I am putting in a spring garden, and find my lesson time is so limited! Has anyone ever combined Nature Study with gardening? If so, how? I need details!
Gardening can certainly count as nature study. From planting to harvest, there are quite a few things to notice and record.
Some ideas:
Notice the growth of the plant from seed to seedling to mature plant.
Record how long it takes for each type of seed to sprout.
Record how long it takes from blossoming to ripe fruit. Or from seed to harvest. Are your results similar to what was on the seed package or the plant tag?
Record the size of the vegetables to what is on the seed package.
Notice the difference in seeds for the different types of plants, the spacing for planting, and the depth each type of seed should be planted.
Notice the different types of leaves and stems for the different types of plants.
Notice the types of insects that visit the various vegetables. When do you notice more insects? Where do you notice more insects? What kind of insects are on each plant? What other garden critters do you notice (slugs, mice, moles, grubs, worms, etc.)?
Thank Ms. for posting this question. And thank you Karen for your wonderful ideas and responses. This has given me much food for thought, and plenty of inspiration as I start this journey!
I love incorporating nature into learning! If only the kids can stay out all day without other things they need to focus on. I love the idea of growing their own vegetable garden and being able to incorporate meals with that. This then turns into a farm to table lesson and letting kids try out different recipes! Another way I love to incorporate nature into teaching is by using dead twigs/fallen flowers/leaves etc., to let kids practice making patterns or even their names. This helps with letting kids know that even if things are no longer living we can still use the items!