Photo by Ester Schlimper
If you've been homeschooling a while now or are new to homeschooling, you are probably familiar with the terms 'Nature Studies'. It is a topic that is clearly recommended for homeschoolers and is something that you can find in many homeschooling guides, methods, sites, and forums. Yet, what tends to be a little unclear is how to conduct a Nature Study.
The reason is that there are a variety of methods you can apply in your nature studies, depending on what style, if any, you follow. What's great is that there is almost no way of getting it wrong!
Most people are in agreement that the purpose of the Nature Study is to not only observe the beautiful nature that surrounds you but to become familiar with it as well. In other words, the purpose of the nature study is to step out in your backyard, the beach, parks, wetlands, lakes, rivers, mountains, hills, and fields that are around you, and take note of what you see and encounter. In doing so, you will naturally develop an understanding of the beauty in the land that you live in.
Depending on the age of your children, a nature study can range the spectrum of being very detailed as that of a true 'Naturalist' or it can more simplified as the methods found in the Charlotte Mason approach. All nature studies include the development of a 'Nature Journal' to record your observations, any associated sketches, pictures, and can even include pieces of nature such as leaves or pressed flowers that have been encountered.
The all-inclusive nature study may encompass everything from noting the seasonal changes, weather, time of observation, date observed, habitat, vegetation, species seen, detailed notes about what is observed, plus drawings, sketches, photographs, poems, and quotes. Nature studies such as these are usually done on a daily basis and are very thorough.
Simpler approaches to the nature study could simply be an observation that happens during a special outing, hike, or a visit to your backyard. They can be simply a description of what is seen in its' simplest terms and usually include a hand sketch or photograph. When working with younger students, it may be a good idea to make note of the observation with your child and take a picture at the same time, so that you can discuss the observation in more detail at a later time when he/she is not preoccupied with playing outdoors!
As you develop your own Nature Studies Program, you'll find yourself being drawn to the nature around you, you'll find you really enjoy it, and hopefully you'll also find the need to preserve it.
If you are living in Corpus Christi, the surrounding areas of the Coastal Bend, or if you are a visiting homeschooler, rest assured that this area is rich in ecological nature that is waiting to be explored. We have estuaries and wetlands, beaches, parks, wildlife centers, gardens, ranches, lakes, rivers, and most importantly conservation efforts that would love for you to join them.
For books on Nature Studies, click here.
Comments
This is an awesome article! You are right about Corpus Christi being a good place to teach children about nature. I know, because we visit Corpus Christi every other month.
You are absolutely right about Nature Studies. Many of what we know today about plant and animal life is due to nature studies. Nature Studies are what people did many, many years ago and it is still a viable way of learning.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!