Posted on September 26, 2022August 28, 2023 by Tricia Hodges — Leave a comment

The Ultimate Guide of Fun Apple and Pumpkin Nature Study Ideas for Your Homeschool

When the air turns cooler and the leaves start to change color, it is always fun to learn more about apples and pumpkins! Enjoy this ultimate guide of fun apple and pumpkin nature study ideas for your homeschool.

5 Apple Homeschool Nature Study Ideas

All things apple – what a fun, fall topic to learn about!

“The apple is a nutritious fruit, wholesome and easily digested. The varieties of apple differ in shape, size, color, texture, and flavor. A perfect apple has no bruise upon it and no wormholes in it. “
Handbook of Nature Study, page 669

Compare the outside of the apples: color, size, stems, blemishes.
Compare the skins: thickness, texture.
Compare cut apples: core size, seeds, shape, flavor, crispness
Visit an apple farm and view apples on trees (and sample doughnuts and apple pies!)
Have a picnic under an apple tree!

Members: Log In To Enjoy Your Printable Apple Taste Test in Your Autumn Course!

visit an apple orchard for your homeschool nature study

For even more ideas plus a FULL Outdoor Hour Challenge on apples, join Homeschool Nature Study membership!

More Apple Nature Study Fun

Here are a few more fun apple study ideas!

Barb’s Apple Time – Delicious Nature Study
Make Nana’s apple pie recipe (free recipe download)
Apple Art Lessons Perfect for Homeschool (including How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World)

Members: Enjoy a Preschool Apple Observations Booklet in Your Preschool Course When Logged In

visit a pumpkin farm for your homeschool nature study!

5 Pumpkin Homeschool Nature Study Ideas

Get started with your pumpkin nature study with these simple ideas:

Sketch or describe the pumpkin leaf.
Thump your pumpkin and describe the sound.
Observe the creases on the outside of the pumpkin.
Can you tell which way your pumpkin sat on the ground when it was growing?
Cut your pumpkin open and view the seeds. Sketch the arrangement in your journal.

Enjoy this ultimate guide of fun apple and pumpkin nature study ideas for your homeschool. Perfect for all ages.

More Pumpkin Nature Studies Perfect for Homeschool

For 10 more ideas plus a FULL Outdoor Hour Challenge on Pumpkins, a Pumpkin Farm Notebook page and more, join Homeschool Nature Study membership!

See Barb’s Pumpkin Outdoor Hour Time, here.
Tricia’s Entertaining Pumpkin Activities Your Child Will Love!

Favorite Pumpkin Recipes to Enjoy

Handbook of Nature Study website founder Barb McCoy shares these favorites!

Pumpkin Bread – no raisins, whole wheat flour
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars – new recipe that is going to be a favorite
Pecan Pumpkin Surprise – we use this recipe and add 1/2 cup pecans
Pumpkin Pancake –we don’t use allspice and we top with butter and a little powdered sugar instead of syrup

Tricia’s Easy Pumpkin Recipes:

Grandma’s Pumpkin Raisin Cookies
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Easy Chocolate Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins
Easy Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins Recipe – just two ingredients!

More Fall Homeschool Nature Study Fun!

Keep the apple and pumpkin nature study fun going with these resources for all ages:

Join Us in Homeschool Nature Study Membership for a New Outdoor Hour Challenge Each Week!

Tricia and her family fell in love with the Handbook of Nature Study and the accompanying Outdoor Hour Challenges early in their homeschooling. The simplicity and ease of the weekly outdoor hour challenges brought joy to their homeschool and opened their eyes to the world right out their own back door! She shares the art and heart of homeschooling at You ARE an ARTiST and Your Best Homeschool plus her favorite curricula at The Curriculum Choice.

Posted on February 13, 2022March 19, 2023 by Barb — 6 Comments

Clover or Shamrock Homeschool Nature Study

Enjoy a clover or shamrock homeschool nature study this spring and learn about this abundant ground cover you likely have in your own backyard.

