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Dawn
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| Posted: April 16 2007 at 10:49am | IP Logged
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I am hosting my homeschool support group's monthly meeting at my house this week, and the theme is nature study. 
I now need to come up with a general outline of what we will talk about, so ... I was wondering, if I could ask you all  ... if you were coming to my meeting, what kinds of things would you hope to discuss?
What aspects of nature study would you want covered? What questions would you have?
I'd love *any* thoughts on this - I'm hoping to organize a fruitful meeting for my attendees! 
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Dawn, mum to 3 boys 
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JennGM
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What are the age ranges of the children? Are you just introducing the concept, or have these people done nature study before?
I have lots of questions, and it helps to see someone in real life.
An example of a nature study backpack, the essential items to bring. Field Guides, pencils
Sketching or nature study journal. How much do you do while you're out, and what do you do at home?
Do you collect or just observe? And if collect, how? What's the best way?
Nature study through the seaons? Things to do at home to observe through the windows, in the backyard.
How to Nature study anywhere, particurly in the city, and parks.
And do you focus on one area of observation -- animals, plants, fungus, or take it all in?
Those are just a few that pop into my mind.
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Jennifer G. Miller
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cathhomeschool
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| Posted: April 16 2007 at 11:06am | IP Logged
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Dawn, Jenn's question on Why Nature Study? immediately comes to mind. You might want to discuss some of the benefits and highlights of nature study.
I have been blessed to hear MacBeth give several talks on nature study (in person and on tape). She always mentions a supply list/lists depending on type and depth of study. This could easily go into a discussion of art supplies/techniques too. Field guides (for younger, for older, for in-depth accurate ID) could also be discussed.
What about a handout of nature study authors and/or book titles?
Another popular beginner's question seems to be "How do I do it?" Even those sold on nature study can struggle to figure out how to "get out" with many little ones in tow or a long drive ahead of them. So discussion of different strategies and approaches might be good -- Should you make a day of it? Just walk down the street and start with observations of the the neighbor's flower beds?
If these moms are are familiar with nature study, then maybe you could take one aspect or theme and discuss it in-depth at your meeting. Maybe local bird watching (or squirrel watching ), wildflowers, butterflies, edible plants, or a discussion of what specific species of plants/animals to look for in spring in your area. (These are the types of discussions that I would love.)
My two cents off the top of my head. Can't wait to hear what others suggest!
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Theresa
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Those are great suggestions Janette and Jenn.
Will you blog about this Dawn? I'd love to hear about your meeting. I wish I could attend. 
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Maryan
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Me too!
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Maryan
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lapazfarm
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Hmmm. I think I would like to learn more techniques for observing nature other than the typical birds, insects, and plants. Those are great, but I am interested in branching out a bit more, you know? I'd like more of a challenge. I do have some good methods for fish and other aquatic life, but I'd love to learn more about how to observe more mammals, reptiles, etc.
Another nice topic might be using all of your senses to observe nature. What do you see, feel, smell, hear, taste, etc.
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Theresa
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Dawn
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| Posted: April 16 2007 at 6:43pm | IP Logged
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Excellent ideas, everyone!
The age range is all over, and I have no idea who will show up. I do know a few people who are coming and I'd say they are open to nature study but don't do too much of it. Actually one of the women is quite gung-ho ~ we always end up talking birds and Anna Comstock at get-togethers!
I'm writing a list right now with all your ideas. It will be interesting to see where the conversation goes.
And yes, I am sure I will blog about it, Theresa! And you and Maryan (and anyone here) would be joyfully welcome at my meeting!
cathhomeschool wrote:
| I have been blessed to hear MacBeth give several talks on nature study (in person and on tape). |
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So ... MacBeth? Any plans Thursday night? 
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Dawn, mum to 3 boys
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Theresa
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| Posted: April 17 2007 at 9:34pm | IP Logged
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Theresa, you bring up something I never would have thought about... I guess I'm just stuck in my backyard when it comes to thinking Nature Study.
As a side... has anyone been watching the Planet Earth series? We have been taping them and watching two a week on our off science days. They are so well done and each of my kids has been drawn to the computer to look up things that have interested them. My dd started a lapbook (on her own) about arctic foxes after watching one of the shows.
What day is your meeting Dawn?
How about a list of online resources for nature study.
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Theresa
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Dawn
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| Posted: April 18 2007 at 6:00am | IP Logged
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Theresa in MN wrote:
| As a side... has anyone been watching the Planet Earth series? |
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My folks have been watching it and raving about it. I know they're taping it (or Tivo-ing anyway ), so I'll have to ask them to record it off so I can borrow it!
Can I ask you, are there a lot of "hunting" scenes?  I don't have the stomach for that. 
Theresa in MN wrote:
| What day is your meeting Dawn? |
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Tomorrow night! I've just instructed Bill how and where he's taking the boys out that night.
Theresa in MN wrote:
| How about a list of online resources for nature study. |
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Great idea! Thanks.
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Dawn, mum to 3 boys
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Theresa
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*sigh* I can never get the quote thing to work right for me. It's totaly user error.
In answer to this question: Can I ask you, are there a lot of "hunting" scenes? I don't have the stomach for that.
Some. I don't have the stomach for them either. My kids seem more grown up about this part of the life cycle then me, but then they bet on how long it takes me to cry while watching a movie or even a commercial.
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Dawn
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| Posted: April 29 2007 at 4:16pm | IP Logged
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Thanks again for all your help, ladies! I finally got a post up about my nature study meeting. I'm hoping we moms can organizes a nature acitvity group for the kids starting this summer. 
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Dawn, mum to 3 boys
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4Real Forums : Exploring God's Creation in Nature and Science
Topic: Nature study meeting
