This season plan some outdoor time to enjoy studying feathered creatures in your neighborhood. We have provided a Bird Feet Observation Worksheet to go along with your Autumn Bird Nature Study. Also you will learn more about woodpeckers. Take some time to follow the links in the archived challenge to view a variety of woodpeckers and determine which ones live in your neighborhood.
After your outdoor time, no matter which feathered friend you found to study, follow up with the Bird Nature Study notebook page found in the Autumn Notebook Bundle.
Make sure to click the link below to read the entire Outdoor Hour Challenge with helpful links, nature study ideas, printable notebooking pages, and suggested follow-up activities.
Homeschool Natures Study Members can download the Bird Feet Observations Worksheet and the Autumn Bundle which includes many pages to incorporate fall learning all season!
Watch Live Bird Cams
If you live in a city or find it hard to observe birds, try watching live cams. Cornell Lab offers a great variety of Live Bird Cams! From ospreys, owls, condors, hawks, to regular videos at bird feeders, you can watch many different types of birds. The National Audubon Society also offers free live cams, however you do watch them on YouTube.
Paint Autumn Birds
We love when Nana paints birds! You can paint these wonderful creatures to continue your Autumn Bird Study! Be sure to read: Fall Bird Study for Your Homeschool.
Even More Bird Nature Study Opportunities!
Finding more time to admire the avians? We have a variety of helpful resources to add to your bird study. Click on one of the images below.
Tree squirrels are some of the most entertaining critters to inhabit our neighborhoods. This Outdoor Hour Challenge will help you and your little squirrel hunters observe local squirrels more closely as you note their behavior and features. Squirrels are not shy so you should be able to spot them and make some observations with ease. Enjoy this Squirrel Nature Study by taking along a pair of binoculars to get a closer look!
Archive Outdoor Hour Challenge – Click the link above to take you to the original challenge.
“The squirrel’s legs are short because he is essentially a climber rather than a runner; the hips are very strong, which insures his power as a jumper, and his leaps are truly remarkable.”
“The squirrel has two pairs of gnawing teeth which are very long and strong, as in all rodents, and he needs to keep busy gnawing hard things with them, or they will grow so long that he cannot use them at all and will starve to death.”
“During the winter, the red squirrel does not remain at home except in the coldest weather, when he lies cozily with his tail wrapped around him like a fur neck-piece to keep him warm.”
Handbook of Nature Study, pages 234 and 235
Make sure to click the link below to read the entire Outdoor Hour Challenge with helpful links, nature study ideas, printable notebooking pages, and suggested follow-up activities.
Squirrel Nature Study – Handbook of Nature Study Lesson #57
Homeschool Nature Study Membership
It’s a great time to join Homeschool Nature Study! We offer a multitude of science activities, hands-on learning ideas, seasonal nature studies, crafts, free resources for all ages – join the #outdoorhourchallenge community and enhance your homeschool science lessons!
By Barb McCoy, founder of the Outdoor Hour Challenges with The Handbook of Nature Study. Updated and new resources added byStef Layton.
When fall rolls around we usually celebrate all things apple and pumpkin, but what about pears?! Autumn Pear Study is one of the Outdoor Hour Challenges that does not specifically have a lesson in the Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock. Therefore, we’re happy to share fun fruity facts!
Pears: Fruit or Vegetable ?
Pears are a sweet buttery fruit. Generally shaped like a bell, or oval, pears have greenish colored skin some varieties are red. Pears are high in dietary fiber and can be eaten raw or baked. In the states, we are most familiar with the Bartlett Pear. This image from USA Pears with harvest times is helpful.
Fruit or Vegetable Sorting Worksheet
The characteristics of all fruits include: developing from a flower, most fruits contain seeds, and fruits are typically sweet while vegetables are savory. Homeschool Nature Study Members can download the Fruits and Vegetables Sorting Worksheet for younger learners.
Autumn Pear Study Fun Facts
Did you know pears date back to Ancient Greece? Homer described them as “gifts from the gods“.
Romans planted pears throughout Europe developing 50 different varieties.
Pears in the United States are grown in Washington and Oregon.
Pears are part of the rose family. The Rose family is called Rosaceae.
Pear wood is a hard, reddish, fine-grained hardwood that’s often used for making musical instruments, like the lute and guitar.
In Chinese tradition, a common remedy for chronic coughs and asthma involves steaming an Asian pear with a tablespoon of sugar.
“And a partridge in a pear tree”, We all know the first line from The Twelve Days of Christmas. The partridge in a pear tree represents Jesus, the Son of God, whose birthday we celebrate on the first day of Christmas. Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge, a bird that will die to protect its young.
