Nature Study

“The heavens tell of the glory of God;

And their expanse declares the work of His hands.

Day to day pours forth speech,

And night to night reveals knowledge.

There is no speech, nor are there words;

Their voice is not heard. ”

~Psalm 19:1-3 (NASB)

Why Study Nature?

Nature is all of God's non-human creation. It reveals His eternal power and divine nature to a degree that leaves all of mankind without an excuse before the Creator (Romans 1). It was made for His glory, and by properly observing with wonder and awe for the Creator, we too participate in glorifying God.

Furthermore, mankind's first job was to tend to and keep God's creation in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2). After the Flood, God affirmed that all animal and plants were given into man's hand (Genesis 9). Thus, as stewards, we must faithfully understand, appreciate, enjoy, care for, delight in, and use creation in a way that honors and glorifies the Creator.

Thus we study God's creation.

How Do We Study Nature?

The study of nature, creation, begins with observation. Good observation should result in curiosity, awe, wonder, and praise unto the Creator. Observation and curiosity is the foundation of all scientific endeavors.

Our study of nature seeks to facilitate the child's relationship with creation and subsequently with the Creator. This relationship should extend beyond the classroom and into the child's personal life. Thus children are encouraged to reasonably interact with the material in class, and, as much as possible, specimens are chosen that are native, relevant, and relatable.

Following the AO Nature Study Rotation Schedule, a single topic is chosen for the term. Twelve studies are planned under that topic with intentionality to what is relatable and interesting so that it may facilitate the child's relationship with creation and the Creator. The child is required to bring a Nature Study Journal and pencil, and is guided in topic review and journal entry setup. At the teacher's discretion, some notes may be required, but generally, the class focusses on observation and wonder of the specimens. To facilitate deep observation, children are required to draw the specimen(s)

Fall 2025/Spring 2026: Garden Flowers/Weeds

Fall 2025/Spring 2026: Brooks/Rivers/Oceans

Spring 2025: Insects of New Mexico

We studied various insect samples collected the previous fall from our homes and yards as well as some live samples. We observed the attributes of insects in the specimens, studied their life cycles, and learned about how their different attributes affect their scientific classifications. Apologia's Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day by Jeannie Fulbright was utilized for reference.

Fall 2024: Cultivated American Crops

We studied crops native to North and South America that are commercially grown and consumed. Using Wilma and R. Vernon Hays' Foods the Indians Gave Us, we learned about the history of the crop. As much as possible, crops were brought in from local gardens and we enjoyed consuming the crop as we observed, learned about, and drew/painted the specimen.

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