The No Sweat Nature Study Podcast

Which veggie wins the title of fastest-growing? Join Mrs. Cindy as we find out the answer and explore why some vegetables seem to grow almost overnight! In the companion True Vegetables Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, discover how true vegetables are different from fruits and how important they are to human nutrition. In your nature journal, you'll create a life cycle of a true vegetable, as well as a comparison of true vegetables and fruits. Join No Sweat Nature Study at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. Buy gift cards for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift Charter schools can purchase access to No Sweat Nature Study → ourjourneywestward.com/charter Visit the True Vegetables show notes page to see a radish! See the nature-themed booklist → book recommendations from YOU! Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Join Mrs. Cindy to discover why peaches have a soft, fuzzy skin and how it helps them thrive in the summer heat. Learn about trichomes, their protective superpowers, and how each fruit has just what it needs to stay healthy. In the companion video class about peaches, have even more juicy fun as you draw and label a peach's parts, study its life cycle, and compare peaches to nectarines! Join No Sweat Nature Study at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. Buy gift cards for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift Charter schools can purchase access to No Sweat Nature Study → ourjourneywestward.com/charter Visit the Peaches show notes page to see trichomes on the skin of a peach! Here are links to Mrs. Cindy's favorite nature-themed picture books and nature-themed chapter books. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Learn about the impressive Pileated Woodpecker, compare it to the possibly extinct Imperial Woodpecker, and discover how these birds are built for powerful pecking. In the companion video class about woodpeckers, explore the unique adaptations that help woodpeckers peck safely, cling to trees, and find food—all while creating a detailed nature journal page to record your discoveries. Join No Sweat Nature Study at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. Buy gift cards for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift Charter schools can purchase access to No Sweat Nature Study → ourjourneywestward.com/charter Visit the Woodpecker show notes page to see a pileated woodpecker! Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Learn how leaves use fuzz, chemicals, and even camouflage to stay safe from animals that might want to eat them. This episode is packed with surprising science and outdoor observation ideas! In the companion Parts of a Leaf video class included in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, you'll draw and label a detailed diagram of a leaf while learning what each part does—and why it's so important. You may not even realize some of these parts exist, but you're sure to be fascinated by them as you compare different kinds of leaves in your nature journal. Join No Sweat Nature Study at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. Buy gift cards for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift Charter schools can purchase access to No Sweat Nature Study → ourjourneywestward.com/charter Visit the Parts of a Leaf show notes page to see the spines of a stinging nettle leaf! Defense Mechanisms of Plants curriculum → ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/defense-mechanisms-plants/ Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Why are bird eggs blue, brown, or speckled? In this episode, Mrs. Cindy shares surprising reasons behind bird egg colors and how they help protect baby birds. Get ready for fun and egg-ucational science! In the companion Egg-Laying Animals Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study membership, learn about the variety of egg-laying animals. I bet you'll be surprised at some of these critters and how their eggs are unique! In your nature journal, you'll create an egg-tastic chart! Join No Sweat Nature Study at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. Buy gift cards for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift Charter schools can purchase access to No Sweat Nature Study → ourjourneywestward.com/charter Visit the Egg-Laying Animals show notes page to see a killdeer nest full of speckled eggs! Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

What's really at the end of a rainbow? Join Mrs. Cindy in this colorful episode as we explore the science and stories behind rainbows—and discover the truth about that legendary pot of gold! In the companion Rainbow Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, discover the incredible science of rainbows, their form, and the beautiful colors we see. Then, diagram the parts of a watercolor rainbow that you create. Join No Sweat Nature Study at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. Buy gift cards for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift Charter schools can purchase access to No Sweat Nature Study → ourjourneywestward.com/charter Visit the Rainbow show notes page to see a double rainbow! Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

You may have heard the phrase "crocodile tears", but what does it mean? In this episode, discover whether crocodiles shed real tears, and if so, why.

