A Mother's Educational Course for Latter-day Saints

Nature/Science for 2007
 
 

“The mother cannot devote herself too much to this kind of reading [of ‘Naturalists’ books], not only that she may
read tid-bits to her children about matters they have come across, but that she may be able to answer their queries 
and direct their observation.... The children will adore her for knowing what they want to know, and who knows but she may 
give its bent for life to some young mind destined to do great things for the world.” 

-- Charlotte Mason (Vol. I, 64-65.)


Nature/Science Recommended Resources for 2007
  • Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock
  • Nature Journal (sketchbook or a blank notebook)
  • Field Guides (appropriate to your region)
    • Suggestions:
      • Audubon and/or Peterson field guides (including coloring books)
      • The Sibley Guide to Birds
      • Kaufmann Field Guide to Birds of North America
      • Kaufmann Focus Guide to Mammals of North America
      • For Alberta, Canada: Birds of Alberta by Chris C. Fisher, Mammals of Alberta, Fish of Alberta, Butterflies of Alberta and others by Lone Pine Publishing (Lone Pine does publish some field guides for certain U.S. states as well ie: Amphibians of Oregon, Washington and British Columbia; Birds of Florida; Animal Tracks of Illinois; and more.. check your local library or bookstore).

      •  
Optional Additional Resources
(Not necessary, but you may find these resources useful.  Choose what appeals to you.)
  • Wild Days by Karen Rackliffe
  • The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady by Edith Holden
  • Sierra Club Guide to Sketching in Nature by Cathy Johnson
  • Sierra Club Guide to Painting in Nature by Cathy Johnson
  • Nature Study the Easy Way by Cindy Rushton
  • Pocketful of Pinecones by Karen Andreola
  • Discover Nature Close to Home by Elizabeth P. Lawlor
  • Discover Nature in the Garden by Jim Conrad



 
 
 
 

Nature/Science Overview for 2007

Focus: Zoology

1. Read the monthly assignment from The Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Comstock.

2. Learn about some new animals (birds, mammals, fish, etc.) from your field guides each month.

3. Read the selected stories from Nature Lore.  (One or more story per month; links provided to specific selections by Ernest Thompson Seton, Clara Dillingham Pierson, John Burroughs, William J. Long, Jean Henri Fabre, Arabella Buckley and Thornton W. Burgess).

4. Take some nature walks and record what you see.  Try to make at least 2 entries in your nature journal each month. 

5.  You may also wish to keep a notebook with thoughts and impressions from your readings.
 



 
 
 
 

Nature/Science Monthly Assignment Schedule

January 2007

  • Read the Handbook of Nature Study Part I  pgs. 1 - 24 (The Teaching of Nature-Study)
  • Learn about 3 or 4 new birds from your field guides this month.  Record your findings in a notebook.
  • Go on a nature walk or two and make at least 2 entries in your nature journal.


February 2007

  • Read the Handbook of Nature Study Part II  pgs. 27 - 47 (Beginning Bird Study)
  • Learn about 3 or 4 new birds from your field guides this month.  Record your findings in a notebook.
  • Go on a nature walk or two and make at least 2 entries in your nature journal.


March 2007

  • Read the Handbook of Nature Study Part II  pgs. 47 - 97 (Chicken - Catbird)
  • Learn about 3 or 4 new birds from your field guides this month.  Record your findings in a notebook.
  • Go on a nature walk or two and make at least 2 entries in your nature journal.


April 2007

  • Read the Handbook of Nature Study Part II  pgs. 97 - 143 (The Belted Kingfisher to Birds of Marsh and Shore)
  • Learn about 3 or 4 new birds from your field guides this month.  Record your findings in a notebook.
  • Go on a nature walk or two and make at least 2 entries in your nature journal.


May 2007

  • Read the Handbook of Nature Study Part II  pgs. 144 - 169 (Fishes)
  • Learn about 7 or 8 new fish from your field guides this month.  Record your findings in a notebook.
  • Go on a nature walk or two and make at least 2 entries in your nature journal.


June 2007

  • Read the Handbook of Nature Study Part II  pgs. 170 - 192 (Amphibians)
  • Learn about 4 or 5 new amphibians from your field guides this month.  Record your findings in a notebook.
  • Go on a nature walk or two and make at least 2 entries in your nature journal.


July 2007

  • Read the Handbook of Nature Study Part II  pgs. 193 - 213 (Reptiles)
  • Learn about 4 or 5 new reptiles from your field guides this month.  Record your findings in a notebook.
  • Go on a nature walk or two and make at least 2 entries in your nature journal.


August 2007

  • Read the Handbook of Nature Study Part II  pgs. 214 - 253 (Mammals - Rabbit to Fox)
  • Learn about 7 or 8 new mammals from your field guides this month.  Record your findings in a notebook.
  • Go on a nature walk or two and make at least 2 entries in your nature journal.


September 2007

  • Read the Handbook of Nature Study Part II  pgs. 254 - 293 (Dogs - Pigs)
  • Learn about 7 or 8 new mammals from your field guides this month.  Record your findings in a notebook.
  • Go on a nature walk or two and make at least 2 entries in your nature journal.


October 2007

  • Read the Handbook of Nature Study Part II  pgs. 294 - 334 (Insects - Butterflies & Moths)
  • Learn about 7 or 8 new butterflies & moths from your field guides this month.  Record your findings in a notebook.
  • Go on a nature walk or two and make at least 2 entries in your nature journal.


November 2007

  • Read the Handbook of Nature Study Part II  pgs. 335 - 415 (Insects)
  • Learn about 5 or 6 new insects from your field guides this month.  Record your findings in a notebook.
  • Go on a nature walk or two and make at least 2 entries in your nature journal.


December 2007

  • Read the Handbook of Nature Study Part II  pgs. 415 - 450 (Invertebrates other than insects)
  • Learn about 5 or 6 new invertebrates from your field guides this month.  Record your findings in a notebook.
  • Go on a nature walk or two and make at least 2 entries in your nature journal.
     
       

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