More Fall Studies
Looking for more Fall Studies to include in your Nature Study time? Click an image below.
Homeschool Nature Study Membership
Undeniably, now is a great time to join Homeschool Nature Study! We offer a multitude of science activities, hands-on learning ideas, seasonal nature studies, crafts, free resources for all ages – join the #outdoorhourchallenge community and enhance your homeschool science lessons!
Stef started homeschooling her boys in 2008. She quickly adopted a hands-on learning homeschool style and graduated her oldest tactile learner in 2021. Then she started the Hands-On Learning column in Homeschooling Today magazine. The Laytons currently reside in the foothills of Colorado where Stef also teaches yoga. The family loves to hike trails, stand-up paddle board, and chase sunsets. Stef shares travel and homeschool tips on IG at @LaytonAdventures.
Let’s talk about nature study and your homeschool high school transcript.
As your homeschooled teen moves into the high school years, you may be wondering how to document your nature studies. If so, then you may want to bookmark this post!
Having homeschooled my daughters using the Charlotte Mason method of learning and maintaining that way of learning throughout their entire schooling career. You may be wondering how you can continue to include subjects such as nature study and what it may look like on your high school transcript.
I will say at the outset that the key to compiling a comprehensive transcript is by deploying meticulous record keeping skills. I would advise getting your teen into the habit of recording the time spent on nature study (or any practical application activity) and what it was that they covered. This encourages your student to start taking an active role in his/her education. In this post, I share the approach we took in our own homeschool in documenting nature study in our high school transcript.
Your Homeschool High School Transcript: The Basics
Creating a high school transcript for your homeschooled teen involves recording and presenting their academic achievements in a clear, organized manner. Since homeschooling allows for greater flexibility than traditional schooling, you have the opportunity to customize the transcript to reflect your teen’s unique learning experiences and achievements. Here’s how to go about it:
1. Basic Structure of the Transcript
Student Information: Include the student’s full name, date of birth, and contact information. You might also include a student ID number if applicable.
School Information: List your homeschool’s name (you can create one if you don’t already have a name), address, and contact information.
Transcript Title: Clearly state “High School Transcript” at the top of the document.
Dates of Attendance: Specify the years your teen attended high school (e.g., 2020-2024).
2. Course Listings and Credits
Course Names: List each course your teen completed. You can be more descriptive than traditional schools, reflecting the specific focus or approach of the course (e.g., instead of just “Biology,” you could write “Advanced Biology with Lab Focus on Genetics”).
Credits Earned: Assign credits to each course, typically based on the amount of time spent. In the U.S., one credit usually represents one year of study in a subject. You can adjust this if your homeschool follows a different system.
Grades: Record the grades earned for each course. You have the flexibility to use letter grades, percentages, or even descriptive assessments (though letter grades are most commonly recognized).
3. Customizing with Flexibility
Course Descriptions: Unlike traditional transcripts, you can include brief descriptions of each course to provide context. For example, “World History: A study of global events from the Renaissance to the present, with a focus on cultural interactions and primary source analysis.”
Unconventional Learning: If your teen engaged in non-traditional learning experiences (e.g., internships, travel-based learning, independent projects), these can be listed as courses or electives. For instance, “Photography: A self-directed study culminating in a portfolio and a community exhibition.”
Specialized Subjects: If your teen pursued specialized or niche subjects, include them. For example, “Environmental Science: An in-depth exploration of local ecosystems, including hands-on fieldwork and a final research paper.”
4. GPA Calculation
Grading Scale: Clearly outline the grading scale you used (e.g., A = 90-100, B = 80-89, etc.).
Weighted vs. Unweighted GPA: Decide whether to use a weighted GPA (which gives extra points for advanced courses) or an unweighted GPA. Calculate the GPA based on the grades and credits earned.
5. Additional Sections
Extracurricular Activities: Include a section for extracurricular activities, highlighting your teen’s involvement in clubs, sports, volunteer work, or hobbies.
Standardized Test Scores: If applicable, list standardized test scores (e.g. SAT).
Awards and Honors: Mention any awards, recognitions, or scholarships your teen has received.
6. Finalizing the Transcript
Signature and Date: At the bottom of the transcript, include a line for your signature and the date. This signifies that you verify the accuracy of the transcript.
Seal or Logo: If you want to make the transcript look more official, consider creating a simple seal or logo for your homeschool.
Tips for Flexibility and Descriptiveness
Tailored Learning: Emphasize how the curriculum was tailored to your teen’s interests and strengths.