Have you heard the whistling wind? How about the howling, roaring, or humming wind? Learn how the wind creates these sounds through air movement during this episode. Plus, wow your friends with scientific words like turbulence and the Aeolian effect! Explore earth science, geography, and weather in the video class about wind as we discover how wind forms, shapes weather patterns, and can be harnessed as a natural energy source! Join No Sweat Nature Study at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. Buy gift cards for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift Charter schools can purchase access to No Sweat Nature Study → ourjourneywestward.com/charter Visit the wind show notes page. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Discover how beloved author and illustrator Barbara Cooney infused her stories with the beauty of nature. In this episode, we explore her life, her inspirations, and the special connections between her books and nature study! Join us for a special No Sweat Nature Study video class where we'll explore Barbara Cooney's breathtaking illustrations and uncover how she used nature to bring her stories to life. Students will compare her artwork across books and create nature journal pages inspired by her unique style! Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. Buy Gift Certificates for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Charter Schools can purchase LIVE or VIDEO-ONLY access to No Sweat Nature Study for you → ourjourneywestward.com/charter/ Visit the Barbara Cooney show notes page to see a lupine. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Visit our show sponsor, The Learning Well Journal, to purchase the spring edition of an encouraging, beautiful, in-print magazine for homeschooling parents. Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Did you know diamonds can be pink, blue, or even black? In this sparkling episode, kids will learn what gives diamonds their colors and the meaning behind fancy diamonds! Explore earth science, chemistry, and math in the video class about diamonds as we discover how diamonds form, relate to the rock cycle, and shine with incredible strength! Join No Sweat Nature Study at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. Buy gift cards for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift Charter schools can purchase access to No Sweat Nature Study → ourjourneywestward.com/charter Visit the diamond show notes page to see the Hope Diamond! Leave a voice message for the podcast → ourjourneywestward.com/podcast Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Brace yourself for an earth-shaking journey as we explore the most powerful earthquake ever recorded. Discover fascinating facts about seismologists and the Richter scale, too! Learn how and why earthquakes occur in the companion Earthquakes Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study membership. Be ready to create a nifty diagram of tectonic plates, fault lines, and seismic waves! Join No Sweat Nature Study at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. Buy Gift Certificates for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Chart Schools can purchase access codes here → ourjourneywestward.com/charter/ Visit the earthquake show notes page to find Chile on a map of South America! Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Discover the fascinating reasons behind the enormous size of bald eagle nests and learn how bald eagles build them. Also, enjoy exciting new features like The Science Snicker and a fun 3, 2, 1 Quiz to kick off the new year! In the companion Bald Eagles Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study membership, learn about the amazing characteristics and behaviors of these incredible birds of prey while creating a nature journal page! Join No Sweat Nature Study at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. Buy Gift Certificates for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Charter Schools can purchase No Sweat Nature Study for you → ourjourneywestward.com/charter/ Visit the bald eagle show notes page to see a bald eagle nest! Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Download the free Winter Play Dough Mats! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Discover the fascinating history and traditions of the Yule log, from its roots as a burning log for winter warmth to the sweet French bûche de Noël cake. Learn how this holiday custom connects to the winter solstice and nature's seasonal rhythms! In the companion video class about The Shortest Day of the Year, included in the No Sweat Nature Study membership, discover how the tilt of the earth and its orbit affect the seasons, climate, and the length of light each day - all while creating a scientific nature journal page. Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Visit the Yule log show notes page to see a Yule log cake! BONUS: Get a fun Christmas Glyph activity! Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Learn about the Theridiidae spiders, often called cobweb spiders, and the tangled webs they create. These messy but fascinating webs might surprise you when you hear how they connect to the shimmering tinsel often found on Christmas trees! In the companion The Cobweb Christmas Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, learn how cobwebs contribute to biodiversity, discover fascinating facts about harmless and venomous cobweb spiders, and create a nature journal page to capture your observations. Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ SEND CHARTER SCHOOLS HERE → ourjourneywestward.com/charter/ Visit the cobwebs show notes page to see an old-fashioned Christmas tree with tinsel. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Here are some free Winter Nature Study Printables that are ready for download. Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

