5+ Best Homeschool Nature Study Activities to Try Now!

Today’s blog tells you everything you need to know about homeschool nature study!

Imagine turning your backyard into a classroom, where curiosity blooms and endless discoveries await.

Sound perfect? Then you’ll love nature study!

So grab your binoculars, strap on your hiking boots, and get ready to journey through the educational adventure of homeschool nature study.

Table of Contents

What is Nature Study?

Nature study is an educational approach that allows homeschooling families to explore and understand the natural world around them.
It lets children to engage with their environment, deepening their understanding of the connection between all living things.
Over time, children become great observers, learning to actively learn about, explore, and discover the world around them.

Whether it’s a nearby park, a local nature reserve, or even their own backyard, children can transform these outdoor spaces into their classroom, filled with endless learning possibilities.

Nature study also provides a rich and diverse array of resources that add to the homeschooling experience.

From field guides and nature journals to online communities and educational websites, there is no shortage of tools to support the journey of exploration.
Homeschooling families can use these resources to expand their knowledge and share their discoveries and experiences.

Ready to learn more? Keep reading to discover the benefits that nature study for homeschool offers.

Benefits of Homeschool Nature Study

Nature study not only provides educational value but also offers numerous benefits for homeschooling families.

Nature study creates a love of learning and exploration.
It creates a sense of awe and excitement that can spark a lifelong passion for the natural sciences.
Through hands-on experiences, children develop a deep understanding of ecological systems, learning how different organisms interact and rely on each other.
This understanding teaches them both scientific knowledge and a sense of responsibility to protect the environment.

Aside from the wealth of resources, one of the greatest benefits lies in the holistic development it promotes.

Similar to the Waldorf method, nature study develops a love for learning that goes beyond textbooks and traditional classroom settings.
The hands-on experiences ignite a sense of wonder in young minds, creating a thirst for knowledge that extends far beyond your typical curriculum.

Even though the benefits sound good, you might not be sure how to get started with homeschool nature study. Let’s talk about that next!

Getting Started with Nature Study

By taking the time to explore the natural world together, children and their families can learn a lot and bond over hands-on learning and discovery.

But how do you get started?

The first step is to establish a regular nature study routine.

Set aside dedicated time in your homeschool schedule to go outside and freely explore at first.
Some families choose to use relaxed nature study activities as to deschool and kick off their homeschooling journey.
Whether it’s a daily nature walk, a weekly nature journaling session, or a monthly nature excursion, consistency is key.
By making nature study a regular part of your homeschooling curriculum, it becomes a habit that the whole family will look forward to each day.

Next, be sure to get yourselves the right tools for the job.

You don’t need to buy lots of fancy gadgets or expensive equipment.
A simple magnifying glass, a field guide specific to your local area, and a journal or notebook are all you really need.
These tools will help you and your children observe, identify, and document your discoveries.

Once you’re ready with your tools, it’s time to decide what exactly you want to study.

Are you interested in birds, insects, or plants?
Perhaps you’d like to understand the changing seasons?
The options are endless, and there’s no right or wrong choice.
Let your children’s interests and curiosities guide your focus.

Now comes the fun part. Go out into nature and start exploring!

Visit local parks, nature reserves, or even your own backyard.
Ask questions, encourage them to make predictions, and plan hands-on experiences.
Success with nature study is all about wonder and curiosity, so let your children take the lead and follow their interests.

By following these simple steps, your nature study journey can lay a solid foundation for lifelong learning. But what resources should you use?

Exploring Nature Study Resources

Whether you’re looking for field guides, websites, or hands-on tools, there’s so many resources available to kickstart your nature study journey.

Field Guides

A great starting point is to gather a collection of field guides that focus on the flora, fauna, and natural phenomena specific to your local area.

Field guides provide valuable information to assist you in identifying plants, animals, insects, and geological features.
By having these references on hand, you can encourage your children to learn about and explore the world around them.
Note: although you could Google your questions as they come up, you may not always have great cell service to look up something with your phone. Plan ahead and bring your field guides!

Hands-on Tools

You’ll want to consider incorporating hands-on tools into your nature study toolkit.

These could include magnifying glasses, binoculars, butterfly nets, bug catchers, and more.
Tools like these not only encourage observation and exploration but also allow your children to document their nature study adventures.

Websites for Homeschooling Outdoors

There are tons of fantastic websites dedicated to nature study that have become valuable resources for homeschooling families!

Examples of great websites for nature study are:
- National Geographic Kids
- The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- The Nature Conservancy
These websites offer interactive tools, educational materials, and virtual field trips that can bring nature study to life within the comfort of your home.

With so many excellent resources readily available, you can be sure to find the perfect tools to add to your homeschool nature study curriculum.

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Engaging Activities for Homeschool Nature Study

These activities bring the joys of exploration and discovery to your homeschool learning with fun experiences that teach you about nature and encourage a lifelong love for the environment.

One of the most effective ways to engage in nature study is through hands-on activities.

Whether it’s conducting experiments, creating nature journals, or going on scavenger hunts, hands-on activities allow children to actively connect with the natural world around them.
- For example, you could set up a DIY weather station in your backyard to track daily weather patterns, observe clouds, and measure rainfall.
- Through this activity, your children will develop a greater understanding of weather patterns and begin to practice observation and recording skills.

Another engaging activity is nature photography!

Equipped with a Instastax camera or cell phone, children can capture the beauty of the natural world in their own backyard or on a nature hike.
Encourage them to photograph different plant species, insects, and animals they encounter.
Not only does this activity teach them about nature’s diversity, but it also helps them develop an eye for detail and an appreciation for the small wonders of the natural world.

Engaging in citizen science projects is another meaningful activity that combines scientific inquiry with real-world impact.

These voluntary projects offer opportunities for homeschoolers to contribute data to ongoing research projects.
Participating in citizen science projects gives children a sense of purpose and shows them that their actions can contribute to scientific knowledge.

By incorporating these engaging activities into your homeschool nature study curriculum, you provide children with the opportunity to learn about the natural world in a way that is immersive, interactive, and memorable.

Conclusion

Homeschool nature study is an extraordinary way to engage with the world around us, offering tons of educational benefits for families.

With a nature journal in hand and our hiking boots on, step into nature’s classroom and embrace the amazing lessons it has to offer.

So, let’s seize the opportunity to incorporate nature study into our homeschool curriculum, as it lets us go on a journey of discovery with the whole family!

Your next adventure begins here.

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Want more? Read Exploring Nature and Encouraging Physical Activity For Kindergarten at Home