“God has surrounded us with nature’s beautiful scenery to attract and interest the mind. It is His design that we should associate the glories of nature with His character. If we faithfully study the book of nature, we shall find it a fruitful source for contemplating the infinite love and power of God….”
My Life Today, 294
Many times when nature study is discussed as a part of homeschooling, it is within the context of introducing nature to younger children. We often think of nature study as helping small children to understand the natural world around them. What about middle and high school aged students? How can we make nature study attractive to them? It just might be that we are not thinking creatively enough. Nature study with older students is not just about getting out in nature, but about combining their interests and abilities with the enjoyment of nature.
Photography- Whether it’s learning the art of closeup botanical shots or action shots of nature, many older students will eagerly get out in nature if a camera is put in their hands.
Fine Art- Your artistic older student may enjoy time learning to draw or paint plants or landscapes. A series of works featuring a particular plant or animal makes a great project that combines both art and science.
Birdwatching- Birdwatching can be as simple or involved as you desire to make it. Add in photography, drawing or painting and creating bird-friendly habitats, and the list of activities is nearly endless.
Beekeeping- Just recently in my area there was a news report of a car being swarmed with bees. The certified beekeeper who came to collect the bees was a 17-year-old young man with his own business. Many beekeeping clubs are actively looking for young people to join and learn to keep the craft from dying out.
Hiking- What better way to enjoy nature up close and personal? Most areas of the country feature hiking/trekking clubs that also teach orienteering skills and can introduce your student to new areas to explore.
Canoeing/Kayaking – The physical exercise of canoeing is just an added benefit to the fun of enjoying nature from the vantage point of the water.
Astronomy- A quality telescope may be all your student needs to become interested in the stars. It also an excellent science study.
Gardening- Be it flower or vegetable gardening, perhaps your student is happy digging in the soil. Why not encourage your student’s green thumb?
Animal -Care/Training- Raising a service animal might be a good idea for a disciplined young person. There are also often opportunities to do volunteer work in a local shelter or rescue facility. There are also many nursing homes that might appreciate a young person bringing a well -trained pet to visit with the residents.
For older students, nature study can often be combined with other activities to create very enjoyable learning and service opportunities. Some of these activities may lead your student to a not just an enjoyable hobby, but also a lifelong career.
Are you participating in The Great Backyard Bird Count that starts tomorrow? We’d love to discover what AHE students have learned about birds! Students, share with us a student drawing, painting or photograph. Send in a paragraph that you have written or narrated to your parents about birds. Let us hear about the list of birds you identified during the bird count.
Parents, send your student’s contribution to editor.aheblog (at) gmail.com . We won’t publish names, just the first initial and the home state/province. International AHE parents: The Great Backyard Bird Count is a North American project, but don’t let that stop you from joining in! It would be wonderful to hear about birds from all over the world!
For our US and Canadian homeschool families that may not be familiar with this event, this is a fun way to incorporate nature study into your program and make a contribution to science at the same time!
The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event.
Click on the image to head over to the GBBC website where you can learn more about the count, download activity pages and tally sheets and learn more about birds in preparation for the count.
We will be posting more ideas in the coming days on how to get started birdwatching and turn this event into a fun bird unit study and family nature study activity
Taking a walk is one of the easiest ways to add nature study to your homeschool program. As we leave summer and head towards fall, now is a great time to head outdoors and observe the change in seasons. You don’t have to hike in a forest; a walk down a neighborhood sidewalk or stroll in a local park is an excellent start.
Make your next walk extra special by using these ideas for nature scavenger hunts. Employ your senses, start nature collections or take photographs using these fun printables as a guide. They are also great for making a Sabbath afternoon walk more enjoyable as well.
Nature Scavenger Hunt– three printable pages of ideas on what to collect, photograph and look for.
Nature Bingo – a fun sheet with specific things to look for. ( Be sure not to TOUCH the poison ivy if you find it!)
Another Nature Bingo – this one has two different cards with more general items to search for.
Winter Nature Hunt – Collect points for all the winter nature items you find.
Nature A to Z – this nature hunt will require some creative thinking!
Let’s Go Outside – this printable from the US Fish &Wildlife Service encourages using your senses during your scavenger hunt and gives fun nature photography ideas.
Enjoy your time outside!
Taking a walk is one of the easiest ways to add nature study to your homeschool program. As we leave summer and head towards fall, now is a great time to head outdoors and observe the change in seasons. You don’t have to hike in a forest; a walk down a neighborhood sidewalk or stroll in a local park is an excellent start.
Make your next walk extra special by using these ideas for nature scavenger hunts. Employ your senses, start nature collections or take photographs using these fun printables as a guide. They are also great for making a Sabbath afternoon walk more enjoyable as well.
Nature Scavenger Hunt– three printable pages of ideas on what to collect, photograph and look for.
Nature Bingo – a fun sheet with specific things to look for. ( Be sure not to TOUCH the poison ivy if you find it!)
Another Nature Bingo – this one has two different cards with more general items to search for.
Winter Nature Hunt – Collect points for all the winter nature items you find.
Nature A to Z – this nature hunt will require some creative thinking!
Let’s Go Outside – this printable from the US Fish &Wildlife Service encourages using your senses during your scavenger hunt and gives fun nature photography ideas.
Enjoy your time outside!
Taking a walk is one of the easiest ways to add nature study to your homeschool program. As we leave summer and head towards fall, now is a great time to head outdoors and observe the change in seasons. You don’t have to hike in a forest; a walk down a neighborhood sidewalk or stroll in a local park is an excellent start.
Make your next walk extra special by using these ideas for nature scavenger hunts. Employ your senses, start nature collections or take photographs using these fun printables as a guide. They are also great for making a Sabbath afternoon walk more enjoyable as well.
Nature Scavenger Hunt– three printable pages of ideas on what to collect, photograph and look for.
Nature Bingo – a fun sheet with specific things to look for. ( Be sure not to TOUCH the poison ivy if you find it!)
Another Nature Bingo – this one has two different cards with more general items to search for.
Winter Nature Hunt – Collect points for all the winter nature items you find.
Nature A to Z – this nature hunt will require some creative thinking!
Let’s Go Outside – this printable from the US Fish &Wildlife Service encourages using your senses during your scavenger hunt and gives fun nature photography ideas.
Enjoy your time outside!
The Adventist Home Educator 