Have you ever been to the same nature study destination so often that you almost forget there are always new things to discover? My friend Tracy and her children had visited the same ponds many times over. They never really got tired of exploring, but she found a simple way to refocus their attention, which…
Have you ever heard the phrase “crocodile tears” and wondered what it means? This week’s crocodile nature study podcast episode reveals the truth behind this curious saying! Do crocodiles actually shed tears? If so, why do they “cry” mostly when eating? This short and engaging episode is packed with fun facts and scientific explanations. Your…
Have you ever been outside on a breezy day and heard the wind whistle through the trees or howl around a building? This week’s wind nature study podcast episode explores why wind makes different sounds, such as whistling, howling, roaring, and even humming. Through simple explanations and scientific terms like turbulence and the Aeolian effect, children will…
Diamonds come in a rainbow of colors, from pink to blue to black! In this No Sweat Nature Study Podcast episode, kids explore a “sparkling” diamond nature study by learning how these gemstones form their brilliant colors. This episode highlights connections to earth science, rock science, and chemistry in a way that’s easy for kids…
What kid wouldn’t love a break from the regular schedule of homeschooling to enjoy a funschooling day full of candy heart lessons??? Mom, I promise that your day won’t be wasted, and you’ll be able to check off almost every box in your lesson planner! Teaching with Candy Hearts Grab a big bag of candy…
An earthquake nature study offers a fun way to teach science while exploring natural disasters. This week’s No Sweat Nature Study Podcast focuses on the largest earthquake ever recorded—the Great Chilean Earthquake of 1960. Children will learn how earthquakes are measured and discover how they can create giant ocean waves called tsunamis. Seismologists, or earthquake scientists, play…
These Thanksgiving and gratitude living books have been favorites around our house for years. Some help explain the history of our Thanksgiving celebration, while others are just sweet stories with a Thanksgiving theme. Yet others really have nothing to do with Thanksgiving, in particular, but focus on a spirit of gratitude that’s such an important…
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…
Creating opportunities for children to publish their work can be incredibly rewarding. Published books for kids offer a tangible way for young writers to see their creativity and effort come to life. When students go beyond the final draft and produce a finished bound book, it instills a sense of pride and accomplishment that motivates…
Is your family in the car more often than you care to admit? Would you like ideas to creatively homeschool in the car to redeem some time spent riding to co-op, ballet, music lessons, ball practice, chess club, or doctor’s appointments? If so, you’ll love this blog post! Hours spent in the car can make…
Summer is almost here, and it’s a perfect time to explore nature. This free summer nature study printable packet can help you do that easily! As the days get longer, take the opportunity for nature walks as a family. The activities in the packet can help children make detailed observations of butterflies, summer fruits, and…