responses

Because of this flexibility, it’s common for multiple children to learn from the same lesson at the same time, without extra planning on your part.

The core content is a great fit for elementary and middle school students, with built-in support to simplify or extend the learning as needed.

For older students, each lesson also includes a high school extension project to encourage deeper thinking, research, and communication skills.

In short, your whole family can learn together, and each child still gets exactly what they need.

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 accompanying learning resources. Click here to access the free sample lesson.

Charter and ESA Purchasing
The On-Demand option is required for funding purchases.
👉 Visit the Charter Hub for instructions →

Co-ops and Classrooms
Group licenses are available for teachers.
👉 Learn about group licensing →

Please note: Access to No Sweat Nature Study is intended for single-family use only, unless a group license has been arranged.

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