NaturExplorers

ScienceAll Grades

NaturExplorers: Flexible Nature Study Unit Collection

NaturExplorers is a series of 19 nature study unit books designed for elementary grades, offering flexible topic-based studies that integrate outdoor activities, experiments, crafts, and reading. Each 60-page unit provides activity suggestions rather than structured lesson plans, allowing families to customize their approach to nature-based science education.

Best for

Homeschooling families seeking flexible nature study supplements for elementary students, particularly those who prefer activity-based learning and can provide their own content instruction

Evaluation Criteria

2 concerns · 2 neutral · 3 insufficient evidence

Direct InstructionConcern

The curriculum explicitly avoids direct instruction, leaving content delivery to parent discretion and activity-based discovery.

Activities are 'listed as possible activities rather than being presented as step-by-step lesson plans' with parents expected to 'flesh out' general suggestions

Hands On IntegrationConcern

The curriculum heavily emphasizes hands-on activities but lacks clear integration with explicit instruction of scientific concepts.

Units incorporate 'nature walks, outdoor activities, experiments, crafts, art projects' and include 'charts, data recording sheets' but activities are presented as suggestions rather than structured learning sequences

Knowledge RichNeutral

The curriculum provides background information for parents/teachers but appears to prioritize activities over systematic content knowledge building.

Each book includes 'background information near the beginning' for adults, but the focus is on activities like 'nature walks, outdoor activities, experiments, crafts' rather than explicit science content instruction

Teacher TrainingNeutral

Limited teacher support provided through background information sections, but no formal training or pedagogical guidance.

Each book provides 'background information near the beginning' to give 'the parent or teacher a head start' but offers minimal instructional guidance beyond activity suggestions

Ngss AlignmentInsufficient Evidence

No mention of standards alignment, appearing to follow topical nature study approach rather than structured science standards.

The curriculum is described as covering nature topics like 'Constant Conifers, Delightful Deciduous Trees' without reference to science standards or systematic skill development

Retrieval PracticeInsufficient Evidence

No evidence of structured retrieval practice or systematic review of previously learned concepts.

The review describes activity sheets as 'charts, data recording sheets' but mentions no quizzes, review exercises, or retrieval practice elements

Scientific VocabularyInsufficient Evidence

No clear evidence of systematic scientific vocabulary instruction or development.

The review mentions various activities and topics but does not describe explicit vocabulary instruction or scientific terminology development

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com

Review Sources

cathyduffy

Cathy Duffy

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Key Facts

GradesAll Grades

SubjectScience

PedagogyNot specified

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Looking for something different?

If none of these options feel right, explore a non-traditional approach. Pallas Center offers a unique curriculum, or design your own with Palladay.

Data sources: cathyduffy