Interdisciplinary Courses: If your teen’s studies crossed traditional subject boundaries, create interdisciplinary course titles that reflect this.
Narrative Evaluations: Consider adding brief narrative evaluations or comments for each course or a summary at the end of the transcript to provide more insight into your teen’s performance and growth.
Creating a homeschool transcript allows you to showcase your teen’s education in a way that is personalized, thorough, and reflective of their unique educational journey. By being flexible and descriptive, you can ensure that the transcript effectively communicates your teen’s academic achievements and readiness for their next steps, whether that be college, vocational training, or entering the workforce.
Can you add nature study to your homeschool high school transcript? The answer is a resounding yes!
How to Account for Nature Study In Your High School TranscriptWith Examples!
Accounting for nature study in a high school transcript is a great way to highlight the hands-on, experiential learning that often occurs in a homeschool setting. Nature study can be integrated into various subjects or listed as a standalone course, depending on how it’s approached in your homeschool curriculum. Here are some ways to incorporate nature study into a high school transcript, along with examples of how to describe the learning:
1. Biology Credit
Course Title: “Biology with Emphasis on Ecology and Field Studies”
Description: “A comprehensive biology course with a focus on ecological systems, species identification, and the study of local flora and fauna through regular fieldwork. Students conducted independent research projects on ecosystem dynamics and prepared detailed field journals.”
Credit: 1 Credit (Lab Science)
2. Integrated Science Credit
Course Title: “Integrated Environmental Science”
Description: “An interdisciplinary study combining biology, chemistry, and earth science with a focus on environmental systems. Students explored topics such as soil composition, water quality, and plant biology, supported by regular nature hikes and lab work involving data collection and analysis.”
Credit: 1 Credit (Science)
3. Elective Credit
Course Title: “Nature Study and Outdoor Education”
Description: “A hands-on elective focusing on the observation and study of natural environments. Students engaged in activities such as bird watching, plant identification, and wildlife tracking, with an emphasis on developing skills in journaling, sketching, and outdoor survival techniques.”
Credit: 0.5 to 1 Credit (Elective)
4. Environmental Science Credit
Course Title: “Environmental Science: Field Ecology”
Description: “An in-depth exploration of ecosystems, conservation, and environmental stewardship. Coursework included field trips to various ecosystems, such as wetlands and forests, where students conducted species inventories and assessed the impact of human activity on natural habitats.”
Credit: 1 Credit (Lab Science)
5. Physical Education Credit
Course Title: “Outdoor Adventure and Fitness”
Description: “A physical education course that combined fitness with outdoor skills, including hiking, orienteering, and survival skills. Students also participated in activities like rock climbing and canoeing, while learning about the physical and mental health benefits of regular interaction with nature.”
Credit: 0.5 to 1 Credit (Physical Education)
6. Art Credit (Interdisciplinary Approach)
Course Title: “Nature and Art: A Creative Study”
Description: “An art course focused on nature as a source of inspiration. Students created detailed botanical illustrations, landscape paintings, and nature-inspired sculptures. The course also included lessons on the history of nature in art, with visits to local parks and gardens for on-site sketching.”
Credit: 0.5 to 1 Credit (Art)
7. Independent Study or Capstone Project
Course Title: “Independent Study: Ecology and Conservation”
Description: “A student-led research project focused on local conservation efforts, including habitat restoration and species preservation. The study involved regular fieldwork, collaboration with local environmental organizations, and the creation of a final report and presentation on findings.”
Credit: 0.5 to 1 Credit (Elective/Science)
Tips for Describing Nature Study on a High School Transcript
Be Specific: When describing the course, focus on the specific skills and knowledge your teen gained. For example, rather than just “plant identification,” you might say “identification of over 50 native plant species and their ecological roles.”
Highlight Hands-On Experience: Nature study often involves practical, hands-on learning. Mention field trips, outdoor labs, or independent research projects.
Interdisciplinary Learning: If nature study crossed over into multiple subjects, make that clear in the course title and description. This can show the depth and breadth of the learning experience.
Use Professional Terminology: Incorporate relevant scientific terms where appropriate to give the course a more academic tone.
By thoughtfully integrating nature study into your teen’s transcript, you can provide a clear and compelling account of their engagement with the natural world, highlighting both their academic and personal growth.
More Resources for High School Nature Study In Your Homeschool
For more support you may be interested in our Nature Study Credit Planner and Tracker above. Simply sign up below to get your free record keeping sheet.
