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nature study

How To Make A Cloud Spotter Craft & Bark Rubbing Craft Printables

May 7, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a cool cloud spotter craft and bark rubbing free printable craft.

When doing nature studies, two of our favorite ground activities are cloud spotting and observing tree bark.

Besides cloud drifting by can be a fun activity for children of any age. Cloud watching makes us pause to enjoy the quite details of nature.

How To Make A Cloud Spotter Craft & Bark Rubbing Craft Printables

And no two clouds are ever the same. So, this fun cloud spotter craft is a great way to take science outdoors.

Then, learning about tree bark is like not only appreciating textures but appreciating the secret bark holds about the tree.

And some bark feels like paper smooth and other bark is bumpy and cracked.

It is a fun way to take notice of trees.

BOOKS & RESOURCES FOR CLOUD SPOTTERS

Cloud Books & Resources for Kids

Add these cloud books and resources to your unit study.

Clouds (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 1)

Read and find out about how to forecast a change in weather by looking at the clouds in this colorfully illustrated nonfiction picture book.

At any given time, more than half the earth is covered with different types of clouds. Some are dark and scary rain clouds, and some are just big white puffs. What kind of cloud is in the sky above you, and what can you expect the weather to be? Instead of turning on the TV to find out what the weather will be, you can look out your window at the clouds.

This clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom, is a Level 1 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out, which means the book explores introductory concepts perfect for children in the primary grades

Little Cloud board book

At last! Here's a brand-new board book edition of an Eric Carle picture book that's a favorite with littlest cloud gazers everywhere! Little Cloud likes to stand out from the crowd. When all the other clouds drift up, he goes his own way, changing shapes to become a sheep, an airplane, a shark and a funny clown. It?s all lots of fun, but so is playing with friends. So this time, Little Cloud joins the crowd, gathering with his pals into one giant cloud. And then they rain!In Little Cloud, Eric Carle celebrates the possibilities of imagination with textured collages of sky-blue and white in a story that will encourage the youngest child to "read" clouds.

Photo Credit: www.youtube.com

Types Of Clouds - The Dr. Binocs Show

Hey kids, did you know that clouds have different types too? Well, after watching this video, you'd be able to identify most of them.

And then look at these cloud activities.

CLOUD ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

  • 7 Easy Cloud Crafts For Preschoolers | Types of Clouds Activity
  • Cloud in a Jar: Make your own cloud!
  • How to Make Hot Cocoa Cloud Dough | 8 Hot Cocoa Crafts for Preschoolers
  • Little Cloud Paintings
  • How To Make A Cloud In A Water Bottle

Next, look at these fun activities to with trees and tree bark.

TREE AND TREE BARK ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

  • Easy Pine Craft Tree Ideas And A Free Life Cycle Printable
  • Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study.
  • Why Evergreen Trees Are the Ultimate Winter Wonder & Tree Craft
  • From Forest to Fun: Unique Crafts With Tree Bark
  • Hands-On Literature Nature Study: Simple Tree Craft
  • Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity
  • Celebrate Arbor Day With A Fun Flowering Cherry Tree Activity
  • 10 Fun Facts About Kapok Trees You’ll Love

How To Make A Cloud Spotter Craft & Bark Rubbing Craft Printables

Finally, look at what is included in this download.

  • Bark spotter to cut out
  • Bark rubbings card
  • Cloud spotter to cut out
  • What does today cloud’s look like

HOW TO DOWNLOAD FREE PRINTABLE CLOUD SPOTTER CRAFT AND BARK RUBBING CRAFT

Now, how to grab the freebie. It’s a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: clouds, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, life science, nature, nature study, tree bark, trees

Fun Nature Study Ideas and a Free Nature Tracker

April 30, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a printable with some fun nature study ideas and a free tracker to encourage 1000 hours of nature study.

Growing up today and learning is quite different than in years past.

While true there are many opportunities to learn about technology, we must address the loss of time children spend outdoors.

Fun Nature Study Ideas and a Free Nature Tracker

We do try our best to keep the balance but there is a loss of unstructured play and connection with nature.

So nature study is more than taking a walk outdoors.

