How to include nature study in your science curriculum

Nature study is becoming popular among homeschooling families because it helps in cultivating a child’s imagination. It is essentially a style of education that looks for science principles in nature. It also offers helpful and practical knowledge and makes the child familiar with nature’s forces and ways.

Why use nature study?

Nature study helps in awakening the scientific side of the human brain just like a good novel can awaken the reader’s imagination. It helps the child understand different processes that are going on around him or her.

Components of nature study:

Nature Walk

The study of nature starts with nature walk. This can be done by merely taking a walk through the neighborhood or by hiking along a trail. As you walk, take time and clarify the aim of your study.  For instance, if you are planning to study oak trees, you should point out towards any oak tree you come across along the way.  Then take some time to stop by to discuss the shape of the tree’s leaves, bark’s texture and any seeds that you may come across on the ground.

Allow your child to ask as many questions as they like and provide them with valid answers as well as information about the object that you think they should know.  You can even ask your child to collect samples, such as an acorn, leaf or get a picture of the whole tree as part of the science curriculum.

As you walk along the path, observe any other oak trees and compare them with the tree you stopped by to study.  You may also consider comparing the oak tree to other kinds of trees along the trail.

The Journal

Another important component of nature study is the journal. You can ask your student to pick a spot during the journey to just sit down and write down about their experience or you can ask them to wait till they reach home to add an entry. The nature journal can act as a personal record of what the child has learned.

Give them the liberty to glue pictures or even samples they pick up from the site. They can be asked to draw the things they have seen and record their thoughts.  Apart from this, make sure your child records a minimum of one scientific fact about the subject that is being studied along with the date with every entry.

The nature journal and walk can work together to show the child the beautiful wonders of science in the plant they live in. When used in combination, these two methods can act as an effective tools for imparting science education.