Clover or Shamrock Homeschool Nature Study Inside Preparation Work

1. Read in the Handbook of Nature Study pages 591-598. These pages cover three sections in the Handbook of Nature Study but are closely related. I encourage you to read all the pages even if you do not think you have the particular clover in your area. Use your highlighter to mark sections you found interesting and that at some point you want to share with your children in the follow-up activity.

“The clover head is made up of many little flowers; each one has a tubular calyx with five delicate points and a little stalk to hold it up into the world. In shape, the corolla is much like that of the sweet pea, and each secretes nectar at its base. The outside blossoms open first; and as soon as they are open, the honey bees, which eagerly visit white clover wherever it is growing, begin at once their work of gathering nectar and carrying pollen…”
Handbook of Nature Study, page 597

<br><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J3RNeXo04M">This video</a> will give you a good idea of what clover looks like and how bees move from one flower to the next.</p> <p>This video will give you a good idea of how bees move from clover to clover. </p> <p>You can do an internet search for each of these kinds of clover so you and your children will know what you are looking for during your Outdoor Hour time this week. I use Google Images. You may wish to preview any searches.</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.thespruce.com/irish-shamrocks-and-4-leaf-clovers-2130966" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">What is the difference between clover and shamrock</a>?</li> <li>White Clover</li> <li>Red Clover (Vermont’s State Flower)</li> <li>Buffalo Clover</li> <li>Crimson Clover</li> <li>Rabbit Clover</li> </ul> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20683'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="Enjoy a clover or shamrock homeschool nature study this spring and learn about this abundant ground cover you likely have in your backyard." class="wp-image-28937" data-lazy-srcset="https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Shamrock-Homeschool-Nature-Study-1024x683.png 1024w, https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Shamrock-Homeschool-Nature-Study-300x200.png 300w, https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Shamrock-Homeschool-Nature-Study-600x400.png 600w, https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Shamrock-Homeschool-Nature-Study-768x512.png 768w, https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Shamrock-Homeschool-Nature-Study-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Shamrock-Homeschool-Nature-Study-2048x1365.png 2048w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" data-lazy-src="https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Shamrock-Homeschool-Nature-Study-1024x683.png" /><noscript><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Shamrock-Homeschool-Nature-Study-1024x683.png" alt="Enjoy a clover or shamrock homeschool nature study this spring and learn about this abundant ground cover you likely have in your backyard." class="wp-image-28937" srcset="https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Shamrock-Homeschool-Nature-Study-1024x683.png 1024w, https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Shamrock-Homeschool-Nature-Study-300x200.png 300w, https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Shamrock-Homeschool-Nature-Study-600x400.png 600w, https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Shamrock-Homeschool-Nature-Study-768x512.png 768w, https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Shamrock-Homeschool-Nature-Study-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Shamrock-Homeschool-Nature-Study-2048x1365.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></noscript></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-your-nature-study-outdoor-time"><strong>Your Nature Study Outdoor Time</strong></h2> <p><br>2. Your outdoor time this week can be spent in your yard or at a near-by park. Look for areas of lawn or pastures that may include clover. You may find clover at the edges of trails as well so keep your eyes out as you have your outdoor time this week.</p> <p>3. Another subject for your outdoor hour time could be the honeybee. The relationship between clover and honeybees is a beneficial one and if you can observe bees in the clover you have witnessed a great partnership.