It can be a unit study which covers many subjects or it can strictly be a science topic. Besides when you have a list of nature study ideas, it’s easier to find something at your fingertips.

First, look at some of the best books I’ve rounded up because a beautiful books encourages nature study.

NATURE BOOKS FOR KIDS

I prefer to use living books when possible, then add reference type of books too when I find them.

6 Nature Study Books and Resources

Add one of these resources or books to your study about nature. They all give you a starting point or use one or two of them as a nature spine.

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world. Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.

Handbook of Nature Study

The Handbook of Nature Study is a classic Charlotte Mason text. A big book full of information on pretty much every area of nature study from tools to birds, weather, and rocks.

The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady

This beautifully packaged facsimile of Edith Holden’s original diary is filled with a naturalist’s masterful paintings and delightful observations chronicling the English countryside throughout 1906. As one of the few true records of the time in print, the handwritten thoughts and paintings contained in The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady transport readers to a more refined, romantic, and simpler time.

Botanicum

Filled with both recognisable, and tropical flora, Botanicum is the ultimate companion guide to the variety of plants, and how they have evolved and grow.

Curiositree: Natural World: A Visual Compendium of Wonders from Nature - Jacket unfolds into a huge wall poster!

Discover the interconnectedness of the natural world and learn why living things look and behave the way they do in a series of visually compelling information charts, maps, and cutaways, all illustrated in a nostalgic, vintage style. Packed with incredible facts about the natural world and the animals that populate it, the whole family will enjoy the full-page spreads grouped into the categories of habitats, species, and adaptations.

Nature Study & Outdoor Science Journal: The Thinking Tree Presents: A Creative Book of Observation, Drawing, Coloring, Writing & Discovery

The Thinking Tree presents: A Creative Book of Observation, Drawing, Coloring, Writing & Discovery Through Nature, ideal for all ages (even adults!)

Creativity and discovery at its best, this journal is a bestseller among The Thinking Tree publications! Your nature-loving student will treasure this journal designed to ignite their wonder of the outdoors. With more than 180 lessons and beautiful illustrations, the Nature Study Journal invites the student to read, write, draw, color, explore and appreciate the outdoors while covering a variety of subjects such as science, poetry, observation instructions, and more.

Also, look at these fun nature study ideas.

FUN NATURE STUDY IDEAS & ACTIVITIES

  • 26 Fun Nature Unit Studies for Multiple Ages
  • Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study
  • How to Make an Easy Nature Paint Brush With Kids
  • 20 Nature-Inspired Kids’ Novels to Nurture Interest In the Outdoors
  • Kinder Gardening to Celebrate Nature and Science
  • 7 Super Easy Nature Lapbooks Guaranteed to Beat Boredom
  • Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook
  • Seashore Beach Watching Unit Study and Seashore Lapbook
  • Foraging and Feasting Nature Unit Study and Lapbook
  • Hands-On Nature Study: Bird Color Bar Graphing Activity
  • Free Wildflowers Unit Study & Lapbook
  • Hands-On Mixed Media Flower Art Fun Nature Study
  • Fun Homeschool Unit Study Egg to Sea Turtle Lesson Plans & Lapbook
  • Hands-On Literature Nature Study: Simple Tree Craft
  • Free Arctic Ground Squirrel Lapbook & Unit Study Resources
  • Hands-On Nature Study: Make a Fun Bird Nesting Bag
  • Easy and Fun Nature Study: Beautiful Birds
  • How to Make Easy DIY Bird Feeders With Kids
  • How Animals Cope With the Cold (Easy Nature Study)
  • Free Bird Journal – Hands-on Nature (Coloring & Identification Pages)
  • Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science – Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study
  • Fun Ice For Kids Inexpensive & Easy Nature Sensory Activity
  • Art of Foraging | How to Make A Dandelion Kids Activity Soap
Fun Nature Study Ideas and a Free Nature Tracker

Finally, grab this free printable with more nature study ideas and free printable tracker.

HOW TO GET THE FREE NATURE TRACKER & IDEAS

Now, how to grab the freebie. It’s a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

1) Sign up on my email list.