We hope that this post has been useful to our homeschooling high school families. Please do let us know in the comments if you would like us to cover any other homeschool high school nature study topics or let us know if you have any questions.
These fall leaf activities for kids are a perfect way to study nature throughout the season. Easy to implement and enjoyable for the entire family, this study has options for all ages.
“Make the lesson an investigation and make the pupils feel that they are investigators…The ‘leading thought’ embodies some of the points which should be in the teacher’s mind while giving the lesson; it should not be read or declared to the pupils…The outlines for observations herein given by no means cover all of the observations possible; they are meant to suggest to the teacher observations of her own, rather than to be followed slavishly…If the questions do not inspire the child to investigate, they are useless.”
Spend your Outdoor Hour time in your own backyard or neighborhood.
Look at the various kinds of leaves and have your child point out several that capture their interest.
Choose four or five leaves to collect and bring home to look at with the magnifying lens.
Follow-Up Activity for Fall Nature Study:
Use the hand lens to make careful observations of your leaves. One at a time have your child describe what he sees as he looks at the leaf carefully. Record your results in your nature journal (or use the notebook page in the ebook).
Advanced and High School Leaf Studies
Advanced Follow-Up: Use this LINK and scroll down to the section, “Taking a Closer Look At Plant Cells”. Make your own leaf slides to look at under your microscope. Members – Use the Leaf Morphology page and the notebook page to complete your study.
Advanced Follow-Up: Read this article on Wikipedia: Leaf. Read this page that illustrates Leaf Margins and Shapes (love this page with the clear images).
Activities for Pressing Leaves and Leaf Nature Study
Press your leaves to add to your nature journal at a future date. You can watch my YouTube video to learn how to do this with simple household items.
Make beautiful Leaf Prints with Victoria in Homeschool Nature Study Nature Crafts course!
An Example of a Family Fall Leaf Study for All Ages
Tricia’s shares their family-style fall leaf study up close investigation!
Our leaf studies started when the first leaves started to change. We enjoyed the fall colors with a local trip to Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Park. We’ve awed each week at the maple at church, watching it turn every beautiful shade from green to yellow to red.
One Saturday, we traveled to the next state over to the highest point. We walked and we slowed to soak in the colors.
And earlier this week, we drove about 20 minutes down the road, where we climbed rocks as big as boats under a canopy of colors.
While we’ve been oohing and aahing this whole month at leaves, we didn’t stop to marvel closely at design until we took the Up-Close Leaf Study Challenge with The Handbook of Nature Study Outdoor Hour Challenges.
And while gorgeous leaves had gathered on the kitchen table now and then in an arrangement, Friday morning Middle Girl and I went out early for the very purpose of gathering a variety. Maple, poplar, river birch, oak leaf hydrangea, mimosa.
It had just started to make a new web, using part of the pink string someone had tied.
With our notebook pages at the ready, we hit a problem. Where is the magnifying glass? We couldn’t even find the little plastic one kept in the outside playhouse. *Sigh* “I know!” Middle Girl said, “There’s an app for your iPhone. And I think it’s free.” After a quick search, we downloaded Magnifying Glass with Light and we were in business!
Looking first at a larva on the mimosa leaves…
…Then each choosing a leaf to study up close.
Matching the margins. I heard, “what is venation?” So we looked closely at the veins in each leaf, comparing.
The two youngest girls sketched their leaves up close. Love this notebook page!
Eldest boy compared four different leaves, referencing the shape & arrangement, margins and venation page. That’s when he said, while sketching each leaf…
“That’s the most fun leaf study I’ve ever done.” ~ 12-year-old
Middle Girl discovered you can turn the ‘lens’ around and look at yourself up close!
Technology and nature study.
For the record, we did find our little, plastic magnifying lens (after our study).
As a bonus, we copied some of our favorite leaf colors for our nature journals.
There are many fun art and nature journal ideas for trees and leaves listed below as well!
So many things we discovered by taking the time to look up close! Thanks to an October of beautiful fall colors and Handbook of Nature Study.
Leaf Resources for Homeschool Nature Study Members
Members have all of these leaf studies to enjoy!
Outline the Shape + Leaf Coloring Page
Leaf Masks Nature Craft Activity
Learning Leaf Parts
Fall Leaf Study Grid
Under the Fallen Leaves Autumn Fun
Fall Color Walk with Printable Color Cards
Learning About Leaves Outdoor Hour Challenge
Seasonal Tree Autumn Comparisons
Outdoor Mom – September and October
You will find hundreds of homeschool nature studies plus all the Outdoor Hour Challenges in our Homeschool Nature Study membership. There are 25+ continuing courses with matching Outdoor Hour curriculum that will bring the Handbook of Nature Study to life in your homeschool! In addition, there is an interactive monthly calendar with daily nature study prompt – all at your fingertips!