This cranberry nature study is perfect for your autumn science lessons about the harvest season, Thanksgiving, or Christmas! In the companion video class about cranberries, included in the No Sweat Nature Study membership, 1st-8th graders will understand the life cycle of cranberries that grow uniquely in bogs. Learn why cranberries bounce, see how they are harvested, and discover their importance in agriculture and cuisine.  Join No Sweat Nature Study Membership at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Share this link with CHARTER SCHOOLS → ourjourneywestward.com/charter/ Visit the cranberry show notes page to see the air pockets inside a cranberry. Enjoy some cranberry books (affiliate link) and cranberry experiments this holiday season.  Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Corn isn't just tasty; it comes in a rainbow of colors! Discover why corn kernels can be yellow, white, purple, red, and even blue in this seasonal science episode! In the companion Video Class about Maize included in the No Sweat Nature Study membership, discover the life cycle of maize, its unique history around the world, and the many ways it can be used - all while creating a beautiful nature journal page. NEW MEMBERS can use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. CHARTER SCHOOLS can now purchase a video-only membership! This is perfect for charters that don't allow their students access to live classes. Please direct your charter school to OurJourneyWestward.com/charter/. GIFT CARDS are available for friends and family to purchase for you. Please send them here. Corn Show Notes Page  Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Show Sponsor: You'll love this season's edition of the Learning Well Magazine! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Kangaroos are incredible creatures, and their unique mode of movement is not just fun to watch but also an efficient way for them to get around the vast Australian landscape. Join Mrs. Cindy as she dives into the science behind why hopping is so energy-efficient for kangaroos and how their strong legs, giant feet, and tails are perfectly designed for this movement. In the companion Marsupials Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study membership, learn about various types of marsupials and their amazing pouches as you create a beautiful nature journal entry. NEW MEMBERS can use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. CHARTER SCHOOLS can now purchase a video-only membership! Perfect for charters that don't allow their students access to live classes. Please direct your charter school to OurJourneyWestward.com/charter/. GIFT CARDS are available for friends and family to purchase for you. Please send them here. Kangaroo Show Notes Page Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Pickled Poems is another excellent podcast for kids. Your family can enjoy a weekly poem for fun or memorization! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Have you ever spotted a striking orange and black butterfly fluttering through your garden? That was likely a monarch butterfly! Milkweed, the monarch butterfly's favorite plant, is vital to their life cycle. But why do monarch butterflies love milkweed so much? In this episode, we'll uncover the special connection between monarchs and milkweed that helps these butterflies thrive. In the companion Monarch Butterflies Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study membership, discover the life cycle of monarch butterflies from egg to adult and create a monarch migration map that follows the route these migrating butterflies take. Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ CHARTER SCHOOL LINK → ourjourneywestward.com/charter/ Visit the monarchs show notes page to see a monarch sipping nectar from milkweed! Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

In this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast, Mrs. Cindy takes kids on a journey inside the human body to explore the fascinating role of cells. Children will be amazed to learn that their bodies contain more cells than people on Earth! In the companion Animal Cells Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study membership, understand the functions and structure of animal cells as you create and label your own. Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Visit the Animal Cells show notes page to leave a voice message for Mrs. Cindy. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Explore the concept of biomimicry, where nature's designs inspire human innovation. This episode delves into STEM as we discuss science, technology, and engineering. Learn how one engineer in the 1940s imitated a natural plant process to create new technology! In the companion Nature's Tech Wonders Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study membership, explore the various technologies that assist in animal care and conservation. See how a tracking device works and how technology can be used to create prosthetics and wheelchairs for animals. As always, you'll create a fantastic nature journal page to go along with the class! Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Visit the biomimicry show notes page to see a macro image of a burr, as referenced in the episode. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Sponsor: The Wonder World Podcast Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Explore an incredible mutualistic symbiotic friendship in nature as you discover the fascinating bond between clownfish and sea anemones! In the companion Symbiosis Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, learn other examples of mutualistic symbiosis, such as the relationship between bees and flowers. Plus, discover commensalism and parasitism – two other types of symbiosis! Expect to create a detailed chart of examples of each of these types of symbiotic relationships. Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Visit the symbiosis page at Our Journey Westward to see a clownfish hanging out with a sea anemone. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Learn about the weather phenomenon of droughts as you discover the microscopic tardigrade's ability to survive with a lack of water of a very long time. In the companion Drought Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, understand the difference between meteorological, hydrological, and agricultural droughts. Create a chart in your nature journal to show their impacts on the land, plants, and animals. Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Visit the droughts show notes page to see a tardigrade! Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Our sponsor this week is the Learning Well Journal. Grab your copy of this season's encouraging edition of the print magazine at learningwellcommunity.com/magazine/. Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Ichthyology nature study is a fishy one. You see, ichthyology is the study of all types of freshwater and marine fish. In this episode, learn where this odd science word comes from and what the scientists do. Who knows? Maybe you'll be inspired to become an ichthyologist someday! In the companion Eugenie Clark Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study membership, learn the biography of a pioneer ichthyologist. During the video class, expect to create a nature journal page highlighting her discoveries of sleeping sharks and symbiosis! Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join the No Sweat Nature Study Membership →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Download the FREE Summer Activity Printable → ourjourneywestward.com/free-summer-nature-study-printable/ Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

How do you feel about sharks? Have you ever seen one? I have! You'll hear about that experience and learn about the smallest shark in the ocean in this episode. In the No Sweat Nature Study Video Class about Sharks enjoy testing your shark trivia while creating your own shark species in your nature journal. This class is included in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership found at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Download the FREE Summer Activity Printable → ourjourneywestward.com/free-summer-nature-study-printable/ Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Let's learn about everyone's favorite domesticated fowl, the chicken! This episode explores the reason behind a chicken's unique practice of ingesting rocks.  In the companion Chickens Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, draw or paint a beautiful chicken and label the external anatomy as you discover each part's purpose. Enjoy a very special Q&A time with Mrs. Cindy's farming daughter, too! Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Download the FREE Summer Activity Printable → ourjourneywestward.com/free-summer-nature-study-printable/ Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Are spiders helpful or harmful to a garden? Many people think they're dangerous and even scary, but are they? Join Mrs. Cindy to think about these questions and more in this episode about animals that are garden helpers. In the companion Garden Helpers Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, create a chart of some of the coolest animals and their unwitting ways of helping a garden grow. Charting when nature journaling is a fun way to show a lot of information on a single page. If you've never created a chart before, you'll love it! Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Perennial bulbs seem to appear out of nowhere each year then disappear almost as quickly as they arrived. Learn about this strange life cycle of some flowering plants with Mrs. Cindy. Sketch the stages in the companion Perennial Bulbs Video Class, which is included in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership. Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Leave Mrs. Cindy a voice message to answer the current season's question! Scroll to the bottom of the show notes page. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! FREE Spring Nature Observation Activity Packet → https://ourjourneywestward.com/free-spring-nature-study-printable-packet-for-homeschoolers/ Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Wait. Isn't personification a language arts topic? What does it have to do with science or nature study? Great question! Mrs. Cindy will explain herself in this creative episode about figurative language.  In the companion Animal Personification Video Class found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, sketch personified animals as you discover plant, animal, and earth science personification examples in children's literature. Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Leave Mrs. Cindy a voice message to answer the current season's question! Scroll to the bottom of the show notes page. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! FREE Spring Nature Observation Activity Packet → https://ourjourneywestward.com/free-spring-nature-study-printable-packet-for-homeschoolers/ Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Learn about insect life cycles as you hear about the growing stages of the tomato hornworm caterpillars that Mrs. Cindy finds in her vegetable patch every year. In the companion Insect Life Cycles Video Class found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, sketch diagrams that show the differences between complete and incomplete metamorphosis. Expect to see a variety of familiar insects in various life cycle stages so you can identify them on your next nature walk. Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Leave Mrs. Cindy a voice message to answer the current season's question! Scroll to the bottom of the show notes page. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! FREE Spring Nature Observation Activity Packet → https://ourjourneywestward.com/free-spring-nature-study-printable-packet-for-homeschoolers/ Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Hear a personal story from Mrs. Cindy's childhood and learn about tornado signs and safety. In the companion Tornado Video Class found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, sketch the anatomy of a tornado while learning how tornadoes are formed, why they are so destructive, and why they are more common during the spring season. Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Leave Mrs. Cindy a voice message to answer the current season's question! Scroll to the bottom of the show notes page. