Thanks! This is helpful. We've considered doing HAM radio, but I'm not sure I understand the end goal exactly. It sounds like it's an end goal in itself -- learn HAM radio to do HAM radio and discuss doing it. I'm still a little fuzzy on the "it". Making contact with someone else, just to have done it? Like keeping record of birds seen as a personal hobby? Although, it's my understanding HAM radio has been useful in emergencies when cell phones are down, so it an be quite useful. But how often is it useful beyond just discussing it? I'm trying to weigh the pros an cons of taking the time to get certified etc. It sounds like typically people use it as sort of a chat room about HAM radio? Is that a correct understanding? Sorry for the muddled thoughts.

What does the SCUBA certification involve?

Add us to the list of those happy with Wilson Hill Academy Geometry. (Also add us to the list of those grateful to Derek for his helpful and enthusiastic posts about WHA.)

I would love to hear more about the HAM radio. What do the operators discuss? I'm not overly familiar with HAM radio. Yes, there are many organizations and studies to get involved with. Whatever the teen's interest, there's likely to be an organization and/or study. A few that I don't think are on the thread yet: Project FeederWatch Monarch Watch Firefly Watch

Adding bravery to emerging themes...

Nice observation of nature in the city! Speaking of cities... Here are some citizen science ideas for city dwellers. Citizen Science in the City

Good example of something you can't plan! Nature study is often a matter of time in the field. We have to give time for things to happen, time to observe subtle changes, time to notice the dung so we can be prepared for the buffalo! It's a tricky balance. Sometimes teens really only have a few extra minutes during their day, so sometimes I'm content just to have my teen stare out the (hopefully open) window for a few minutes. If that's every day, though, something needs to change. A walk, a bike ride....something. There are emerging themes in the posts so far... making time to be outside, camp, join programs, etc letting the teen's interests guide the nature study path recognizing what we're already doing and building on that in relevant, useful ways being aware of the world around us -- (noticing the dung on a hike) seizing opportunities (what ate the chickens?) using whatever medium feels best (sketching, painting, photography, cell phones...) ETA: bravery, willingness to step outside our routines and our comfort zones

Thanks for posting your approach to nature study and the idea that the work that needs to be done presents itself. Sometimes the idea that we need to construct a formal plan and get out the sketch pad is enough for the inertia to set it. (At least it is for me.) The examples you've given are an insightful glimpse into how your approach plays out in real life. Thanks for much for including them. They are not only creative and different, but it shows a way to get the all important buy-in from teens. Make it relevant and interesting to them. The 8-week young naturalist program is not a cop-out! I highly recommend getting involved with these sorts of programs. Having access to experts who want to share their love of nature can spark new interests, nurture existing ones, and lead to connections within the naturalist community and to untold future opportunities. I find the idea of high school credit interesting as well. My ideal vision of high school would have included some credit for nature study, but as I work with the actual teen in front of me, it's been best for us to outsource most credit classes and for nature study to be a significant part of her extracurricular activities. Hopefully those who are using nature study for credit will chime in.

:smilielol5: (Sorry for the chickens!)

I guess so! It sounds like you're doing way more nature study than you realize! :coolgleamA: Kudos to you for being brave! :thumbup1:

So fun to read how others are incorporating nature study! I love the detail in the posts. I need to get out my Clare Walker books again. Thanks for the reminder! Also, thanks for mentioning weather. March Madness is going on for CoCoRaHS. Community, Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network is a weather related Citizen Scientist Project. (Note: There is a small fee involved to purchase the rain gauge (required) and other optional items. ) March Madness is the yearly volunteer drive, so it's a perfect time to join. You can join anytime, though. :)

Excellent suggestion! Thanks for the links! Astronomy is another nighttime nature study possibility. There are field guides and apps for the constellations and other sightings. Also, many areas have astronomy clubs and star parties. There are several astronomy related Citizen Scientist projects. Some are 100% on the computer, helping scientists sort through enormous amounts of data. Galaxy Zoo, for example. It may not be what some view as the nature study ideal, but ordinary people have made some extraordinary findings on a few of these projects.

:laugh: What a brilliant way to incorporate nature study! Practical, relevant, and noteworthy. For some that would be way more fun than sketching a trillium. (Sorry about the chickens, though!) Another idea for those that wilt at the thought of flowers and weather lore -- scanning the woods and fields for animal bones. iNaturalist bones and skulls (Scroll down for pics of recent finds.)

Oh inertia, I know thee well... Maybe we can plan to start a 30-day nature study challenge on April 1? (For anyone foolish enough join... ;) )

I'm so glad you brought this up! Nature study with photographs is just as valid and worthy as nature study with sketches. Sometimes it's easy to get so caught up in some ideal vision of what nature study should be that we can't see the forest for the trees. (An appropriate phrase for a nature study thread... ;) ) Speaking of photographs... iNaturalist is a fantastic resource for those who would rather use a cell phone than a sketch pad. You can use iNaturalist for many things: identification, to find a citizen scientist project to join, to connect with other naturalists....

