Nature Study with Middle Schoolers

When our daughter hit the middle school years, all of a sudden I was painfully aware of how close we were to the time when it starts to count. During the elementary years, high school seems so very far away. But then your student starts maturing before your eyes, and you start to realize that high school is not so far off. You start getting "serious" about her studies and leave those "fun" … [Read more...]

15 Minutes at the Window {Winter Nature Study}

Let’s face it – during the winter months our kids are not usually clamoring to head outside and run around in nature. And if we are really honest, neither are we. Though I do see value in heading outside to study nature up close during the winter months, it can be downright cold! Enter 15 minutes at the window. This unpretentious form of indoor nature study is as simple as: Sitting … [Read more...]

How to make a Seed Board

I love it when fall hits in earnest, the weather turns cooler and the colors turn warmer. Fall is also a great time of year to collect seeds for next year. In today's Science Corner, I want to share with you how to make a seed board to display what you have collected. How to make a seed board Step 1: Collect the Seeds The first step in making a seed board is to collect the seeds. Where to … [Read more...]

Observation Is Key

Observation is a key ability for all scientists to possess, but what exactly is observation? Webster's says: Observation — an act or instance of noticing or perceiving, an act or instance of regarding attentively or watching. Simply put, observation is taking the time to look at the things going on around you.  It's intentionally watching what is happening right in front of you. The … [Read more...]

Where Does Nature Study Fit into Science Education?

So where does nature study fit into a science education? Nature study can be the core of your science curriculum... OR nature study can  be the icing on the cake. Either way, there is so much to learn from the natural world. What is nature study? Nature study is the study of the plants and animals around you, which can be found both inside and outside your home. It employs the power of … [Read more...]