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Loving Living Math → https://ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/loving-living-math/ Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Learn about the Javan rhinoceros and why it's an endangered animal! In the companion Endangered Animals Video Class found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, learn the differences between endangered, threatened, and vulnerable species while creating a beautiful nature journal page of endangered animals around the world.  Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Leave Mrs. Cindy a voice message to answer the current season's question! Scroll to the bottom of the show notes page. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Learn about vocalizations and other noises that create a cacophony in the Amazon Rainforest! In the companion The Rainforest Video Class found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, expect to discover the differences between tropical and temperate rainforests worldwide. As you create a vibrant tropical rainforest in your nature journal, learn about the incredible biodiversity within the canopy of this unique biome.  Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Leave Mrs. Cindy a voice message to answer the current season's question! Scroll to the bottom of the Rainforest show notes page. Share pictures of your nature walk pages on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Did you know the process of photosynthesis is responsible for the sugary sweet sap that can be turned into maple syrup? That's what Mrs. Cindy is talking about in this episode! Get your FREE Nature Walk Challenge → https://ourjourneywestward.com/sap-into-syrup-nature-study Supplies for the nature study challenge: nature journal or blank white paper pencil colored pencils In the companion Sap into Syrup Video Class found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, create a beautiful painting or drawing of a tapped maple tree. You'll have an opportunity to add a diagram of the process of turning sap into syrup, too! Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Leave Mrs. Cindy a voice message to answer the current season's question! Scroll to the bottom of the Sap into Syrup show notes page. Share pictures of your nature walk pages on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Learn about simple machines with Mrs. Cindy. You're right, that doesn't seem like a nature study topic, but it can be! Get your FREE Nature Walk Challenge → https://ourjourneywestward.com/simple-machine-nature-study Supplies for the nature study challenge: nature journal or blank white paper pencil colored pencils In the companion Simple Machines in Nature Video Class found in the No Sweat Nature Study membership, plan to create a chart of simple machines and some of the plants and animals that use them in nature. Expect to learn some exciting history of simple machines, too! Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Leave Mrs. Cindy a voice message to answer the current season's question! Scroll to the bottom of the Simple Machines in Nature show notes page. Share pictures of your nature walk pages on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Do you love penguins? Many people do! I think it might have something to do with their adorable appearance and cute, little waddle. Don't be fooled, though, these cuddly-looking creatures are masters of resilience as many of them face some of the harshest weather conditions on earth. Enjoy this penguin nature study with Mrs. Cindy! In the companion Penguins Video Class found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, embark on an expedition to explore the geography and unique habitats of each climate where penguins are found. Learn about their unique body adaptations, locomotion, and basic needs. Of course, we won't forget to discuss the unique ways penguins are resilient in difficult situations, too! Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Get your FREE Nature Walk Challenge → https://ourjourneywestward.com/penguin-nature-study Supplies for the nature study challenge: nature journal or blank white paper pencil colored pencils Grab the FREE Winter Nature Observation Packet at https://ourjourneywestward.com/winter-nature-study-printable/ Share pictures of your nature walk pages on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Why are the wolves in Yellowstone National Park so special? Listen to find out! In the companion Wolves of Yellowstone Video Class found in the No Sweat Nature Study membership, learn about apex predators in the food chain, food webs, plant and animal populations, overgrazing, extirpation, and reintroduction in this fascinating, historical science lesson about balance in an ecosystem. Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Get your FREE Nature Walk Challenge → https://ourjourneywestward.com/yellowstone-wolves-nature-study Share pictures of your nature walk pages on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Which tree would make the most giant Christmas tree of all? Learn the answer to this question, with Mrs. Cindy!  In the companion Redwood Trees Video Class found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, learn the deep science about redwood trees and their amazing adaptations that help our planet! Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Get your FREE Nature Walk Challenge → https://ourjourneywestward.com/redwood-tree-nature-study Supplies for the nature study challenge: nature journal or blank white paper pencil colored pencils Share pictures of your nature walk pages on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)  

