Nature Study Ideas for September

ByCerys
Reading Time: 4 minutes

As summer gradually fades and autumn whispers its arrival, September offers a wealth of opportunities to explore the wonder of the natural world with yours. From the vibrant colors of changing leaves to migrating birds, join us this month as we embark on a journey of discovery. Discover the variety of activities that will ignite curiosity in the natural world, foster a deeper understanding of our environment and cultivate a love for the beauty that is September. So grab your nature notebooks, lace up your walking shoes, and let’s embark on a month of adventures through the ever-changing marvels of nature.

A young boy looking through binoculars at the birds for his nature study. The text below the image reads September Nature Study Ideas for Homeschool Kids.

Nature Study with Kids

Whether you are starting off on your nature study adventures with your kids or have established nature study as part of your home educating journey we hope you will join us on our year-long nature study adventure.

Where each month of the year has a focus like July with beaches and the coastal ecosystems we also share supplementary ideas that you and your kids can also dip into and learn more about the natural world and how it changes throughout the year.

This month our main focus is on the garden and harvesting – check out our information about garden schooling with ideas and inspiration to get you started but below you will find some other ideas to explore.

Nature Study Ideas for the Month of September

So here we go our ideas for September Nature Study for your kids.

Leaf and Tree Identification

Take time on your nature walks to observe and identify different types of leaves and trees. Watch as fruits and berries start to appear and towards the end of the month the leave change color and start their fall from the trees.

Take bark rubbings in your nature journals and collect the leave and add to the display. You can even start to preserve them so that you can create beautiful displays at home above your nature table.

Check out our full Fall Leaves Nature Study Outline for more ideas and inspiration.

Bird Migration

Observe and learn about the migratory patterns of birds as they prepare to fly to warmer regions. Keep a bird-watching journal to document the species you spot. Remember that where you are may be the warmer region so don’t just look out for birds leaving but also arrivals as well.

Our paperback Bird Watching Journal for Kids is now available on Amazon worldwide.

Seed Dispersal

Study the various ways seeds are dispersed by wind, water, animals, and plants themselves. Look for examples of seed dispersal mechanisms in your local environment. Why not do a seed dispersal experiment and take a woolly sock walk to see what there is on your regular nature walk.

Want to look inside an acorn – read our guide on how to dissect an acorn

Weather Tracking

Monitor changes in weather patterns as summer transitions to autumn. Observe temperature fluctuations, cloud formations, and the shifting length of daylight. This is a great opportunity to create a weather station and record the data.

Also focus on clouds – look at the different formations, the structure and use them to predict weather in the future.

Insect Study

Observe and identify different insects, paying special attention to those preparing for winter or engaging in mating rituals. Learn about their life cycles and how they contribute to the ecosystem.

Fungus and Mushroom Exploration

Look for fungi and mushrooms in your local area, and learn about their role in decomposition and forest ecosystems.

Planting Fall Crops

Engage in fall gardening by planting cool-season crops such as lettuce, spinach, or carrots. Learn about the specific needs of these plants and how to care for them. You could also investigate green manure which is ideal to plant this time of the year if you won’t be having any over-wintering crops.

Garden Schooling is a great way to incorporate Gardening into your home education journey throughout the year.

Animal Signs

Look for signs of animal activity, such as tracks, scat, or nests, and try to identify the animals that inhabit your surroundings.

Night Sky Observation

The sky constantly changes due to the movement of the earth in orbit around the sun. Take time each month and explore the night sky and learn about prominent constellations visible during this time of the year. Use stargazing apps or astronomy guides to identify stars, planets, and other celestial objects.

Check out our night sky nature study for more ideas and inspiration for nature study focusing on the sky at night.

Why not check out what ideas and activities for nature study we suggest to do in October there’s some fun ones to be found.

Pinterest image for September Nature Study Ideas for Homeschoolers. The image shows a boy in a waterproof jacket looking at birds through binoculars.

Cerys Parker holds an MSc in Wildlife Management: Conservation and Control and worked as a marine biologist, leading a community conservation project on Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast with Leatherback sea turtles. Now a qualified science teacher and homeschool parent, she creates rigorous, hands-on science resources for teen home learners at Rainy Day Homeschooling.