</p> <p>4. Pollen can be a topic for your outdoor hour time if you don’t find clover or honeybees. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20683'%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="Is it four leaf clover or shamrock?" class="wp-image-28942" data-lazy-srcset="https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Is-it-four-leaf-clover-or-shamrock-1024x683.png 1024w, https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Is-it-four-leaf-clover-or-shamrock-300x200.png 300w, https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Is-it-four-leaf-clover-or-shamrock-600x400.png 600w, https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Is-it-four-leaf-clover-or-shamrock-768x512.png 768w, https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Is-it-four-leaf-clover-or-shamrock-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Is-it-four-leaf-clover-or-shamrock-2048x1365.png 2048w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" data-lazy-src="https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Is-it-four-leaf-clover-or-shamrock-1024x683.png" /><noscript><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Is-it-four-leaf-clover-or-shamrock-1024x683.png" alt="Is it four leaf clover or shamrock?" class="wp-image-28942" srcset="https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Is-it-four-leaf-clover-or-shamrock-1024x683.png 1024w, https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Is-it-four-leaf-clover-or-shamrock-300x200.png 300w, https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Is-it-four-leaf-clover-or-shamrock-600x400.png 600w, https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Is-it-four-leaf-clover-or-shamrock-768x512.png 768w, https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Is-it-four-leaf-clover-or-shamrock-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Is-it-four-leaf-clover-or-shamrock-2048x1365.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></noscript></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clover-or-shamrock-follow-up-activity"><strong>Clover or Shamrock Follow-Up Activity</strong></h2> <p><br>5. After your outdoor time, make sure to discuss with your children what interested them from shamrock homeschool nature study this week. They may be more interested in learning about something they observed and our job as parents is to help them answer their questions. Use the <em>Handbook of Nature Study </em>by looking up the topic in the index or the table of contents. You can also look on the Handbook of Nature Study blog and see if we have covered the topic in a previous Outdoor Hour Challenge.</p> <p>In the <em>Handbook of Nature Study</em>, on page 593, there is a section on nodules. The nodules will be found as little “swellings” on the roots of clover. These nodules have an important job which is explained in the <em>Handbook of Nature Study</em> on the same page. Make sure to read this section to yourself so when you have your follow-up activity you will be prepared to talk about nodules.</p> <p>5. On page 594 in the lesson, #3 suggests that you take up the clover plant and look at its roots. This would make a great addition to your nature journal. Sketch the whole clover plant and then perhaps one of the flowers.</p> <p>6. On page 598 in the lesson, #5 suggests that you tie a string around a clover head that has not yet blossomed. This way you can observe the same flower over a period of several days. You could record each day’s observations in your nature journal either in words or as a sketch.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rainy-day-enjoy-a-clover-or-shamrock-study-indoors"><strong>Rainy Day? Enjoy A Clover or Shamrock Study Indoors!</strong></h2> <p>Amy Law shares, “Rainy day by you, too? It doesn’t have to keep you from nature study! In honor of Saint Patrick’s day, we decided to do the nature study lesson on Shamrocks! We dashed through the raindrops to grab some clover, spent time learning more about this important plant, watched a video of a bee in clover, and did a chalk Pastel lesson with Nana! (All with the nature study calendar!) What a lovely way to spend a rainy afternoon.”</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title="How to Study Shamrocks or Clover When It is Rainy Outside" width="980" height="551" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/knEMxdGUud8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen>