Did you know which animals are related to moose? Learn the answer to this question, as well as plenty of other facts about moose with Mrs. Cindy!  In the companion Moose Video Class found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, explore moose habitats, their diet, and several amazing adaptations. Of course, we'll learn more about those amazing antlers, too! Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Get your FREE Nature Walk Challenge → https://ourjourneywestward.com/moose-nature-study-for-kids Supplies for the nature study challenge: nature journal or blank white paper pencil colored pencils Leave Mrs. Cindy a voice message to answer the current season's question! Scroll to the bottom of the Moose show notes page. Share pictures of your nature walk pages on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Connect nature study and language arts with a study of idioms with Mrs. Cindy! CHRISTMAS! BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Get your FREE Nature Walk Challenge → https://ourjourneywestward.com/nature-idiom-nature-study Supplies for the nature study challenge: nature journal or blank white paper pencil colored pencils In the companion Nature Idioms Video Class found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, dive into this topic with a fun spin on nature journaling as you learn how to recognize idioms. You'll be surprised at just how many idioms include nature in them! It will be interesting to determine whether you're a literal or abstract thinker, too. Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. CHRISTMAS! BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Leave Mrs. Cindy a voice message to answer the current season's question! Scroll to the bottom of the Nature Idioms show notes page. Share pictures of your nature walk pages on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Learn about beavers and their fascinating beaver dam habitats with Mrs. Cindy! Get your FREE Nature Walk Challenge → https://ourjourneywestward.com/beaver-nature-study Supplies for the nature study challenge: nature journal or blank white paper pencil colored pencils In the companion Beaver Video Class found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, learn about the behavior of beavers and their physical characteristics as you create a beaver habitat in your nature journal. You'll be amazed at the engineering skills of beavers and environmental impact of their dams! Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ In the Our Journey Westward Shop, find a few homeschool curriculum guides that are helpful to continue learning animal science through nature study: Defense Mechanisms of Animals Animal Signs Grab the FREE Autumn Observation Packet full of printable pages to encourage creative observation and nature journaling → ourjourneywestward.com/autumn-nature-observation-packet/ Leave Mrs. Cindy a voice message to answer the current season's question! Scroll to the bottom of the Beavers show notes page. Share pictures of your nature walk pages on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Learn about myriapods and the important role these leggy creatures play in nature! Get your FREE Nature Walk Challenge → https://ourjourneywestward.com/myriapod-nature-study Supplies for the nature study challenge: nature journal or blank white paper pencil colored pencils In the companion Myriapod Video Class found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, learn about the anatomy of millipedes and centipedes as you discover their physical and chemical defense mechanisms. Create outline drawings in your nature journal, too! Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ In the Our Journey Westward Shop, find a few homeschool curriculum guides that are helpful to continue learning night science through nature study: Butterflies Flutter By Spectacular Spiders Grab the FREE Autumn Observation Packet full of printable pages to encourage creative observation and nature journaling → ourjourneywestward.com/autumn-nature-observation-packet/ Leave Mrs. Cindy a voice message to answer the current season's question! Scroll to the bottom of the Myriapods show notes page. Share pictures of your nature walk pages on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Learn about gliding mammals and their marvelous membranes called patagia with Mrs. Cindy! Get your FREE Nature Walk Challenge → ourjourneywestward.com/gliding-mammal-nature-study/.  Supplies for the nature study challenge: nature journal or blank white paper pencil colored pencils In the companion Gliding Mammal Video Class found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, learn how patagia work for flight, as well as starting, steering, and landing. Find out about at least one gliding mammal living on every continent of the world, except Antarctica. Learn which ones are marsupials and which ones aren't, too! Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ In the Our Journey Westward Shop, find a few homeschool curriculum guides that are helpful to continue learning night science through nature study: Flying Creatures of the Night Beautiful Birds Grab the FREE Autumn Observation Packet full of printable pages to encourage creative observation and nature journaling → ourjourneywestward.com/autumn-nature-observation-packet/ Leave Mrs. Cindy a voice message to answer the current season's question! Scroll to the bottom of the Gliding Mammals show notes page. Share pictures of your nature walk pages on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Learn about black bears of the Great Smoky Mountains and see if you can list the eight species of bears found around the world! Get your FREE Nature Walk Challenge → ourjourneywestward.com/black-bear-nature-study/.  Supplies for the nature study challenge: nature journal or blank white paper pencil colored pencils In the companion Black Bear Video Class found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, learn even more about black bears. As you create an athletic nature journal page, learn about black bear habitats, their omnivorous diet, their unique life cycle, hibernation, and plenty more! Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ In the Our Journey Westward Shop, find a few homeschool curriculum guides that are helpful to continue learning night science through nature study: Animal Life Cycles Animal Signs Grab the FREE Autumn Observation Packet full of printable pages to encourage creative observation and nature journaling → ourjourneywestward.com/autumn-nature-observation-packet/ Be sure to check out the Wonder World Podcast to learn about little-known celebrations, things that happened this week in history, a weekly vocabulary word, poems, stories, trivia, jokes, and much more. The entire family will enjoy it! Leave Mrs. Cindy a voice message to answer the current season's question! Scroll to the bottom of the Black Bear show notes page. Share pictures of your nature walk pages on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Learn about George Washington Carver, a botanist whose love for plants led to many important scientific inventions that we still use today! Register for the FREE Spider Video Class → ourjourneywestward.com/free-spiders-nature-study-class/ Get your FREE Nature Walk Challenge → ourjourneywestward.com/george-washington-carver-nature-study/.  