“The best time to plant spring-flowering bulbs depends on where you live. Ideally, wait until the soil temperature is below 60°F. As a general guide, plant in September through early October if you live in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 or 5; October to early November in zones 6 or 7; and November to early December in zones 8 and 9. Plant bulbs that have been refrigerated for 8 to 10 weeks in late December to early January in zone 10.”
Planting Bulbs in Your Yard with Children
Our Outdoor Hour Challenge founder, Barb McCoy, shared her experience with planting bulbs in the fall:
I ordered the bulbs online and they held my order until it was time to plant them in the ground. I decided I needed to just do it before I forgot about the bulbs and they sat in the box all winter. (Not like I have ever done that before.)
The instructions that came with the bulbs said that the soil needs to have good drainage and our natural garden soil is a little on the clay-like side so we added some soil enhancer to increase the texture of the soil.
The instructions also said to add a little bulb booster product and I found this sack at Home Depot for a few dollars. I read the back and added the prescribed amount into each hole I dug.
You can see, in the photo above, my holes for the allium gladiator bulbs that I purchased. I am so excited about planting these guys and I look forward to seeing them bloom sometime next year.
The photo collage also shows my tulip bulbs going in. They will be in the front of the garden box that the allium is in and they will bloom at different times. I purchased purple tulips for the first time. I also planted dutch iris and double daffodils for a total of forty-one new bulbs.
It took me the better part of an afternoon but now I can sit back and wait for spring and some new color in my garden.
Don’t miss your best opportunity for a spring bloom. It will be a delight to see all that spring bulb color after a long winter.
More Homeschool Garden Activities in Homeschool Nature Study Membership
These homeschool garden activities are perfect for your nature studies. Includes outdoor activities and gardening tips for kids. Enjoy all of these and more in homeschool nature study membership:
Flower and Gardening Activities and Notebook Pages
Learning leaf parts
Poppies and buttercups
Ferns
Looking for pollen
Pressing flowers
How to draw flowers
Learning flower parts and dissection of flowers
The garden snail
Garden Seed Ideas
You will find hundreds of homeschool nature studies plus all the Outdoor Hour Challenges in our Homeschool Nature Study membership. There are 25+ continuing courses with matching Outdoor Hour curriculum that will bring the Handbook of Nature Study to life in your homeschool! In addition, there is an interactive monthly calendar with daily nature study prompt – all at your fingertips!
While nothing beats experiencing nature first-hand, preschool nature study books are a vital component of our preschool nature studies. We have used both fiction and non-fiction books to introduce a topic, supplement a topic and study a topic in-depth.
Sometimes the books we read have been intentionally picked for nature study, and other times while reading, we come across a nature topic we’d like to learn more about.
Preschool Nature Study Books
Here are some suggestions for enjoying preschool nature study books in your homeschool.
Introduce a Nature Study Topic:
Recently we read the book Fish Eyes by Lois Ehlert. It is a cute toddler and preschool counting book that read for fun. It also got my young girls wondering about different types of fish. After reading the book they wanted to see real fish. The only local place that I could think of that had many different types of fish on display was our local pet store (nature study doesn’t always have to happen outdoors!) We observed the fish and ended up purchasing a small tank and 2 guppies so we could continue our observations at home.
Sometimes a book that wasn’t intentionally picked for nature study can be used as a springboard for further nature studies. Of course you can also pick a quality picture book to intentionally introduce a topic.
Supplement a Topic with Nature Activities:
Once we had our tank set up, we printed out our fish nature journal and watched our new pets. To help supplement our observations, I picked up a few non-fiction picture books about fish. Our favorite book was What’s It Like to Be Fish? by Wendy Pfeffer. It was the perfect amount of information for young children. Explore even more Fun Fish Activities for Preschoolers!
How To Study a Nature Topic with Preschoolers:
When we want to go more in-depth, we usually turn to field guides and The Handbook of Nature Study for more information. In order to help my children delve deeper, I will gather various resources and set up a book basket on that topic. This basket is accessible at all times to encourage independent learning and exploration. I might also put in items relating to the study and tools to help them observe on their own (such as binoculars and magnifying glasses.)