Your Nature Study Outdoor Time

2. Your outdoor time this week can be spent in your yard or at a near-by park. Look for areas of lawn or pastures that may include clover. You may find clover at the edges of trails as well so keep your eyes out as you have your outdoor time this week.

3. Another subject for your outdoor hour time could be the honeybee. The relationship between clover and honeybees is a beneficial one and if you can observe bees in the clover you have witnessed a great partnership.

4. Pollen can be a topic for your outdoor hour time if you don’t find clover or honeybees.

Clover or Shamrock Follow-Up Activity

5. After your outdoor time, make sure to discuss with your children what interested them from shamrock homeschool nature study this week. They may be more interested in learning about something they observed and our job as parents is to help them answer their questions. Use the Handbook of Nature Study by looking up the topic in the index or the table of contents. You can also look on the Handbook of Nature Study blog and see if we have covered the topic in a previous Outdoor Hour Challenge.

In the Handbook of Nature Study, on page 593, there is a section on nodules. The nodules will be found as little “swellings” on the roots of clover. These nodules have an important job which is explained in the Handbook of Nature Study on the same page. Make sure to read this section to yourself so when you have your follow-up activity you will be prepared to talk about nodules.

5. On page 594 in the lesson, #3 suggests that you take up the clover plant and look at its roots. This would make a great addition to your nature journal. Sketch the whole clover plant and then perhaps one of the flowers.

6. On page 598 in the lesson, #5 suggests that you tie a string around a clover head that has not yet blossomed. This way you can observe the same flower over a period of several days. You could record each day’s observations in your nature journal either in words or as a sketch.

Rainy Day? Enjoy A Clover or Shamrock Study Indoors!

Amy Law shares, “Rainy day by you, too? It doesn’t have to keep you from nature study! In honor of Saint Patrick’s day, we decided to do the nature study lesson on Shamrocks! We dashed through the raindrops to grab some clover, spent time learning more about this important plant, watched a video of a bee in clover, and did a chalk Pastel lesson with Nana! (All with the nature study calendar!) What a lovely way to spend a rainy afternoon.”

@AmyLaw on Instagram

More Clover or Shamrock Homeschool Nature Study Ideas

Here are some optional activities for you to enjoy in your homeschool.

Find some clover honey at your grocery store and enjoy it on bread or in some herbal tea.
Grow clover as a cover crop in your garden. Here is a link for you to read and learn how to use your new knowledge of clover to an advantage. How to Grow Crimson Clover as a Cover Crop
Colors of the Garden: Shamrocks and Rudbeckia

Enjoy a shamrock video art lesson with Nana of our sister site, You ARE an ARTiST, as a follow up activity. You might also like The Perfect St. Patrick’s Day Unit Study with Art.

Homeschool Nature Study Membership for Backyard Nature Year Round!

There are so many benefits to joining. You will access our full range of curriculum, our interactive learning calendar as well as a brand new homeschool nature study challenge post each week!

Join the Homeschool Nature Study Membership Today!

Please do tag us in your Outdoor Hour Time photographs on Instagram. We would love to see how your family is learning about the shamrocks in your homeschool.

Enjoy a clover or shamrock homeschool nature study this spring and learn about this abundant ground cover you likely have in your backyard.

written by Barb July 2009 and updated by Tricia February 2022

Posted on April 22, 2020 by Barb — 3 Comments

3 Seeds Container Project – From the Archives

In the June 2017 edition of the Handbook of Nature Study newsletter, I shared a fun and easy garden project for children.

HNS Newsletter June 2017 cover — Download a copy of the June 2017 newsletter from any level of membership here on the Handbook of Nature Study

In this activity, you plant 3 different kinds of seeds in a container as a way of comparing different seeds and the plants that grow from those seeds.

The instructions for this activity suggest that you grow sunflowers, corn, and beans since these will give you a variety of results to compare and contrast. But, if you have 3 different seeds of any kind, you can still complete this project.

Activity Observation Ideas

· Draw your seeds before you plant them. Make them actual size and color to match the seed.

· Write down with your words a comparison for your seeds; including size, color, shape, texture, etc.

· Create a journal page to record your seed’s growth progress. Make observations every day and record any changes you notice.

· You can plant your seeds in a container or right into your garden boxes or beds. Make a map of where in your garden you planted your seeds for future reference.

· If your seeds grow to maturity, show your children the crops that come from the plants. If possible, show them the seeds so they can begin to understand the cycle of seed-plant-fruit-seed. Eat the fruits of your labor if possible or buy some at the store and enjoy! Have your children draw the seed, plant, and mature fruits. Then, have them record how they tasted.

Note: If you have an Ultimate Naturalist Membership on the Handbook of Nature Study website, you have a new Seed Comparison notebook page you can download and use with this activity.

Posted on June 1, 2019 by Barb — Leave a comment

June Printables – New Pages to Download

Now available in the Ultimate and Journey level memberships:

Watermelon Nature Study and First Day of Summer Notebooking Pages

Watermelon Nature Study Notebook Page: Use this page along with a fun afternoon of eating watermelon to make close observations of the inside of a watermelon. Look for the seeds, the rind, coloration of the outer skin. This is a perfect hot summer afternoon activity.

