I’ve long been a fan of kids learning science through nature.
Nature study is enjoyed with many different homeschooling philosophies, especially with the younger grades. Waldorf, Charlotte Mason and Montessori all emphasize that science education should come from the natural world.
Observe, explore + play
Nature offers so much for the young adventurer.
While I love finding books and resources for kids to learn from after a nature walk, many home educators are looking for a great curriculum that puts together a nature study.
Science Through Nature offers a wonderful ‘Become a Naturalist’ guide
I was offered the complete Be a Naturalist curriculum pdf to share a review with you. All words and opinions are my own.
What is Science Through Nature?
The Science through Nature ‘Be a Naturalist’ is a colorful and fun science curriculum with a great Charlotte Mason approach to it. It offers living stories so kids become interested in the quests and topics and want to learn more. Although it offers some worksheets, most of the learning is done with discussion and hands on activities out in nature. That is one of my favorites aspects of teaching my kids, with deep and meaningful discussions. I’ve truly found that kids retain more information when getting hands on experience, learning though stories and having discussions. The ‘Be a Naturalist’ curriculum offers all of these while teaching kids the basics of how to do a nature study and introducing kids to the natural world around them.
Things I really liked about this guide on how to be a naturalist for kids
- A Note to Nature Explorers reads like a letter to the child in an engaging way. These notes act as the ‘lesson’ where the kids will explore the next topic.
- Discussion questions help kids have conversations about nature and to make connections.
- Fun nature inspired games to do, scavenger hunts, and ideas on how to display your naturalist findings. She also offers some research questions for kids that can write.
- Hands on naturalist projects you can do in your backyard to encourage kids to get involved.
- Suggested extra resources and books if you want to dive further.
- Kids will learn how to become a nature explorer, how to find a spot to observe the natural world then dive deeper into life, plants, animals and habitats.
This curriculum is great for the early elementary years if you’re looking for a fun way to encourage kids to become their own naturalists.
You can buy this Curriculum on the Science Though Nature website