Combining Art, Science, and Nature

Explore and discover your world. It has God's signature all over it.

Free ID sheets, projects and surveys give such educational value, and the children will be having such fun getting fresh air and exercise, they wont even notice that they are learning.  

ART

 

Keep paints and drawing equipment in a backpack and whenever you feel the need to get out for the afternoon, or the sun comes out, just pick up the bag, and find some space.  We use water from the river or waterfall, to paint our pictures. Makes it extra special.

Keep a nature journal and sketch your specimens. Add details such as date, location and temperature.



Consider camping and really getting down to the grass roots :)

Beg or borrow a pocket ID book



 

Science: Begin by exploring your own backyard and hedgerows.

Sweeping the hedgerow for Opal insect survey

Try creating a 'butterfly border', or hedgerow or meadow habitat, and leave a few nettles around for moths and butterflies to lay their eggs on. Use a couple of terracotta pots for wasps and bees to make a home. Build a log pile for insects. The more insects that there is to feed on, the more birds and wildlife that will be attracted to your garden. If you wanted to ID moths, leave a white sheet out at night, the moths will be attracted to it. I have included a couple of websites and books that can help you make a start with these projects.

Feed your garden birds, (your children can even make their own fat balls) Also make the birds a shallow pool of water to have a bath.  On cold days, you can sit inside in the warm and let nature come to you.



IDing a caterpillar

Grow plants that will benefit wildlife in particular, and maybe you can also tack on to this, growing your own food. Peas, tomatoes, potatoes seem to be easy for beginners. Then the children can observe the whole life cycle of a plant. You could turn it into a Season or Plants unit study. I will add some pointers on the Unit Studies page for this.



We found a sleepy hedgehog

                                                       

Testing pH levels of the soil



Our group did the John Muir Award
for conservation

 Nature is all around us, and its free.

 Grab a couple of families and explore together. Take a picnic lunch, and make a day of it. In the cooler days, take a flask of soup or cocoa.
You own local nature groups may have organised walks, with experts on hand. Everyone is always welcome. They love to see youngsters take an interest. Or join a walking group and take a ramble in the local countryside. Local nature reserves usually also have family walks.

Meliden Mountain

Out in the hills of Shropshire