Nature Study Ideas for the Month of July
Welcome to our July Nature Study, a month where the sun shines high, and nature beckons us to explore its wonders. So how about getting out and trying some of these exciting nature study ideas that will ignite your child’s curiosity and deepen their connection with the natural world? Let’s dive into a month filled with exploration, discovery, and the beauty of summertime!
Simple Nature Study Ideas for July
Why not pick one or two of these simple ideas to do with your kids this July?
Beach Adventure
If you’re lucky enough to have access to a beach, embrace its natural wonders. Observe seashells, explore tide pools, and learn about the creatures that inhabit this unique ecosystem. Discuss the importance of coastal conservation and the impact of human activities on marine life.
READ NEXT:
In-depth Beach Nature Study Ideas for Homeschoolers
Wildflower Walk
Embark on a leisurely walk in a meadow or nature reserve abundant with wildflowers. Observe the variety of colours, shapes, and sizes, and learn about the role of these native plants in supporting pollinators and maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Take along the Seek App and use it to help you identify them and add them to the Nature Journal.
Butterfly Observation
If you have created a butterfly garden earlier in the year with seeds and plants in your backyard or balcony then now is the time to watch the butterflies at play. Observe them as they flutter from flower to flower, and learn about their life cycle and the important role they play in pollination.
Why not have a look at moths too – read all about our moth nature study and how you can easily observe these nocturnal creatures with your kids in the summer too.
Creating a butterfly garden is just one of the many projects that your kids and you can do when you start to introduce garden schooling into your homeschool routines.
Cloud Watching
Lie back on a blanket and gaze up at the sky, observing the ever-changing cloud formations. Learn about the different types of clouds, and what they mean in terms of weather forecasting. But don’t forget to use your imagination and let the kids join you in identifying different shapes and objects in the clouds. You’ll start fostering creativity and a sense of wonder in your children.
Summer Night Sky
Take advantage of the warm evenings and explore the wonders of the summer night sky. Identify constellations, learn about different planets, and witness shooting stars during meteor showers (August has one of the best meteor showers in the Northern Hemisphere). Use a stargazing app or a sky chart to enhance your celestial exploration.
Looking for ideas for a Sky at Night Nature Study focus for your kids then check out our Night Sky Nature Study Unit.
Garden Harvest
If you have a vegetable or herb garden, involve your child in the harvest. Teach them about the different plants, their growth cycles, and the rewards of nurturing living things. Enjoy the flavours of freshly picked produce and discuss the importance of sustainable agriculture.
Love exploring the garden – why not check out our ideas for gardenschooling year round.
Pond Exploration
Visit a nearby pond or lake and discover the intricate world of aquatic life. Use nets or buckets to catch and release creatures like tadpoles, frogs, water insects, and tiny fish. Observe their behaviours, study their adaptations, and learn about the importance of freshwater ecosystems. If you did a pond study in the month of May following our Month by Month Nature Focus you can compare the creatures found and life stages between then and now.
Bird Watching
Set up a bird feeder or birdhouse in your backyard and observe the feathered visitors. Learn to identify different bird species, listen to their songs, and discuss their habitats, migration patterns, and feeding behaviours. Keep a bird journal to record your sightings and observations.
Our paperback birdwatching journal is now available on Amazon worldwide or you can print your own with this fantastic free printable bird-watching journal for young kids.
Look forward to next month with our ideas for Nature Study with Kids in August for more inspiration.