HOW TO STUDY NATURE DURING WINTER
Winter is filled with cold and stormy days. So how can you study nature if you cannot go outside? There are a few ways that this can be done.
Read books about nature: Gather books from around the house or check some out from the library. Make a warm beverage, grab a blanket, and snuggle up on the couch or your favorite chair and have some fun reading about nature.
Nature observation center: Put together a space in front of a window where you can observe the outdoors from inside. First, choose a window with a good view of outside. Preferably one with a tree. Next, hang up a bird feeder that you can easily see from the window. Also, if possible, hang up a thermometer outside the window that you can easily read from inside. Set up a table and chairs, or some comfy pillows, to sit on while you look outside. Make notes in your nature journal what you see while you look out the window.
Are any birds at the feeder? If so, then what kind? Do you see any other wildlife? What is the temperature on the thermometer? Is there any ice forming on the window? You can also keep a thermometer inside and compare the temperature to the outside.
Bring nature indoors: collect rocks, pine cones, acorns, leaves, bark, feathers, etc. Draw the items and research them. Take notes of what you learned in your nature journal.
Keep a weather calendar: Every day write down what the weather is like. You can also Write down the temperature. See if you notice any pattern between the weather and temperature. Watch the temperature go down every day, and then back up again as the winter turns into spring.
Write about nature: Pick a nature topic – weather, a plant or animal, snow, etc. Do research on the topic and write what you learn.
Learn to draw nature: You can watch videos on YouTube, or find a good book on the topic, and practice drawing nature.
Windowsill Garden: Start an indoor garden that you can take care of during the winter. Herbs and succulents are good indoor plants. You can also go to your local nursery and ask for suggestions on good indoor plants. I found some instructions on how to grow vegetables inside during winter from the Hearts and Trees blog: http://heartsandtrees.blogspot.com/2008/02/indoor-nature-study-idea-tabletop.html
For more ideas and information please visit my website: Www.natureforchildren.com
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Kerry
ABOUT KERRY from NATURE FOR CHILDREN
I'm Kerry Conley and I just started my new business Nature For Children. My goal is to inspire children to be curious about nature and to provide a fun way for them to learn about nature through the materials that I provide on my website in addition to activities that will encourage them to go outside and explore. I hope to spark a never-ending love of learning about the world around them.
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