2) Grab the freebie now.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, nature, nature study

Fun Ice For Kids Inexpensive & Easy Nature Sensory Activity

August 15, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

This ice for kids frozen nature sensory play makes a great activity to keep toddlers to preschoolers learning. Also, look at my page How to Homeschool Preschool for more learning and playing ideas.

This is an easy nature sensory play activity to do at home.

With just a few items and thinking ahead (freeze water) your child will have as much fun as the ice lasts.

And if you have a theme such as nature, transportation, or even animals with each of your trays, you can teach your preschooler right along with play.

Fun Ice For Kids Inexpensive & Easy Nature Sensory Activity

This ice for kids activity provides children with a unique way to explore different textures and temperatures.

This type of play can enhance their fine motor skills as they manipulate small objects.

Also, it can improve your child’s cognitive development by encouraging curiosity and experimentation.

Additionally, it can foster a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world.

First, grab some of these nature books.

Even non-readers can appreciate the quality of well-written literature as you read aloud.

Nature Books for Kids

In addition, I try to pick quality literature for our home library.

For example, I choose living books first then add science or reference books to our collection.

6 Nature Study Books and Resources

Add one of these resources or books to your study about nature. They all give you a starting point or use one or two of them as a nature spine.

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world. Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.

Handbook of Nature Study

The Handbook of Nature Study is a classic Charlotte Mason text. A big book full of information on pretty much every area of nature study from tools to birds, weather, and rocks.

The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady

This beautifully packaged facsimile of Edith Holden’s original diary is filled with a naturalist’s masterful paintings and delightful observations chronicling the English countryside throughout 1906. As one of the few true records of the time in print, the handwritten thoughts and paintings contained in The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady transport readers to a more refined, romantic, and simpler time.

Botanicum

Filled with both recognisable, and tropical flora, Botanicum is the ultimate companion guide to the variety of plants, and how they have evolved and grow.

Curiositree: Natural World: A Visual Compendium of Wonders from Nature - Jacket unfolds into a huge wall poster!

Discover the interconnectedness of the natural world and learn why living things look and behave the way they do in a series of visually compelling information charts, maps, and cutaways, all illustrated in a nostalgic, vintage style. Packed with incredible facts about the natural world and the animals that populate it, the whole family will enjoy the full-page spreads grouped into the categories of habitats, species, and adaptations.

Nature Study & Outdoor Science Journal: The Thinking Tree Presents: A Creative Book of Observation, Drawing, Coloring, Writing & Discovery

The Thinking Tree presents: A Creative Book of Observation, Drawing, Coloring, Writing & Discovery Through Nature, ideal for all ages (even adults!)

Creativity and discovery at its best, this journal is a bestseller among The Thinking Tree publications! Your nature-loving student will treasure this journal designed to ignite their wonder of the outdoors. With more than 180 lessons and beautiful illustrations, the Nature Study Journal invites the student to read, write, draw, color, explore and appreciate the outdoors while covering a variety of subjects such as science, poetry, observation instructions, and more.

Next, look at more frozen nature sensory play.

More Ice for Kids Nature Sensory Activities

  • Freezing Nature’s Beauty – Take advantage of the cold and make frozen sun catchers
  • Outdoor Play Idea for a Cold Day: Freezing Bubbles
  • Frozen Flowers Sensory Ice Play
Fun Ice For Kids Inexpensive & Easy Nature Sensory Activity

In addition, look at these ideas for sensory play.

More Sensory Play Ideas for Homeschooled Kids

  • Discover The Magic Of Nocturnal Creatures | Nocturnal Animal Sensory Bin
  • How to Make a Watermelon Sensory Bin for Play and Learning
  • How to Make Fluffy Lemonade Summer Slime With Kids
  • How to Make Hot Cocoa Cloud Dough | 8 Hot Cocoa Crafts for Preschoolers
  • How to Make Gingerbread Slime For Play | 9 Slime Craft Ideas
  • 9 Hands on Weather Activities for Kids and Awesome Weather Sensory Tray
  • Fun Corn Life Cycle Preschool Sensory Bin and Printable Lifecycle Foldout
  • Make Way For Ducklings Fun Duck Pond Playdough Invitation to Play
  • 9 Fun Facts about Jello and Playdough Activity
Fun Ice For Kids Inexpensive & Easy Nature Sensory Activity

Finally, look how easy and fun this frozen nature sensory play activity is.