A List of Preschool-Age Picture Books To Introduce and Supplement Seasonal Nature Studies:
Preschool Nature Study Books For Any Time of Year:
Backyard Books by Judy Allen and Tudor Humphries
Outside your Window A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies
Do you like the idea of involving young children in nature study but not sure how to start? Do you need a little help being intentional with your nature studies? Nature Study Printables is full of printable tools for you to use to get young children observing and talking about nature!
Preschool Nature Study with Homeschool Nature Study Membership!
By Maureen Spell, a long-time contributor to the Outdoor Hour Challenges.Maureen helps Christian mompreneurs operate their business from a place of joy, purpose, and excellence because they are clear on how their business is serving their family and others. As a homeschool mom, she believes success at home AND business without the mom-guilt, stress and burn-out is possible! Outside of work, she loves having good conversations over a hot chai or GT Gingerberry kombucha and spending time with her husband and seven children. Visit her at MaureenSpell.com
This comprehensive guide to Fall Charlotte Mason Nature Study includes activities and resources for family learning.
As August gives way to September and summer slowly slips away to allow autumn to wrap us up in its brilliant display of color, mother turns her attention to planning her fall homeschool.
Fall Charlotte Mason Nature Study
In our Charlotte Mason homeschools, autumn is a time of fresh starts, fresh plans and new hope for the forthcoming year.
As the season shifts and the days begin to draw in, it seems natural to start our plans by considering our fall nature studies. Nature study intertwines beautifully with other areas of study such as art appreciation, poetry, geography and science. It also gifts the humble homemaker ample opportunity and inspiration to cultivate an atmosphere of coziness within her home(school).
Apples, cider, crisp leaves, corn mazes, frost and cold air are all part of the season and simply beg to be explored, studied and brought indoors!
Activities For Fall Nature Study In Your Homeschool
Tree and Leaf Studies Perfect for Fall
I think we all agree that you simply cannot embrace all that fall is without planning a seasonal tree and leaf study. Autumn days are filled with colored leaves, falling leaves, raking leaves, and jumping into great big piles of fallen leaves. Have a look at some of our wonderful tree and leaf studies from our archives and from our own personal blogs:
Pumpkins and Apples for Fall Charlotte Mason Nature Study
As the pumpkins ripen in the fields and the apples in the orchards, local farmers open up their farms to the public providing the perfect opportunity to plan a ‘pumpkin and apple homeschool’ week. Enjoy a trip out to the farm and pick out a few pumpkins and basket of apples. Then come home and bake a pumpkin or apple pie and enjoy reading some seasonal read-aloud books as you learn more about these delightful seasonal fruits.
“In times of old, not only was it believed that toads sat on them (toadstools), but that fairies danced upon them and used them for umbrellas. The poisonous qualities of some species made them also a natural ingredient of the witch’s cauldron. But science, in these days, brings revelation concerning these mysterious plants which are far more wonderful than the web which superstition wove about them in the days of yore.”
Anna Botsford Comstock, Handbook of Nature Study, page 714
As can be seen from the excerpt from the Handbook of Nature Study that we have long held the view that mushrooms are rather mysterious, enchanting and quite fascinating. We can also agree that most of us regard mushrooms and toadstools with suspicion and caution, and for good reason. There are many poisonous mushrooms out there, and some of them are deadly. Names such as ‘death cap’, ‘destroying angel’ and ‘funeral bell’, warn us to steer clear!
One of our favourite fall activities in our homeschool is to go on a fungus spotting walk through out local woodlands. There is something quite atmospheric and wonderful about walking through a woodland in autumn all wrapped up in our hand knits and kicking through fallen leaves as we hunt for fungi and mushrooms.
Here are a few posts to get you started as well as some lovely free downloadable spotter sheets for you to take with you.
We all know that Charlotte Mason encouraged her students to keep a Nature Notebook or Nature Diary. These notebooks were inscribed with fine prose and illustrated in delicate watercolours.
According to Charlotte’s recommendations, all illustrations should include captions: the Latin name of the specimen, it it’s available, as well as the familiar name. A flower and bird list can be kept at the back of the Notebook, as well as other lists which may interest the individual child such as fungi, insects, trees etc.
These notebooks should be considered a part of a living education where the child’s relationship with nature can be expressed within its pages. Try to avoid criticism, unless it is to give helpful suggestions.
Anna Botsford Comstock said of notebooks, “of whatever quality, are precious beyond price to their owners. And why not? For the represent what cannot be bought or sold – personal experience in the happy world of outdoors.”