First Day of Summer Notebook Page: It is coming up fast! Plan a first day of summer nature study session to make some observations and then sketch a few things you find of interest.

(See the end of this post for more information on how you can become a member.)

Note: If you have any subjects you would like me to create nature notebook pages for, please let me know in a comment here on the blog or in an email: harmonyfinearts@yahoo.com

Print a complete list of printables available in the Ultimate and Journey level memberships by clicking the button above.

Use the discount code NATURE5 for $5 off an Ultimate Naturalist Library membership!

Posted on September 8, 2017 by Barb — 2 Comments

Outdoor Hour Challenge – Autumn Pear Study

Outdoor Hour Challenge

Fall Pear Study

From the archives and the More Nature Study – Autumn ebook

This is one of the rare Outdoor Hour Challenges that does not specifically have a lesson in the Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock. But, there are some really informational links for you to read for background information before your study of the humble pear.

If the pear study doesn’t excite you, the flip-side of this challenge is the start of an autumn tree study, complete with printable notebook page.

Either way, your family has the opportunity to be outside this week as you look for pear trees or any autumn tree that catches your fancy.

Here is our family’s pear study: Outdoor Hour Challenge – Autumn Pear Study.

Additional autumn tree study: Autumn Tree Study with Printable Color Cards.

Did you enter my giveaway for a copy of the Autumn Nature Study ebook? We’ll be using it from October to December here on the Handbook of Nature Study. I’m giving away 5 copies and today is the last day to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you haven’t had a chance to enter the giveaway over at NotebookingPages.com, today is the last day! They are giving away 25 Lifetime memberships and a Grand Prize worth over $1200!

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Posted on June 16, 2017 by Barb — Leave a comment

Outdoor Hour Challenge – Summer Clover

Outdoor Hour Challenge

Clover – Crop Plants

From the archives and in the Crop Plants ebook

Sometimes the best nature study subjects are those that are found right under our noses. Clover can be just one of those things! It grows amongst our grass and alongside our hiking trails, most of the time unnoticed by us in our busy lives.

Follow the inspiration of the bee and spy some clover this week to look at up close and personal. It is usually a plant found in abundance so go ahead and pick a few flowers to take inside for careful observation.

Use the suggestions in the Outdoor Hour Challenge for clover to get to know this plant better. As a more advanced study, learn more about the pea family of plants

You are welcome to take a look at our clover study done in the past: Clover in Our Grass.

Coming next week is the brand new Outdoor Hour Challenge Wildflower Set #2 ebook! Read more about it here: New Ebook Coming Soon.

Note these are affiliate links to products I love!

Download a FREE sample of A-Z Animal Notebooking Pages from NotebookingPages.com.

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Posted on June 1, 2017 by Barb — Leave a comment

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter – June 2017 Garden Crops

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter

June 2017 Garden Crops

Please read the following explanation outlining how to get this month’s newsletter.

The newsletter link is not in this email but will come separately. Members should have received their link already.

If you don’t receive the separate email with the download link, you probably aren’t subscribed to the blog yet. This will take less than a minute to do if you follow the steps below.

If you are a subscriber and you haven’t received your newsletter email yet, check your SPAM inbox. Some subscribers have found the email buried in SPAM inbox.

If you need to subscribe:

You will need to go to the Handbook of Nature Study, look to the top right corner for the box to type in your preferred email address, and then confirm the email that comes to your email inbox.
Once you subscribe, you will receive a thank you email from me with the download link for the current month’s newsletter.

This month’s newsletter link will be available only during the month of May so be sure to download it before 6/30/17.

Remember! All of the archived and current newsletters are available as part of the Ultimate Naturalist Library…every level!