How to Make A Frozen Nature Sensory Play Activity

Here is what you need:

  • Silicone mold
  • Flowers, leaves, pinecones, etc. whatever nature items you have in your yard or find at the park
  • Water
  • Add a magnifying glass, spoons and see what affect salt has on the ice.

And the prep couldn’t be any easier.

Add the nature items into your mold.

Fun Ice For Kids Inexpensive & Easy Nature Sensory Activity

Fill with water.

Fun Ice For Kids Inexpensive & Easy Nature Sensory Activity

Freeze overnight.

Fun Ice For Kids Inexpensive & Easy Nature Sensory Activity

Remove from mold and enjoy!  

Fun Ice For Kids Inexpensive & Easy Nature Sensory Activity

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: frozen, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool preschool, ice, nature, nature study, play, preschool, sensory

Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook

March 13, 2024 |
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Whether you study a pond in winter or summer, a pond unit study makes for a great hands-on science project. You can add many different nature topics. Also, look at my other Best Homeschool Unit Studies and Lapbook Ideas.

There are just as many things that grow above a pond as there are that live below in a pond.

Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook

Too, look at the free minibooks included in this download which are our subtopics.

  • Define limnology
  • How to define a pond
  • Types of pond
  • 3 characteristics of water
  • Types of pond plants
  • Other pond & shore plants
  • Major groups of pond animals
  • Plants and animals on the food chain
  • Woody plants

Look at these resources that I gathered up for a pond unit study and then I have a nifty lapbook for you too.

Like most all of my unit studies, I give you ideas for Prek to High school.

Also, you’ll love some of these books about ponds.

11 Fun Pond Life Resources for Kids

Add one or two of these resources to you learning day or to a pond unit study.

Over and Under the Pond: (Environment and Ecology Books for Kids)

In Over and Under the Pond, readers will discover the plants and animals that make up the rich, interconnected ecosystem of a mountain pond. Over the pond, the water is a mirror, reflecting the sky. But under the water is a hidden world of creatures—minnows darting, beavers diving, and tadpoles growing.  
These secrets and many others are waiting to be discovered over and under the pond in this sweet children’s book from Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal, the latest in their beloved series that offers kids a peek into hidden ecosystems.

Natural and Earth Science Educational Flash Card

This set of 48 cards features a colorful illustration on one side and informational facts on the other side.

CARD SIZE: 4.5 x 6 inches. Each card is double-sided and durable.

Rivers, Ponds, and Lakes (Collins Nature Explorers)

Have you ever wondered:

  • How to find life in a puddle?
  • What lives in your local river?
  • How to make a micro zoo?
  • How pond snails breathe?

Now you can become an expert nature explorer and learn fantastic facts to impress your friends and family!

You'll love that these hands-on books contain straightforward and safe step-by-step projects, allowing you to help your children discover the natural world. They are ideal supplements to school science projects and the perfect activities for weekends and vacations.

Pond Life: Revised and Updated (A Golden Guide from St. Martin's Press)

This guide describes and illustrates, in full color, the plants and animals that live in or near ponds, lakes, streams, and wetlands. It includes surface-dwelling creatures as well as those of open water, the bottom, and the shore and tells how various animals and plants live together in a community.Plus suggestions for:Where and when to lookObserving and collecting specimensMaking exciting discoveries

Photo Credit: ourjourneywestward.com

Peaceful Ponds

Using Peaceful Ponds, you’ll have so much fun learning about pond plants and animals, as well as earth science topics as they relate to ponds. 

Lakes and Ponds!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

Imagine the smooth, glasslike surface of a pond, the water mirroring a bright moon or a crystal blue sky. The water appears perfectly calm and still. What’s going on underneath the surface?

Lakes and Ponds! With 25 Science Projects for Kids invites kids ages 7 though 10 to investigate the bodies of water that might look calm from the shore but which are teeming with life and activity! Through fun facts and engaging content, readers explore the plants and animals living in lakes and ponds, from fish darting about to dragonfly nymphs gestating in the shallows to algae and aquatic plants converting sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. Discover fun facts about the duckweed, water lilies, and cattails growing in and around the waters of lakes and ponds. It’s a busy place!

