printable Archives

Posted on July 13, 2020 by Barb — Leave a comment

Planning Nature Study for the Year

There are many ways to go about planning a more formal schedule for nature study. Typically, families plan their nature study either by the month or by the school term (usually 4 terms per year). Either way is easy to do using the nature study planning pages available in the Member’s Library here on the Handbook of Nature Study.

You can read how to use these printable planning pages by reading the entry in the archives:

Planning Nature Study for the Year.

Members also have access to the nature planner pages that I have created especially to go along with the 2020-2021 Outdoor Hour Challenges. These pages will give you a variety of things to use in your nature study plans.

Highlighted on the nature planner pages are simple nature study ideas that you can include in your weekly outdoor time. These ideas include nature table ideas, seasonal ideas, suggestions for member’s library printables that complement the Outdoor Hour challenge topics, nature photo ideas, field trip ideas, and alternate study suggestions.

Download Sample: September Planner Page

I invite you to use the resources available in the Ultimate Naturalist Library to plan an outstanding nature study year.

Posted on June 9, 2020 by Barb — 2 Comments

2020-2021 Nature Study Plans with the Outdoor Hour Challenge

Outdoor Hour Challenge

September 2020 through August 2021

Plans and Instructions

I know how much the Outdoor Hour Challenge year plan is anticipated by the families that follow the series topics each week! I’m happy to announce that I have it all organized and ready to go for you a little bit earlier than usual. You’re going to be excited to hear that there are 3 new ebooks in the plan this time around!

Here are the five ebooks that will be planned out from September 2020 to August 2021.

Autumn – Final Ebook: swallows and swifts, catbirds, cockroaches, field horsetail, sapsucker, brook study, catfish, jewelweed, prickly lettuce, hedgehog fungi, calcite, limestone, marble, chickens, and turkeys.

Winter Nature Study Continues Ebook: cattle, deer, feldspar, Orion star study, crystals, flickers, scarlet saucer, bloodroot, hepatica, violets, bleeding hearts, Dutchman’s breeches, and squirrel corn.

Bird Set #1 Ebook: pelican, swan, snipe, egret, sandhill crane, American dipper, horned lark, magpie, and Clark’s nutcracker.

Wildflowers Ebook #3: fireweed, salsify, paintbrush, forget-me-nots, and silverweed.

Herbs Ebook: cilantro, basil, bee balm, oregano, dill, thyme, sage, and mint. This ebook will be added to the Ultimate and Journey level memberships in June 2020.

Outdoor Hour Challenge September 2020 – August 2021 for Members

Get the Year Plan in a PDF: Subscribe to the Ultimate Naturalist Library, Journey, or Discovery level membership: Your membership will give you access to a detailed schedule for the entire year. You will have a printable plan that shows dates and specific topics that will be considered every Friday. This makes your planning super easy!

As there were last year, I’ve created monthly planning pages with lots of additional nature study ideas that you can use to enrich your nature study. These are similar to the planning pages I created for the newsletters in the past. If you’re a member at any level, you’ll receive all 12 months of planning pages in one pdf to download and print!

View a sample planning page above. These pages will be added to the Ultimate and Journey level memberships by the end of July 2020. Print the sample: September 2020 Handbook of Nature Study planner page.

Do You Want to Join Us? Here’s what you need to do!

Purchase a membership here on the Handbook of Nature Study. Remember that if you want access to all the ebooks, you’ll need an Ultimate Naturalist or Journey Level Membership. If you purchase a membership now, you’ll have access to all of the new ebooks as they become available. A membership here on the Handbook of Nature Study starts the date of purchase and is valid for one year.
Download the ebooks as they become available.
Download the September 2020 through August 2021 plan.
Subscribe to the Handbook of Nature Study blog for reminders each Friday.

If you can’t purchase a membership at this time, you can still follow along by subscribing to the blog and each week’s Outdoor Hour Challenge will come right to your email inbox.

Click Below to Get Started!

Use the discount code NEWSTART for $10 off your Ultimate Naturalist Library membership. Code expires 9/1/2020.

