The ways to incorporate nature study into your homeschool program are as vast and varied as nature itself. There is no single right way to “do” nature study. My family attempted to keep nature journals, but found that they did not hold our interest as well as creating bug or rock collections, gardening and raising animals. Consider the learning styles of your children when exploring nature study activities or projects.  You can be as simple or detailed as you’d like.  It may take a few tries before you find your nature study niche.

Nature Study Possibilities – each idea is a link that shows an example or gives more ideas.  Check them out!

1. Nature Journals
2. Collections – bugs, pressed flowers, seeds, etc.
3. Gardening – flowers, vegetables, fruits
4. Seasonal studies – exploring how the change of seasons affects a particular area.
5. Specific location – natural activity near a spring or stream, in a forest or park, etc.
6. Birdwatching – in the wild or from feeders at home
7. Color – study of  color in nature
8. Mini unit study on one subject
9. Photography – developing photography skills while enjoying nature
10. Jr. Naturalist – taking part in classes at a local nature center
11. Edibles – focus on learning to identify the wild edibles in your area
12. Checklist – use local field guides to find as many local birds/fish/insects/etc for your area
13. Specialize – learn all you can about one item
14. Fine Arts – develop drawing or painting skills while keeping record of things seen
15. Animal husbandry – learn to keep bees, incubate and hatch ducklings, raise and train a puppy