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Nature Studies
 Things to See & Do in Kansas
 Activities & Experiments
 Nature Studies Curricula
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Things to See & Do in Kansas Back to Top
California National Historic Trail
The California Trail carried over 250,000 gold-seekers and farmers to the gold fields and rich farmlands of California during the 1840's and 1850's, the greatest mass migration in American history. Today, more than 1,000 miles of trail ruts and traces can still be seen in the vast undeveloped lands between Casper Wyoming and the West Coast, reminders of the sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs of early American travelers and settlers. More than 240 historic sites along the trail will eventually be available for public use and interpretation. The trail passes through the states of Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, and California.
Emporia Zoo
Naturalized exhibits with a blend of native and exotic birds and animals presented in an area noted for extensive landscaping and horticultural features.
Hutchinson Zoo
The Hutchinson Zoo serves as a quality recreational, educational and animal rehabilitation facility to provide an atmosphere where nature's gifts, both plant and animal can be appreciated. Features special exhibits and educational programs.
Lee Richardson Zoo
The Lee Richardson Zoo is located within the 110 acre Finnup Park. The population of animals hails from far away places such as China, Japan, Australia, Africa, and South America to name a few. Approximately 300 animals representing nearly 100 different species inhabit the 47 acre zoo. A professional staff cares for animals ranging from the tiny Pekin Robin to the immense African Elephant.
Rolling Hills Zoo
Located in Salina, Rolling Hills Zoo is located on 145 acres of pristine Kansas prairie. Sixty of these acres have been transformed into a beautifully landscaped park setting and are open to the public. The Zoo is home to more than 80 species of animals, housed in spacious, naturalistic habitat settings. Zoo residents include many animals that are rare or endangered in the wild, including chimpanzees, leopards, orangutans, white tigers, and two species of rhinos. Guests enjoy the Zoo on their own to be sure that each visitor can explore at a comfortable pace. The paved walking path is approximately 1.5 miles long, or there is a narrated tram that guests can ride for an extraordinary view of the zoo and its many inhabitants.
Science City at Union Station
Learn about science at this collection of interactive exhibits. Includes a sever weather center, nature center, echo cave, tree house, high wire bike, astronaut training center, and more. Located in Kansas City.
Sedgwick County Zoo
Located in Wichita, the Sedgwick County Zoo offers numerous animal exhibits, educational programs, and special events.
Sunset Zoological Park
Nestled within 52 acres in the heart of the Flint Hills in Manhattan, Sunset Zoo is home to more than 397 animals representing 84 species, including chimpanzees, red pandas, Siberian tigers, snow leopards and maned wolves. Sunset Zoo is open 360 days each year and hosts 13 special events throughout the year.
Topeka Zoo
Learn whild visiting animals at the Topeka Zoo. Filled with animal exhibits, the Zoo also offers educational programs and special events.

Activities & Experiments Back to Top
Arbor Day National Poster Contest
Join over 74,000 fifth grade classrooms and home schools across America in the Arbor Day National Poster Contest. The theme chosen will increase your students’ knowledge of how trees produce and conserve energy. The free Activity Guide includes activities to use with fifth grade students to teach the importance of trees in producing and conserving energy. These activities correlate with National Science and Social Study Standards. The Guide also includes all of the information you need for poster contest participation.
Kids' Book Project
Kids between the ages of 10 and 14 can submit essays reflecting on the splendor of nature. Winners receive cash prizes and will have their essays published in a book.

Nature Studies Curricula Back to Top
Apologia Educational Ministries
Apologia publishes several science textbooks that are especially suited to the homeschool environment. They are filled with easy to understand lessons and experiments which can easily be performed at home. The curriculum is also backed by a question/answer support system. This set of textbooks is written under the "Exploring Creation" name. There are three elementary level texts: Their middle school and high school texts include:
  • Exploring Creation With General Science
  • Exploring Creation With Physical Science
  • Exploring Creation With Biology
  • Exploring Creation With Chemistry
  • Exploring Creation With Physics
  • The Human Body: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
  • Exploring Creation With Marine Biology
  • Advanced Chemistry in Creation
  • Advanced Physics in Creation
  • Plus other texts
    Considering God's Creation
    Considering God's Creation is a creative in-depth encounter with natural science from a biblical perspective. It is adaptable for grades 2-7. This is a large 272-page book that comes with a Teacher's Manual with audio CD.
    Great Science Adventures
    Great Science Adventures is a series of books that offer a creative approach to learning science. Each one showcases the series' method of using creative, hands-on activities to enhance exploratory learning. Each book contains 24 lessons, with 2-3 lessons completed each week. The unique format contains activities and basic content appropriate for grades K through 8. Perfect for multilevel teaching or if you want to challenge your advanced students individually. Titles include:
    • Discovering the Human Body and Senses
    • The World of Tools and Technology
    • Discovering Earth's Landforms and Surface Features
    • The World of Space
    • The World of Insects and Arachnids
    • The World of Plants
    • The World of Light and Sound
    Stratton House Home Science Adventures
    Stratton House sells hands-on science kits with everything you need, including equipment and lessons. They are designed for children in grades 1-8, with the added bonus of allowing different ages to work together. In fact, each kit has enough equipment for two children to share, with extra supplies for additional children available. Subjects covered include astronomy, birds, magnetism, insects, optics, microscope use, and more.

    Nature Studies Books Back to Top
    A History of Science
    A History of Science is not a textbook, but is a guide to help parents and children study science through literature. It is intended for children in elementary grades.
      
    Field Trips: Bug Hunting, Animal Tracking, Bird-watching, Shore Walking
    Publisher: HarperCollins
    Published: 2002

    With Jim Arnosky as your guide, an ordinary hike becomes an eye-opening experience. He'll help you spot a hawk soaring far overhead and note the details of a dragonfly up close. Study the black-and-white drawings -- based on his own field research -- and you'll discover if those tracks in the brush were made by a deer or a fox.

    In his celebrated style, this author, artist, and naturalist enthusiastically shares a wealth of tips. Jim Arnosky wants you to enjoy watching wildlife. He carefully explains how field marks, shapes, and location give clues for identifying certain plants and animals wherever you are. He gives hints for sharpening observational skills. And he encourages you to draw and record birds, insects, shells, animal tracks, and other finds from a busy day's watch.


    Support Back to Top
    CM Nature Walk & Nature Study Group
    This group is set up as a resource for enhancing your own Nature Walks and Nature Study activities within your Charlotte Mason homeschool or co-op group.


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