6th-8th Nature Study the Charlotte Mason Way

Come learn with us about the natural sciences in a fun, immersive way! In this class, we’ll be exploring the natural world and learning nature identification skills (we’ll learn to identify common birds, trees, reptiles, wildflowers, insects, rocks, and etc.), survival skills (we’ll learn what plants are edible and medicinal, how to build shelters, how to do natural first aid, etc.), and even some art skills (with nature journaling!) by spending time outside the Charlotte Mason way.  We’ll learn about a new topic each week through outdoor exploration, hands-on activities, and engaging lecture with slides. Students will learn interesting new facts about the natural world and, most importantly, will learn how to better appreciate, wonder at, and connect with the life outside their windows, thus giving them a basis for all future natural sciences classes as well as enriching their daily lives. Supplies needed: sketchbook, sketching pencil, set of colored pencils, (optional) binoculars, (optional) portable pencil case, (optional) portable watercolor set, (optional) water brush, (optional) magnifying glass, (optional) plastic bead organizer, (optional) separate field bag (small-ish backpack or messenger bag for nature supplies), (optional) field guides (National Audubon Society is great for nearly everything, as well as Peterson and National Geographic, Sibley is awesome for birds specifically, as well as Kaufman or Stokes; more info posted on our Canvas group), (optional) access to a smart phone and field guide apps (once again more info on our Canvas page).  Homework: 30mins-1hr/week, spent working on nature journals, occasional reading, and other homework. (Optional homework will be available every week for those who want to treat this class as an official science class.).  Grading: based on participation (including homework, which will be graded in a pass/fail manner)