Supplies for the nature study challenge: nature journal or blank white paper watercolors paintbrush bottle of water paper towels In the companion George Washington Carver Video Class found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, learn even more about the biography of George Washington Carver and his very important impacts on farming. Create your very own crop rotation diagram as you discover how the process works! Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ In the Our Journey Westward Shop, find a few homeschool curriculum guides that are helpful to continue learning night science through nature study: Flower Families Lifecycle of a Flowering Plant Leave Mrs. Cindy a voice message to answer the current season's question! Scroll to the bottom of the George Washington Carver show notes page. Share pictures of your nature walk pages on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you're enjoying the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

JOIN THE FREE SPIDER CLASS on August 29 at 2 pm ET! Register at https://ourjourneywestward.com/free-spiders-nature-study-class/. What are macroinvertebrates? Come find out with Mrs. Cindy! You might be surprised that you see them all the time, especially in and around streams and ponds! To get the FREE Nature Walk Challenge that goes with this episode, visit the show notes page https://ourjourneywestward.com/macroinvertebrate-nature-study/. ← Find images of macroinvertebrates here, too! Supplies for the nature study challenge: nature journal or blank white paper pencil In the companion Macroinvertebrate Video Lesson found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, learn about annelids, arachnids, arthropods, crustaceans, insects, and mollusks as you create a beautiful chart of amazing macroinvertebrates! Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ In the Our Journey Westward Shop, find a few homeschool curriculum guides that are helpful to continue learning night science through nature study: Defense Mechanisms of Animals Spectacular Spiders Leave Mrs. Cindy a voice message to answer the current season's question! Scroll to the bottom of the Macroinvertebrates show notes page. Share pictures of your nature walk pages on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you're enjoying the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Night-blooming flowers open their petals at nighttime, usually just after sunset. They are also called nocturnal flowers. Some examples of night bloomers include jasmine, moonflowers, evening primrose, and angel's trumpet. Night-blooming flowers can be found in different parts of the world, including tropical rainforests, deserts, and temperate forests. To get your FREE Nature Walk Challenge, visit the show notes page https://ourjourneywestward.com/night-blooming-flowers-nature-study/. ← Find an image of bittersweet nightshade here! Supplies for the nature study challenge: nature journal or blank white paper colored pencils or oil pastels In the companion Night-Blooming Flowers Video Lesson found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, review the reason for flowers and find out how night-blooming plants are pollinated. Be ready to wow friends and family with words like nyctinasty and heliotropism! Of course, plan on learning the names and characteristics of several night-blooming plants while you create a nature journal page of several specimens, too. Join the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE →  ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ In the Our Journey Westward Shop, find a couple of homeschool curriculum guides to help you learn more homeschool science: Lifecycle of a Flowering Plant Flying Creatures of the Night Share pictures of your nature walk pages on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Seashore plants are any plants that grow in or around the areas where the land meets the sea or other bodies of saltwater. These plants are adapted to living in harsh, salty, and often windy environments, and may be found in a variety of habitats, including sandy beaches, rocky shores, tidal pools, and salt marshes. Come learn more about them with Mrs. Cindy! To get your FREE Nature Walk Challenge, visit the show notes page https://ourjourneywestward.com/seashore-plant-nature-study/.  Supplies for the nature study challenge: camera In the companion Seashore Plants Video Lesson found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, we'll take a closer look at some of the plants that can grow along a seashore or wash up on the beach. We'll turn our attention to seagrasses, seaweeds, and flowering plants. Be ready to create a nature journal page showing a specimen for each of these cool categories! Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE → ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Download the FREE printable Seashore-Themed Activity Packet → https://ourjourneywestward.com/summer-nature-activity-pack/ See the short list of nature study supplies that were mentioned in this episode. In the Our Journey Westward Shop, find a few homeschool curriculum guides that are helpful to continue learning science through nature study: Lifecycle of a Flowering Plant Desert Biomes Share pictures of your nature walk pages on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you're enjoying the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Seashore animals live in or near the ocean and are adapted to living in the intertidal zone, which is the area between the high tide and low tide marks. These animals can be found on rocky shores, sandy beaches, and tidal pools. They play an important role in the ecology of coastal ecosystems and I'm excited to share some of them with you in this episode! To get your FREE Nature Walk Challenge, visit the show notes page ourjourneywestward.com/seashore-animal-nature-study/.  