Speaking of our education, John Muir Laws said in a recent podcast, “We started off as question marks, by the time we are done with our formal schooling, most of us end up as periods.” Let’s do all we can to keep our children “question marks” about the world they live in. The outdoors is the perfect environment for nurturing questions and curiosity. Here are some spring nature study ideas to get you outside exploring.
- Track the sun on the spring equinox.
- Spend time bird watching and see if you notice new birds or nesting activity.
- Go pond viewing. The water is especially clear in early spring and you can often see the bottom clearly. Last year, we were able to see caddisfly larvae and hope to find them again.
- Listen for the spring peepers.
- Watch tadpoles grow into frogs.
- Explore meteor showers and watch the Lyrids.
- Forage for dandelions, ramps, watercress, or mushrooms.
- Learn about clouds. You may want to use a cloud viewer to help identify them.
- Go on an egg carton scavenger hunt.
- Start a garden.
- Dissect a flower.
- Build a mason bee hotel.
- Explore buds, catkins, and blossoms.
- Enjoy the spectacular science of puddle stomping.
I hope these spring nature study ideas inspire you to go outside and explore the world with your children.
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