Keystone Species that Live in Ponds, Streams, & Wetlands (Kid's Guide to Keystone Species in Nature)

The same thing is true in nature. Certain species of animals and plants are so important to their ecosystems, that if they disappear, the whole system may collapse. They are called keystone species.

Frogs and Toads and Tadpoles, Too (Rookie Read-About Science: Animals)

What's the difference between a frog and a toad? The natural world comes alive for young readers (Ages 6-7) with Rookie Read-About "RM" Science! With striking, full-color photos and just the right amount of text, this series immediately involves young readers as they discover intriguing facts about the fascinating world around them.This book discusses the likenesses and differences between frogs and toads.

Amphibian

Frogs, toads, newts, salamanders, and the rare caecilians come in a stunning array of colors, shapes, sizes, and habitats. They live both in water and on land and move in a variety of ways from swimming to hopping and even flying. With a series of specially commissioned photographs, DK Eyewitness Books: Amphibian takes a close look at the fascinating natural history of these creatures from the bright green, red-eyed tree frogs to dull, burrowing, wormlike caecilians; from startling black and yellow fire salamanders to tiny transparent glass frogs.

Pond Life: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Plants & Animals Living in or Near Ponds, Lakes & Wetlands (Wildlife and Nature Identification)

So many people get their start in nature study by exploring ponds. These small bodies of calm, standing water are fascinating living laboratories of plant and animal life at all scales, from microscopic algae to iconic birds like Great Blue Herons or ecosystem engineers like Beavers. To better understand how a pond ecosystems functions, it helps to get familiar with its living parts, namely its flora and fauna. The portable reference Pond Life is an excellent tool to bring on your next pond study, as it includes beautiful illustrations of 140 common and familiar birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, insects, and other invertebrates as well as trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. Laminated for durability, this lightweight, waterproof, 12-panel folding pocket guide is the perfect tool for educators, learners, naturalists, botanists, and wildlife enthusiasts to use the next time they go searching for minnows, tadpoles, or dragonfly nymphs at their local pond.

Pond Wildlife (Adventures in Nature)

Get ready to take a leap into the water in this exciting exploration of pond habitats. This volume examines different kinds of pond habitats, and the creatures that are found both in the water and on its edge, from bass to grass snakes to herons. Readers will learn about life cycles, ecosystems, and conservation, which are important curricula-based science topics. This volume pairs compelling text with vivid color photographs to bring readers on a nature walk they won’t soon forget. Diagrams, activities, and quizzes provide greater opportunities for exploration. This book is perfect for nature-enthused readers to get their feet wet identifying creatures and understanding the wonder of pond wildlife!

Pond Unit Study and Lapbook

  • Ron’s pond scum. Neat site with pictures taken through a microscope.
  • Earth’s Kids – ponds and wetlands science.
  • A virtual pond dip.
  • Water holes to mini-pond lesson plan.
  • At the pond for the littles.
  • Small pond creatures.
  • Pond water web.
  • Pond life identification.
  • Pond animal life printout.
  • 15 Swamp Craft & Activity Ideas.
  • Missouri pond handbook. Neat resource with lots of information.
  • Pond ecology.
  • Pond Theme Activities – Stem – Free Printables
  • What’s in this water.
  • Pond life theme for Prek.

Pond Hands-on Ideas

  • Plastic bag pond.
  • Tadpoles and frogs.
  • Free land and water form cards.
  • Wide mouthed frog craft printable.
  • 25 Water Hands-On Activities for Kids.
  • Pond Sensory Bin.
  • Cattails craft.
  • Coffee filter lily pad.
  • Duck craft handprint.
  • Pond Dipping Spotter Form.
Looking for a fun and free multiple age Pond Unit Study and lapbook? You’ll love these resources whether you study a pond in the winter, summer, spring or fall. Check out this what is above and what is below in a pond homeschool unit study and free awesome lapbook. CLICK HERE!!