Posted on May 11, 2020 by Barb — Leave a comment

Garden Printables and Newsletters

Garden Printables and Newsletters

Resources in the Archives for a Garden Nature Study Plan

I don’t know about you, but I’m anxious to get my garden going this year. With so much time spent indoors sheltering in place, I’m ready to be out in the garden now that the sun is out and the temperatures are warming up.

I always looked for opportunities to involve my children in the garden and to spark some questions in relation to the activities we were doing together. Learning about seeds and plants isn’t the only thing you can include in your gardening time!

Look for birds that may come to visit, insects hiding in the garden, and perhaps even reptiles or amphibians that may be sheltering there.

If you need some ideas to get started or some printable notebook pages to fill in after your garden time, don’t forget about the resources in the Ultimate Naturalist Library.

Newsletters with Garden Themes:

July 2011 – Sunflower study and notebook page.
September 2011 – Autumn weed study grid. Weed notebook page.
August 2012 – August Garden study grid. Know Your Own Backyard – August Garden notebook page.
May 2013 – Garden Flowers study grid. Flower notebook page. Crop Plants grid study.
June 2013 – Wildflower Study notebook page. Dandelion and aster study ideas. Wildflower and Weed study grid.
October 2013 – Pumpkin Farm notebook page.
May 2014 – Gardening with children ideas. Seasonal Garden Notes notebook page. Garden flowers notebook page and grid study.
September 2014 – Fall flower study ideas. How to dissect a flower.
March 2015 – Poppy coloring page.
June 2015 – Nature study ideas for herbs. Herb Study notebook page. Herb coloring page. Salvia coloring page.
July 2015 – Geranium notebook page.
April 2016 – Garden seeds projects. Garden Seed notebook page. Garden nature study ideas.
May 2016 – Wildflower Study notebook page. Wildflower and Weed study grid.
April 2017 – Trillium notebook page. Wildflower nature study ideas.
May 2017 – 3 Seed Container project. Gardening with kids ideas.

Printables:

Berry and Shrub Notebook Page Set
Farmers Market Scavenger Hunt Printable
Flowers Up Close Printable Grid and Journal
Flower Dissection Notebook Page from Handbook of Nature Study
Garden Notebook Page Set 1: morning glories, marigolds, lilacs, caterpillars, and cabbage whites.
Garden Notebook Page Set 2: cucumbers, kale, cherries, gourds, squash
Garden Seeds Study Notebook Pages
Nyctinasty Notebook Page
Rosemary Herb Study Notebook Page
Seasonal Garden Notes Notebook Page
Seed Comparison Project Notebook Page
Shrub Notebook Page
Advanced Shrub Notebook Page
Shrub Study grid notebook
State Flower Notebook Page
Watermelon Study notebook page

Ebooks:

Garden Flowers and Plants ebook – Topics include: seeds, flower parts, flower pressing, drawing flowers, leaf parts, pollen, seed germination, and weeds.

Crop Plants Notebook Pages ebook – Topics include: clover, bean, corn, cotton, strawberries, pumpkins, and tomatoes.

If you would like access to all of the resources listed above, as well the abundance of downloadable products available, you can purchase an Ultimate Naturalist Library membership here on the Handbook of Nature Study.

Use the discount code INITTOGETHER to get $10 off the Ultimate Naturalist Library membership.

Your membership will be valid for one year from the date of purchase and will give you access to every single resource available now and those that will be added to the Library during your membership year!

Posted on May 6, 2020 by Barb — Leave a comment

Wild for Wildflowers Nature Study

Wild for Wildflowers Nature Study Printable

-From the Newsletter Archives

For many of us, spring is a time to look for wildflowers. The world comes alive with color and it beckons us to get outside and walk a local trail. I invite you to download, print, and use the ideas in the printable I’m sharing below, Wild for Wildflowers.

As suggested in the printable, take time to identify even just one wildflower this month. Make it a topic of your nature journal. Or, use one of the many ideas in the chart to deepen your wildflower knowledge in a way that sounds fun for your family.

Download: Wild For Wildflowers

This printable is from the June 2013 Newsletter found in the archives here on the Handbook of Nature Study. If you have access to the newsletters, you can download and read the complete edition that features even more ideas for wildflower study.

