We devote time on Wednesdays to Nature Study. We have several different projects going on. The first was from our Properties of Ecosystems Book. For our Backyard Habitat project this week, we had to stake off a 1 yard square in our back yard...
Then, using a magnifying glass they make observations of the plants, animals and other matter that are found inside of the square. They also note the weather conditions, sights and sounds they observe.
The other project was the worm habitat that the younger ones are working on. They had to fill a jar with a dirt/sand mixture and then dig up some worms to live in the habitat for a week. They put dead leaves on top and we will cover it with a dark cloth. In a few days, we will observe the tunnels the worms make and see what they have done in their temporary home.
When we are finished collecting our specimens outside, we go back to the classroom and record our findings in our nature notebooks. A couple of the kids brought in elderberries and leaves to insert into or draw in their notebooks. They then use the Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock and look up their subject to record some facts about them along with their drawings.
Here is a little toad one of them caught in the yard to bring in to study. He cooperated nicely and was released back outside after everyone had a chance to observe him through their magnifying glasses.
The last project that will be ongoing is our butterfly aquarium. They have already found some Monarch Caterpillars on some milkweed growing alongside our hay field. Each night they bring fresh milkweed for them and they have already grown considerably. We will observe the complete process from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly. We've done this in years past and this is a favorite project!
Thanks for joining us in our first Nature Study of the school year. Hope you enjoyed studying Our Father's World as much as we did!
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