Supplies for the nature study challenge: nature journal or blank white paper colored pencils or oil pastels In the companion Seashore Animals Video Lesson found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, create an animal kingdom chart as you learn about the vast array of animals on the seashore. In the video class, you'll learn about vertebrates like birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles, as well as invertebrates like arthropods, echinoderms, cnidaria, and mollusks. If all those crazy words sound intimidating, don't worry. I bet you'll recognize most of the animals that fit into these animal kingdom categories! Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE → ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Download the FREE printable Summer Seashore Activity Pack → ourjourneywestward.com/summer-nature-activity-pack/ Download the FREE printable Summer Nature Study Playdough Mats → ourjourneywestward.com/spring-nature-study-play-dough/ In the Our Journey Westward Shop, find a few homeschool curriculum guides that are helpful to continue learning night science through nature study: Habitats Animal Life Cycles Share pictures of your nature walk pages on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you're enjoying the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Brambles are a type of plant that produce berries, such as blackberries and raspberries. The berries are often eaten by humans and animals alike. Brambles have thorns on their stems, which can be sharp and prickly. These thorns can help protect the plant from hungry animals. Listen to learn about these amazing plants! To get your FREE Bramble Nature Walk Challenge, visit the show notes page https://ourjourneywestward.com/bramble-nature-study/. ← Find images of brambles here, too! Supplies for the nature study challenge: nature journal or blank white paper colored pencils or oil pastels In the companion Brambles Video Lesson found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, you'll learn so much more about the Rubus genus of flowering plants. That's the fancy scientific name for plants in the rose family that are brambles. We'll get up close and personal with a few bramble plants and will identify their similarities and differences. Not only will we notice the physical characteristics, but you'll create a nature journal page to show the similarities in the shrub structure, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits. Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE → ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Download the FREE printable Summer Nature Study Playdough Mats → https://ourjourneywestward.com/summer-play-dough-mats/ In the Our Journey Westward Shop, find a few homeschool botany curriculum guides that are helpful to learn more about plant nature study: Flower Families Defense Mechanisms of Plants Leave Mrs. Cindy a voice message to answer the current season's question! Scroll to the bottom of the Bramble show notes page. Share pictures of your nature walk pages on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you're enjoying the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)  

I recently had a wonderful homeschooling discussion with Katie Doughty from the Raising Kind Humans Podcast. This rich episode is full of wisdom and ideas on the topics of nature study, Charlotte Mason homeschooling, developing character and empathy through living books, and presenting a feast of activities to encourage joyful and fruitful learning. Here are just some of the topics you will find in the episode: Learn a little more about Cindy. Get tips for creative nature study. Learn how nature study can benefit bodies and brains. Learn how nature study can improve academics. Learn some of the Charlotte Mason strategies that worked. Get tips for using living books for character building. Learn about the importance of play. Learn about several helpful resources. Subscribe to the Raising Kind Humans Podcast and visit Katie at TeamKindHumans.com or on Instagram @katie_doughty. Visit Cindy at OurJourneyWestward.com or on Instagram @OurJourneyWestward. Resources mentioned in the podcast: No Sweat Nature Study Membership Charlotte Mason Homeschooling in 18 Easy Lessons NaturExplorers curriculum series 100+ Creative Nature Walks Character-Building Homeschool Masterclass  

A garden pest is any insect, animal, or other organism that can cause damage to plants and gardens. They can be harmful to both ornamental plants and crops, and can negatively impact the health and productivity of the garden. Common garden pests include insects like aphids, caterpillars, and beetles, as well as animals like rodents, deer, and rabbits. Some pests are attracted to certain plants, while others can attack a wide range of vegetation. Come hear some of Mrs. Cindy's experiences with garden pests in this episode! To get your FREE Nature Walk Challenge, visit the show notes page https://ourjourneywestward.com/garden-pest-nature-study/. ← Find an image of tent caterpillars here! Supplies for the nature study challenge: nature journal or blank white paper colored pencils In the companion Garden Pest Video Lesson found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, you'll learn about some of the most notorious critters that harm our food and flower gardens. We'll figure out why they are such a nuisance, see some of their (honestly very cool) tactics, know what signs to look for on our plants, and learn some ways to keep our gardens safe without throwing a bunch of dangerous chemicals on our food and flowers! Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE → ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Download the FREE printable packet with a hands-on garden pest activity on the show notes page. In the Our Journey Westward Shop, find a few homeschool curriculum guides that are helpful to continue learning night science through nature study: Lifecycle of a Flowering Plant Spectacular Spiders Leave Mrs. Cindy a voice message to answer the current season's question! Scroll to the bottom of the Garden Pest show notes page. Share pictures of your nature walk pages on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you're enjoying the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)