The newsletter archives are available in every level of membership here on the Handbook of Nature Study.

Use the discount code SPRINGTOGETHER to receive $10 off an Ultimate Naturalist Library membership.

Posted on May 2, 2020 by Barb — Leave a comment

New Printables for Members – Iridescence and Stripes and Spots

Now available in the Ultimate and Journey level memberships:

1. Iridescence in Nature Notebook Page– This is such a fascinating topic! Do some research about the benefits of iridescence in nature and then create a notebook page with your notes and sketches.

2. Stripes and Spots in Nature Notebook Page – We all know animals, birds, and insects that have stripes and spots. Use a reference of your choice to discover their usefulness and then complete the notebook page as a follow up.

(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 SPRINGTOGETHER for $10 off an Ultimate Naturalist Library membership!

Members also have access to the Nature Planner pages in their library. Print out this month’s page and use it to stimulate your weekly nature study time.

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 April 1, 2020 by Barb — 2 Comments

New Printables for Members – Vernal Pools and Snow Plant

Now available in the Ultimate and Journey level memberships:

1. Snow Plant Nature Study Notebook Page– This time of year you may find yourself walking along your favorite trail and spot some snow plant. If you do a little research ahead of time, you will be armed with a few facts and things to look for when you see a snow plant in person.

2. Vernal Pool Notebook Page – Spring is vernal pool time in our area. Look up the definition of a vernal pool and then make plans to go out to discover one in your area.

(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!

Members also have access to the Nature Planner pages in their library. Print out this month’s page and use it to stimulate your weekly nature study time.

Posted on March 2, 2020 by Barb — Leave a comment

New Printables for Members – Scat and Caches

Now available in the Ultimate and Journey level memberships:

1. Animal Scat Notebook Page: We often come across animal scat during our outdoor time. This notebook page will help you record your observations.

2. Hoarding and Caches Notebook Page: Use this page to research more about animals who cache food.

(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!

Members also have access to the Nature Planner pages in their library. Print out this month’s page and use it to stimulate your weekly nature study time.

Posted on February 1, 2020 by Barb — Leave a comment

New Printables for Members – Antlers, Horns, and Panting

Now available in the Ultimate and Journey level memberships:

1. Antlers and Horns Notebook Page: Have you ever researched the difference between antlers and horns? This notebook page will be a perfect place to record your findings.

2. Panting in Mammals Notebook Page: Here is your chance to look into why animals pant and then put your information down in your nature journal.

(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 January 31, 2020 by Barb — Leave a comment

New Printables for Members! Learn More About Winter Leaves

Now available in the Ultimate and Journey level memberships:

Lenticels Notebook Page and Winter Leaves – Marcescence Notebook Page

1. Leaf Lenticels Notebook Page: Research the topic of tree lenticels and then record your facts on this simple notebook page. Take a walk around your neighborhood to see if you can find any lenticles to observe up close.

2. Winter Leaves – Marcescence: This is a new topic for more advanced nature study. Research the topic of marcescence and then complete the notebook page for your journal.

(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

Category: printable

Planning Nature Study for the Year

2020-2021 Nature Study Plans with the Outdoor Hour Challenge

Use the discount code NEWSTART for $10 off your Ultimate Naturalist Library membership. Code expires 9/1/2020.

Garden Printables and Newsletters

Use the discount code INITTOGETHER to get $10 off the Ultimate Naturalist Library membership.

Wild for Wildflowers Nature Study

Download: Wild For Wildflowers

Use the discount code SPRINGTOGETHER to receive $10 off an Ultimate Naturalist Library membership.

New Printables for Members – Iridescence and Stripes and Spots

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

Use the discount code SPRINGTOGETHER for $10 off an Ultimate Naturalist Library membership!

3 Seeds Container Project – From the Archives

New Printables for Members – Vernal Pools and Snow Plant

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!

New Printables for Members – Scat and Caches

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!

New Printables for Members – Antlers, Horns, and Panting

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!

New Printables for Members! Learn More About Winter Leaves

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 Challenges for families since 2008!