The Nature Notebook is a way for our children (and us) to connect better with nature and to learn its patterns. If you have not dipped your toes into the world of nature journaling, I would encourage you to dive in this fall. You do not need to invest in expensive art supplies, just grab a blank notebook, some pencils and get out there. You can purchase an inexpensive field watercolor set of paints in the coming weeks but for now I would encourage you to just take the leap and do a quick sketch of what you can see before you. Don’t judge your drawing, you are not an artist yet. You are a scientist, simply recording what you see in this moment of time.
Here are some helpful links for your adventure in nature journaling.
Below are some additional Charlotte Mason resources for your homeschool. We hope that you have a wonderful fall season of exploring and learning outdoors.
Additional Charlotte Mason Resources For Your Homeschool
Endless Access to Outdoor Hour Curriculum in Homeschool Nature Study Membership
We are sure that this fall Charlotte Mason nature study guide will keep you very busy however, we would encourage you to join the Homeschool Nature Study membership. With our membership you will have Homeschool Nature Study resources at your fingertips and can incorporate nature study at your family’s own pace.
You can choose guided or independent nature study with the membership monthly calendar prompts and printables.
We have monthly, quarterly and annual homeschool nature study memberships and you will enjoy endless access to everything including our exclusive Nature Craft Course, Nature Journaling Course and The Outdoor Mom Course!
Connect With Our Homeschool Community On Social Media
Did you enjoy this Outdoor Hour Challenge? Be sure to tag us on Instagram @outdoorhourchallenge and use the hashtag #outdoorhourchallenge so we can see and comment!
Is nature study still relevant for your homeschooled teen? Yes! It plays a crucial role in developing observation skills and much more…
Nature Study Doesn’t Have To End In The Teen Years!
Trust me! I have homeschooled two teens and I have grappled with the temptation to throw aside nature study and the arts in favor of a more bookish education. I even succumbed to the temptation once for a couple of weeks, but it just didn’t sit well in my soul or with the Charlotte Mason ethos that we had lived by for so many years.
I’m pleased to say that I came to my senses. I chose to trust that Charlotte Mason built her career on and reinstated our Friday nature studies.
Now that I have navigated through our high school years and both my daughters graduated our homeschool and their respective university courses, I can speak from a place of experience, understanding and knowledge and confidently tell you that nature study doesn’t have to end in the teen years!
Charlotte Mason believed that education should be broad and balanced, incorporating not just the academic but also the artistic and natural worlds. Nature study, plays a crucial role in developing observation skills, appreciation for the environment, and a sense of wonder.
Warning! You may want to bookmark this post as it is packed with high school nature study resources!
The Importance of Nature Study in High School
Before I give you some tips for homeschool nature study for teens, I want to touch on the importance of nature study in your homeschool high school…
Nature Study Enhances Scientific Understanding
Field Work Integration: Nature study offers practical fieldwork opportunities, which are essential in subjects like biology, ecology, and environmental science. High school students can engage in hands-on experiences that textbooks alone cannot provide.
Observational Skills: Regular nature study hones students’ abilities to observe, record and analyze natural phenomena, which are key skills in scientific research.
Nature Study Fosters Critical Thinking and Creativity:
Interdisciplinary Learning: Nature study naturally integrates with other subjects such as art (through nature journaling and drawing), poetry (writing inspired by nature), and geography (understanding ecosystems and landscapes).
Problem-solving: Encountering the real-world issues in nature, such as ecological changes or conservation challenges, encourages students to think critically and develop problem-solving skills.
Nature Study Promotes Mental and Physical Well-being:
Stress Relief: Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health, which is particularly beneficial during the often-stressful high school years.
Physical Activity: Engaging in outdoor activities promotes physical health and provides a healthy break from screen time and indoor study.
Nature Study Encourages Lifelong Learning and Appreciation for Nature:
Sustainable Living: Developing a deep connection and understanding of nature fosters a sense of stewardship and responsibility toward the environment.
Continuous Curiosity: Nature study encourages a lifelong habit of curiosity and learning, as the natural world is ever-changing and endlessly fascinating.
Tips For Homeschool Nature Study Specifically With Teens
If you’ve momentarily set aside nature study and are considering reintegration, here are some practical tips to help your teen get back into nature study:
Tip 1: Schedule Nature Study Days
Designate specific days or times each week dedicated to nature study, ensuring it remains a consistent part of your curriculum. For our family we had always reserved Fridays for our nature and arts study. It was always a day to look forward to after a week of academic learning and it was a great way to kick off the weekend!
Tip 2: Incorporate Technology in Your Nature Study for Teens
Use apps and online resources to enhance nature study, such as identifying species, tracking weather patterns, or participating in citizen science projects. It could even be a simple as using digital photography or videography!