We bought two copies of many books. When we did, we usually bought two hard copies. Sometimes we bought one hard copy and one Kindle version. I think we did two Kindle versions occasionally. Sometimes we both bought the same edition...sometimes we liked different editions, so we bought different ones. When we were finished reading the books, sometimes we sold or donated both copies. Sometimes we kept one and sold or donated the other. Sometimes we each kept our copy. I like to write in books, my daughter doesn't. Having two copies worked out well. Having two copies also allowed us to take turns reading aloud easily, to take notes while the other person read, and to flip to various passages while having discussions. Now when I look at my copy of one of those dual copy books that we read and discussed over weeks or months, I'm reminded of one of those necklace charms that's split -- one says "Best" and the other says "Friend". Our split dual book charm might say "Good" and "Times" or "Great" and "Memories."

We've started a discussion about nature study on the high school board. If you have any ideas you'd like to share (even if you don't have a teen in high school yet) feel free to join us! Nature Study in High School

Ah, the early childhood years! Long days in the fresh air...nature journal in one hand, a bouquet of wildflowers in the other....toads in pockets, bugs in jars...sweetness and light and wonder.... Fast forward to the high school years with the college admissions process looming.... :willy_nilly: :zombiechase: :boxing_smiley: :banghead: Nature study suddenly doesn't seem all that relevant... Thankfully there are many ways to incorporate nature study into the high school years, even with teens that would much rather be in front of screens. More on that in a bit... How are you incorporating nature study into the high school years? What are your struggles or obstacles? Any great resources you'd like to share? Springtime is the perfect time to take a fresh look at nature studies. High school is the perfect time to take nature studies deeper. Anyone up for a 30-Day Nature Studies Challenge? What is Shabby Scholé? Shabby Scholé Weekly Soirée

Thank you so much, Angie in VA!

When my daughter was in middle school, we took turns reading to each other while doing dishes. We should start doing that again... I sometimes listen to audiobooks while doing the dishes. At other times doing dishes is more of a working meditation. Grinding grain is also conducive to reading or being read to. Something else I did when she was younger....ah the memories!

This kept pushing its way into my thoughts and led me to think about why I consult books and articles written 100 years ago and why I feel so drawn to them. There are many reasons, but I'll give the most relevant to the thread. (Note: This may not be at all relevant to what Rosyl meant when she posted, but I'm glad her post led me to think about it.) Perspective. Sometimes it's easy to get so caught up in our parenting struggles that it helps to be reminded of (or to discover) what situations perplexed, frustrated, and terrified parents of other generations. Sometimes I'm humbled and sometimes I'm amused. Insight. Challenges don't need to be identical to be relatable. Some remedies cross time and circumstances quite well. Reaching back in time much further than 100 years...The Iliad has many glimpses into parenthood. There is a scene with Hector and his wife and son that brings chills. The Iliad is well worth consulting when dealing with the challenges of parenting for insight and perspective both. Does reading old or ancient texts of any sort typically result in a step-by-step plan for modern parenting success? No, but thankfully we have a steady supply of modern parenting books in print and on-line. There are certainly times when step-by-step suggestions on modern struggles is precisely what is needed. There are other times, however, when I need to get out of the situation entirely. I need perspective. I need insight from someone older and wiser whose voice can still be heard all these centuries later... One more thought...lifestyle expectation... Older books give us a glimpse into forgotten lifestyles. "Breaking" a habit is sometimes not necessary when something else more attractive offers itself as an alternative. Reading old books with their antiquated routines and daily rhythms can show us a way of living we weren't aware of, one that certainly isn't being modeled by the modern masses. In a way, I'm mining for gems. Sometimes it just takes one flash of insight from any time period to make a real, measurable change in my life and the life of my teen today. And sometimes the changes I make today will last well into the future.

I saw those gas pumps recently. So strange! There are TVs in the walkways of the mall and even TVs in some stores hanging from the ceiling. If there isn't a TV, there is always music being played -- sometimes loudly. At some restaurants -- TVs in all directions and some now have electronics on the table! Video games and TVs in most waiting rooms... Ear buds, head phones... Silence. I wonder if there are some children who have never really known silence...

Here's a link to the new week's thread on gap years, but feel free to also continue the conversation on habits here on this thread. Rosyl raised some good points, well worth discussing.

Ah, I see! That makes sense. Thanks for explaining! No, you are definitely not the only one! :cheers2: (Hot cocoa is the drink du jour.)

The mention of tact and black-and-white advice in parenting led me to think about black-and-white thinking in general and its connection with parenting and other relationships. Many times when my teen has done something that ended badly, I've thought (or said :blush: ) WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!?! As if the teen should have thought exactly what I would have thought and done exactly what I would have done. (Which is forgetting not only the teen's youth, but also different life experiences, personality, genetic makeup etc). Usually after the situation has passed, it occurs to me that she was probably thinking, "I've never encountered this situation before, so I'll draw on the limited experience I've had during my relatively short time on this earth and make the best decision I can." To have it go badly must be frustrating and humiliating enough, but then to have an important figure in your life shame you for your inexperience and failure...no wonder teens sometimes react so strongly. A little tact in our own reactions could go a long way... it won't cure all the ills of those years, but it could be a soothing balm instead of salt in the wound... Using tact and reducing black-and-white thinking (there's my way and there's the wrong way) could nurture our relationship with not only our teens, but also with others in our lives. As the saying goes...Seek first to understand before seeking to be understood. (And not in a "tell me what you think so I can tell you why you're wrong" sort of way.) Charlotte Mason reminds us that children are born persons. Given the billions of different people in the world, the sheer number of combinations of genetic makeups and different life experiences is mind-boggling. In a world that's becoming more and more connected, we have a lot of understanding to seek and a lot of opportunity to practice using tact.