Contents of this edition of the newsletter include:

This month’s newsletter has the theme of “garden crops”. I have included some fun and simple ways to complete some nature study in your garden.
I have written a new garden nature study idea that anyone can do with their children. It is a simple comparison of three seeds and then growing those seeds in a pot.
There is a chart outlining all of the crop plants that have Outdoor Hour Challenges in the archives.
As always, there is a planning page with simple to use ideas including a crop plant grid study from the archives.

Resources for your Nature Library: I have started to build a nature library store on Amazon that will feature by category my favorite nature study books and resources. Take a look and see if there is anything you would like to put on your wish list for your family’s nature study library: Handbook of Nature Study Nature Library Suggestions on Amazon.com. Note this is my affiliate store to items I personally recommend and have read or seen in person.

Please note that Ultimate Naturalist and Journey level members have access to members only printables each month in addition to the newsletter printables. You will need to log into your account and then go to the “Other Releases” section.

Wildflower Set #1 is found in the Ultimate Naturalist and Journey level memberships.

PLUS there will be a new Wildflower set coming out sometime near the middle of June if you are interested in using that for your summer nature study. I will be making an announcement with details in the next week about this Set #2!

As a special promo, you can use the discount code WILDFLOWER5 for $5 off the Ultimate Naturalist Membership.

Handbook of Nature Study Ultimate Naturalist Membership

Posted on May 31, 2017 by Barb — Leave a comment

New Printables for Members – Rosemary and 3 Seed Project

New this month in the Member’s Library!

1. Rosemary Study Notebook Page – Use this page for your up-coming rosemary study. Watch for it in the month of June!

2. Seed Comparison – Use this notebook page along with the June 2017 newsletter activity idea for comparing three seeds, planting the seeds, and then watching them grow.

Handbook of Nature Study Members Only Printables List May 29 2017

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Posted on September 16, 2016 by Barb — Leave a comment

Outdoor Hour Challenge – Fall Pear Study

Challenge from the Archives: Outdoor Hour Challenge – Fall Pear Study

and the More Nature Study – Autumn ebook

Autumn usually means a trip to the apple orchard but sometimes it includes some pears as well. We happen to have a pear tree in our backyard so it has been super easy over the years to watch the tree as it cycles through its many pretty stages, blossom to fruit harvest. Even if you can only manage to take a trip to a local farmers market or even to the supermarket to get some pears, this is an interesting and delicious nature study for the whole family. Use the ideas in the archive challenge above to get started. This is a challenge that is not from the Handbook of Nature Study but you will find online resources to get the interest going. Above all, enjoy some time outdoors this week!

You may be interested in viewing our family’s entry from the original study: Our Pear Study Using the Outdoor Hour Challenge. The notebook pages shown in this entry are from the More Nature Study – Autumn ebook and are the advanced pages that I included for high school or more advanced students. Of course, there is a notebook page for younger students as well available in the ebook.

Note: You do not need to purchase the ebooks to participate but they are handy to have for planning and for the regular and advanced notebook pages included in each one. Click the graphic at the bottom of this post to go over to check out the Ultimate Naturalist Library membership.

Posted on June 30, 2016 by Barb — Leave a comment

End of June Garden Update

Time for a little end of June garden update! Make sure to check the garden tab at the top of the website for a whole list of garden related nature study ideas. You will also find there the crop plants list that helps you study many of the common garden vegetables you may be already growing in your garden.

Here is the link for green beans: Crop Plants – Green Beans.

I am enjoying the gardening season! Every morning I pop outside and take a garden tour, sometimes even before I have coffee. The progress of each box is easily seen as they grow quickly in the summer heat. These are Slenderette bush beans from Renee’s Garden.

I think I may have planted a few too many beans this year but that will give me a supply to share with friends who love beans as much as I do in the summer. I tucked some marigolds in between the bean plants for some color and to attract some pollinators. The pole beans are Renee’s Garden – Blue Lake variety.
Is it possible to love a zucchini plant? I don’t know if it is or not but I will say it anyway. I love this zucchini from Renee’s Garden (Raven variety).