Regularly plan outings to local parks, nature reserves, or botanical gardens to provide diverse and rich experiences. There are around 63 national parks in the United States. Visit as many of them as you can. Observe the flora, fauna, wildlife, insects, and birds that you see in each.
‘We have a wealth of posts in the archives to help you get the most of your national park’s nature study. Here are just a few to get you going:’
Encourage students to keep detailed journals of their observations, including sketches, notes, and reflections, which integrates art and writing skills. Here are a few posts from our archives on keeping a nature journal:
Design projects that combine nature study with other subjects, such as writing research papers on local wildlife, creating ecological maps, or developing conservation plans.
Conservation projects can be a fantastic way for teens to learn about nature whilst taking part in a project. Here are some ideas:
Build nesting boxes for birds, squirrels, or bats.
Volunteer at a zoo or aquarium. This a great opportunity to learn about creatures that most of us will never see on a typical nature walk.
Animal rescue or rehab centres – look for volunteer opportunities at a local animal rescue or rehab center.
Camping or caving – both of these activities provide for an opportunity to see nature from a unique perspective. Caving may provide opportunities to watch creatures such as bats. Camping will have you observing all sorts of flora and fauna by day, and stargazing by night!
Visit botanical gardens or butterfly houses. Bring along your nature diaries and a picnic to make for a fun day out.
Additional Resources for Homeschool Nature Study
It is important to encourage your teen to pursue their own interests in nature. Remember, “Education is the science of relations”
~ Charlotte Mason
We want our teens to form deep connections with the world around them. We must therefore provide an environment in which our teens can ask questions and learn how to find and recognise clues to the answers they seek.
To wrap up this post on homeschool nature study for teens, I am leaving you some additional nature study resources that you can delve into. Homeschool Nature Study has a wealth of resources for your nature studies in our archives so we hope that you will spend some time exploring and finding something that may be of assistance as you navigate your homeschool high school years.
Join the Homeschool Nature Study Membership for Nature Study Curriculum and Year Round Support
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!
Connect With Our Homeschool Community On Social Media
Did you enjoy this Outdoor Hour Challenge? Be sure to tag us on Instagram @outdoorhourchallenge and use the hashtag #outdoorhourchallenge so we can see and comment!
Creating leaf prints is simple and a lot of fun! Combine a nature walk, collecting a variety of leaves, and producing a beautiful leaf print.
Years ago, I created leaf prints using ink as suggested in the Handbook of Nature Study, although using stamp pad ink not kerosene as suggested in the book. I am creating leaf prints using leaves from my Oregon yard.
My children always wanted to collect leaves during your outdoor time and once we got home I wasn’t always sure how to use the leaves or display them. Creating leaf prints is a great way to extend your leaf collecting activity or any tree nature study.
Creating Leaf Prints
Tips and Suggestions for Getting Great Leaf Prints:
Put your ink on the backside of the leaf instead of the front for a more detailed print.
Making prints with ink will give you more detail than printing with paints.
Try both placing the paper over the inked leaf and pressing the leaf onto the paper. Experiment with a few leaves to see which method works best for you.
Use washable ink pads for easier clean up.
If your leaf is very dry or crumbly, you might try using paint instead of ink. Make sure not to press too hard when making the print.
Try making your prints on separate paper and then insert the paper into your nature journal. This will help resolve anxiety that you are going to mess up your nature journal if you don’t get a good print.
Creating Leaf Prints Nature Craft Tutorial In Homeschool Nature Study Membership
Victoria shares, “As autumn gets into full swing, what better way to mark the change of seasons than by creating leaf prints. We are heading into that period of Autumn where the leaves are on the cusp of igniting into rich shades of red and orange. Here in the UK we usually have about a week of vibrancy before one strong wind comes along and blows all the colour to the ground. So it is best to capture its beauty while we can.”
If your students are not excited about getting their hands dirty by creating leaf prints, print this Leaves Coloring Page. There are many different types of leaves on this page your student can color and then cut out to decorate their nature journal. You can read our Ultimate Guide to Nature Journaling for tips and ideas to fill up your nature journal this year.
More Leaf Activities For Kids
These will have you enjoying leaves in other ways too!
Make a Leaf Mask (Victoria shares another fun tutorial for members)
The Outdoor Hour Challenges Bring The Handbook of Nature Study to Life in Your Homeschool!
For even more homeschool nature study ideas for all seasons, join us in Homeschool Nature Study membership! You’ll receive new ideas each and every week that require little or no prep – all bringing the Handbook of Nature Study to life in your homeschool!