More Pond Resources

  • Make Way For Ducklings Fun Duck Pond Playdough Invitation to Play
  • Pond Life for Kindergarten Activity Build a Fun Beaver Dam
  • Why Is a Toad An Amphibian And Pondlife Facts & Make a Fun Toad House
  • 8 Engaging Pond Books for Preschoolers Who Love Pond Animals

Nature Study: A Week at the Pond.
Identifying pond animals.
Life in a pond study guide.

Spring to life ponds teachers guide.
Learning Places Pond Unit.
Beaver’s teachers guide.
Vernal Ponds: Seasonal Habitats for Wildlife. 

Above and Below in the Pond

Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook

  • Cattail – this edible plant is also an excellent source of weaving material, tinder, and insect repellent.
  • Macroinvertebrate Match-Up Cards.
  • Wetlands Ecosystem teacher’s guide.

When we did our unit study, I used one book that we had and one book that we wanted.

One book I have because it has easy hands-on activities.

It’s the book Rivers, Ponds, and Lakes (Collins Nature Explorers) and the one I had to have is Pond Life: Revised and Updated (A Golden Guide from St. Martin’s Press) because it’s packed with so much information about pond life.

Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook

Together these two books made for a great pond study.I was SO pleased with this tiny little guide packed with a HUGE amount of information.

Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook

Literally, this guide could fit in a shirt pocket. It’s the perfect size to take to study a pond, stream, or other wetland area.

Besides having colorful illustrations which are not goofy looking but perfect for the science-minded, it is chock-full of facts about plants and animals of the pond.

Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook

The chapters like Characteristics of Water, Habitats, Food Webs, Observing and Collecting, and then Plants and Animals.

The plants and animals sections are divided into groups along with pictures of each group.

I’m really pleased with this little guide Pond Life: Revised and Updated (A Golden Guide from St. Martin’s Press).

Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook

Then the second book, Rivers, Ponds, and Lakes (Collins Nature Explorers) is one I have and we used it to because it has fun outdoor activities.

A few of the activities are build your own backyard pond, use light to catch fish, and race snails.

Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook

The chapters in this book are Freshwater habitats, Puddles, Ponds and Lakes, Rivers and Streams and Boggy, soggy swamps.

We love the one above about collecting skins and mud tracking.

How to Test Pond Water – Older Kid Outdoor Science Lab

We loved reading and studying about pond life.

Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook

There are many fun things to do for younger kids/

But one thing we did for an older kid to make it more of a lab is to use a water testing kit.

Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook

The water testing kit came with a mini notebook, a cool TDS meter, vials and test strips.

It’s a great way of learning about the water in your area and to do a lab with an older learner. 

You’ll want to find 4 different water sources.

We used the ditch in the back of our house, the creek from the local park on our walk, bottled water, and tap water.

The instructions are on the chart and it gives you an order in which to do the tests.

Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook

We checked each sample for chlorine/copper/nitrate/nitrite, then alkalinity/pH/hardness, and lastly the iron.

And another resource we love for nature studies are the NaturExplorers. Look at this one about ponds.

Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook


I think you’ll love this next free lapbook in my nature series which is about ponds.

Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook

 

How to Get the Free Pond Lapbook

Now, how to grab the free lapbook. It’s a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie now.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

Look at these other links:



Pond Life Printable Pack from Emily at Table Life Blog
Aquatic Science Studies: 10 Activities for Teens from Eva at Eva Varga
Online Book Study about water cycle from Dachelle at Hide the Chocolate

An InLinkz Link-up


Looking for a fun and free multiple age Pond Unit Study and lapbook? You’ll love these resources whether you study a pond in the winter, summer, spring or fall. Check out this what is above and what is below in a pond homeschool unit study and free awesome lapbook. CLICK HERE!!

You’ll love these other resources:

  • Oceans Unit Study and Lapbook
  • Super Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook
  • Humboldt Who? Hands On to Understand Ocean Currents & Their Effect On The Galapagos Islands

Filed Under: 1. My FREE Learning Printables {Any Topic}, Hands-On Activities, Lapbook, Lapbooks, My Unit Studies {Free Printables & Hands-on Ideas}, Science, Science Based Tagged With: earthscience, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, lapbook, life science, nature study, ponds, science, The Nature Book Club Link Up

Hands-On Literature Nature Study: Simple Tree Craft

March 10, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a hands-on literature activity which is a simple tree craft. Also, look at my page Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study.