Here are the actual plants that look fantastic. I am hoping to see some produce from this soon…you know how it is with zucchini. They can sprout up to be monsters overnight practically.

I have one box where I mixed four different flower seeds together and sprinkled the seeds to fill the box. This sounded like a good idea at the time but now it is hard to tell what are actual flowers and what are weeds that need to be pulled out.

Flowers Planted in this Box- All Renee’s Garden Seeds

White Wonder – Heirloom Double Feverfew

Mighty Lion – Butterfly Zinnia

Paradise Mix Echinacea – Butterfly Flowers

White Bishop’s Lace- Butterfly Flowers

I will keep you updated as the summer growing season progresses. Just so you know…I received my Renee’s Garden Seeds in exchange for my honest review of the product. I have used Renee’s Garden seeds for many years and highly recommend them. Thanks for taking a look at my garden goodness.

How is your garden coming?

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Category: Crop Plants

The Ultimate Guide of Fun Apple and Pumpkin Nature Study Ideas for Your Homeschool

5 Apple Homeschool Nature Study Ideas

More Apple Nature Study Fun

5 Pumpkin Homeschool Nature Study Ideas

More Pumpkin Nature Studies Perfect for Homeschool

Favorite Pumpkin Recipes to Enjoy

More Fall Homeschool Nature Study Fun!

Clover or Shamrock Homeschool Nature Study

Clover or Shamrock Homeschool Nature Study Inside Preparation Work

Your Nature Study Outdoor Time

Clover or Shamrock Follow-Up Activity

Rainy Day? Enjoy A Clover or Shamrock Study Indoors!

More Clover or Shamrock Homeschool Nature Study Ideas

Homeschool Nature Study Membership for Backyard Nature Year Round!

3 Seeds Container Project – From the Archives

June Printables – New Pages to Download

Print a complete list of printables available in the Ultimate and Journey level memberships by clicking the button above.

Use the discount code NATURE5 for $5 off an Ultimate Naturalist Library membership!

Outdoor Hour Challenge – Autumn Pear Study

Outdoor Hour Challenge – Summer Clover

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter – June 2017 Garden Crops

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter

June 2017 Garden Crops

PLUS there will be a new Wildflower set coming out sometime near the middle of June if you are interested in using that for your summer nature study. I will be making an announcement with details in the next week about this Set #2!

New Printables for Members – Rosemary and 3 Seed Project

New this month in the Member’s Library!

Outdoor Hour Challenge – Fall Pear Study

End of June Garden Update

How is your garden coming?

Outdoor Hour Challenges for families since 2008!

5 Apple Homeschool Nature Study Ideas

More Apple Nature Study Fun

5 Pumpkin Homeschool Nature Study Ideas

More Pumpkin Nature Studies Perfect for Homeschool

Favorite Pumpkin Recipes to Enjoy

More Fall Homeschool Nature Study Fun!

Clover or Shamrock Homeschool Nature Study Inside Preparation Work

Your Nature Study Outdoor Time

Clover or Shamrock Follow-Up Activity

Rainy Day? Enjoy A Clover or Shamrock Study Indoors!

More Clover or Shamrock Homeschool Nature Study Ideas

Homeschool Nature Study Membership for Backyard Nature Year Round!

Print a complete list of printables available in the Ultimate and Journey level memberships by clicking the button above.

Use the discount code NATURE5 for $5 off an Ultimate Naturalist Library membership!

<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-17884" alt="HNS Newsletter June 2017 cover" src="https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/HNS-Newsletter-June-2017-cover-791x1024.jpg" width="334" height="431" />Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter

June 2017 Garden Crops

PLUS there will be a new Wildflower set coming out sometime near the middle of June if you are interested in using that for your summer nature study. I will be making an announcement with details in the next week about this Set #2!

New this month in the Member’s Library!

How is your garden coming?

Outdoor Hour Challenges for families since 2008!

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter