Our Approach

- and why it matters -

The short version?

Knowledge begins in wonder.

 

Children are naturally curious about the world they live in.

What will I find hiding in a pond?

How do fireflies make their light?

Why does the moon change shape?

 

We feel the best way to impart a love of science and nature to children is by following their innate desire to discover.

 

Our open-and-go curriculum lets your child explore their world through interactive, hands-on quests diving into what they see, hear, feel, observe, and experience.

 

Yes, we still have some sit down lessons…thought provoking discussions, living books, captivating videos.

 

But the real learning? That happens when your child has the opportunity to personally experience science and nature.

 

Along the way, you will be laying a solid foundation of scientific concepts needed for middle school and beyond. More importantly, however, you will be building a love and connection with science and nature that will last a lifetime. 

-jennifer+leah

PS: We feel children should develop a relationship with nature before being charged with saving the environment. Our activities focus on growing such a relationship. A child who experiences the wonders of nature will, one day, naturally strive to protect their world.    

Fern to the side@2x

what we believe

- hover over the tiles to discover our "why" -
Curiosity leads to learning

Children can't transform information until they understand it. Curiosity is the fastest route to inquiry.

Immersion builds connection

Adults should focus on helping children become immersed in their natural environment.

Children are natural scientists

They can understand, absorb, and appreciate scientific concepts that are presented in a way that sparks and fuels their innate curiosity. 

Nature *is* Science

We believe a love of science and nature inherently go hand-in-hand.

Stories nurture learning

Living stories offer a natural learning path to introduce new ideas and concepts.

Engage and Hold Attention

All new concepts in Science Through Nature are introduced as living stories, with the intention of engaging and holding the child's learning experience.

Learning is more than worksheets

Learning is a lifestyle. It's more than just worksheets or traditional textbooks.

Love before saving

We believe children should fall in love with nature before they are charged with saving it.

Parents model behavior

We believe it is the responsibility of the parent to provide the experiences and habits that form a child's love of nature.

Preparing the soil.

"If facts are the seeds that later produce knowledge and wisdom, then the emotions and the impressions of the senses are the fertile soil in which the seeds must grow.

The years of early childhood are the time to prepare the soil."

- Rachel Carson

What method is this?

The best bits of all.

It's important for children to physically experience their world like Marie Montessori advised, connect with the natural world and internalize big ideas like Charlotte Mason emphasized, and learn important scientific concepts like Classical methods aim to do.

Love the earth. Then advocate.

The early programs of Science Through Nature do not place focus on environmentalism.

First and foremost, children must desire to save something before they take the necessary steps to do so.

That desire comes from experiencing the wonder of the natural world - from realizing that it is worth cherishing and protecting.

Let them first love nature and, as they grow and develop the ability to understand the myriad of issues facing the environment, they will inherently strive to protect it.

Fern Up@2x