Spring is here.

And that means most of us homeschooling mamas are getting out all our nature study materials, making notes, and organizing some fun educational activities to get our kids outside and learning some science (without them even realizing they are learning science).

Hands-On Literature Nature Study: Simple Tree Craft

For us, the ultimate goal of nature study is to make science fun.  We’ve found that the best way to do that is to supplement with a picture book.

Next, look at some of these fun books to add to this study.

Books about Trees

9 Tree Books & Resources for Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To

You'll love using one of these books as a science reference or to use for art to inspire life science lessons.

Celebritrees: Historic & Famous Trees of the World

Some trees have lived many lifetimes, standing as silent witnesses to history. Some are remarkable for their age and stature; others for their usefulness. A bristlecone pine tree in California has outlived man by almost 4,000 years; a baobab tree in Australia served as a prison for Aboriginal prisoners at the turn of the twentieth century; and a major oak in England was used as a hiding place for Robin Hood and his men (or so the story goes…).

The fourteen trees in this book have earned the title "Celebritrees" for their global fame and significance. Both in fact and in legend, these fascinating trees remind us not only how much pleasure trees bring, but what they can tell us about history.

The Busy Tree

Spectacular illustrations rendered in oil paint, and a rhyming text that describes a tree’s activities from its roots to its branches, introduce young readers to the amazing activities that go on in a tree. Acorns nibbled by chipmunks, ants scurrying across a trunk, a spider spinning a web, leaves “breathing out air for all to breathe in”—everything adds up to a “busy tree” for all to “come and see.”

The Tree Book for Kids and Their Grown-Ups

This is a fantastic reference book to have on hand for tree studies.

It has great illustrations and covers everything from how a tree “eats and drinks” to types of trees, seeds, how they change in the seasons, why we need them and more

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world.

Trees, Leaves & Bark (Take Along Guides)

An introduction to the world of insects, caterpillars, and butterflies including identification information, educational activities, and fun facts.Invites young naturalists to spot wildlife. 

Tree Full of Wonder: An educational, rhyming book about magic of trees for children

Tree Full of Wonder is a vibrant, rhyming, educational and unique picture book showing the unbreakable bond between people and trees. For children ages 3-8. Kids will fall in love with nature and will become Protectors of the Trees.

The Magic and Mystery of Trees (The Magic and Mystery of Nature)

From the highest branch and leaf down to the complex “wood wide web” of roots, it’s no wonder every part of a tree plays an important role in its own growth and the habitat of the whole forest or woodland. The Magic & Mystery of Trees is a nature book that takes children on a fascinating journey of exploration, showing them just how special these mighty organisms are.

Figurines of Pine, Elm, Juniper, Monkey Puzzle, Topiary, Petticoat, Aspen, Two Maples

Learn and Play: These figurines provide a fun and educational way to learn about different tree species, promoting environmental awareness and appreciation.

Fandex Family Field Guides: Trees

Bringing the world of TREES to your fingertips, FANDEX presents a foolproof field guide. Four visual keys--die-cut leaf, bark pattern, flower, nut or seed, and photo of the full tree--plus descriptions of habitat and more combine to give a complete picture of North America's forest and backyard trees.

In addition, TREES is a cultural history--of the mighty White Oak, California Redwood, Aillanthus, the tree that grows in Brooklyn, and the stately White Ash, as important for the bows of early Native Americans as for the baseball bats of today.

Hands-On Literature Nature Study With The Busy Tree

Using picture books for nature study

Using a picture book to kick off a nature study has several benefits. All kids love stories, so reading a story that incorporates some lessons in it is a great way to engage littles and get them ready to learn.

Good picture books have illustrations that show your kids what to look for when they head outside. They describe the natural world within a fun (and usually personified) tale. Best of all? They give mama ideas for what to study.

As you read a picture book with your kids, notice all the different topics you could study once you’ve finished the book. Pick one and find resources such as books, magazines, and printables to help your littles learn about it.

Hands-on Literature Nature Study: Simple Tree Craft! Spring is here, and that means most of us homeschooling mamas are getting out all our nature study materials, making notes, and organizing some fun educational activities to get our kids outside and learning some science (without them even realizing they are learning science).

Then head outside and see if you can find the subject in your yard or at the park. Come back home and read the book again while your kids make a craft related to the topic.

Hands-on nature study with picture books

Picture books offer plenty of opportunities for hands-on nature study fun. One of our favorites is The Busy Tree by Jennifer Ward, because it not only teaches about trees in a gentle, poetic voice, it describes many of the animals who live in or find food in trees.

With this book, you could lead into a nature study about chipmunks, squirrels, spiders, ants, woodpeckers, owls, moths, cocoons, tree growth, and even how trees provide our oxygen. You could go a step further and study trees as an ecosystem.  

There really is a large variety of learning opportunities in The Busy Tree.

My boys really loved the book, so we used it several times to create nature study lessons on different subjects.

Our Journey Westward

Hands-on tree craft for The Busy Tree

Creating crafts from found items while you’re on a nature walk is another way to engage your kids in nature study.

After you’ve learned a bit about trees and/or their inhabitants, take a walk and collect some sticks and twigs. You’ll need thick, straight sticks to create the trunk and thinner, branched twigs to create the tree top.

What you need:

Tree Supplies for The Busy Tree
  • Short cardboard tube
  • 10-20 thick, straight sticks the length of the tube
  • 2-4 thin, branched twigs
  • Quick-dry tacky glue
  • Green construction paper
  • Scissors
  • Pruners (optional but they make it easier, although they should only be used by an adult)

What you do:

Sticks Cut to Size for The Busy Tree

Cut your thick sticks to the size of the cardboard tube with pruners.

Glue on Tube for The Busy Tree

Run a bead of glue vertically along the tube.

Glue Sticks on Tube for The Busy Tree

Line one end of stick up with bottom of tube and press to glue.

Hold in place 10-20 seconds until glue has time to grab hold.

Continue around entire tube, making sure the ends of the sticks don’t go over bottom of the tube.

All Sticks on Tube for The Busy Tree

Stand the tube up–you have your tree trunk.

Line of Glue Inside Tube for The Busy Tree

Now run a line of glue just inside the top of the tube.

Glue Twig Inside Tube for The Busy Tree

Press the bottom end of one of your branched twigs against the glue.

Hold in place 10-20 seconds until glue grabs hold.

All Branches for The Busy Tree

Continue gluing twigs to inside of tube until you are happy with your tree’s branches (we used 4 twigs).

Set aside to allow glue to finish drying.

Cut Out Leaves for The Busy Tree

For a spring tree like ours, cut small leaf bud shapes from construction paper.

Glue On Leaves for The Busy Tree

Dot back of leaves with glue and press onto ends of twigs.

Completed Spring Tree for The Busy Tree

Fill in with leaf buds until your tree makes you happy.

The Busy Tree with Tree Craft

You can vary this craft by making full-sized green summer leaves or even autumn leaves, depending on the time of year you read The Busy Tree.

Making it count

Nature study is an important part of education because it provides so many subjects to study–biology, geology, ecology, chemistry, and more.

Including stories in your nature study will help your kids relate to their lessons, allowing them to remember what they’ve learned as they grow and build on past lessons.

Picture books provide you with the best way to incorporate stories into education, and the best way to make it count is to draw from the picture book to create study topics, nature walk themes, and hands-on activities that your kids will enjoy and remember for much longer than they would a worksheet or lecture.  

Hands-on Literature Nature Study: Simple Tree Craft! Spring is here, and that means most of us homeschooling mamas are getting out all our nature study materials, making notes, and organizing some fun educational activities to get our kids outside and learning some science (without them even realizing they are learning science).

So pull out some of their picture books as you’re organizing this year’s nature study and get creative. Your kids will thank you.

Try some of these other nature study ideas!

  • Hands-On Nature Study: Make a Fun Bird Nesting Bag

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities, Science Based Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, nature study

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