Have you ever heard the phrase “crocodile tears” and wondered what it means? This week’s crocodile nature study podcast episode reveals the truth behind this curious saying! Do crocodiles actually shed tears? If so, why do they “cry” mostly when eating? This short and engaging episode is packed with fun facts and scientific explanations. Your... The post Can Crocodiles Really Cry? Nature Study for Kids appeared first on Our Journey Westward ..read more

Studying the Middle Ages is so much fun! Our Middle Ages unit was packed with excitement, from knights and castles to medieval feasts and daily life. My children stayed engaged the entire time! I carefully selected the best hands-on activities from the two reference books below to keep our study to six weeks. With the... The post A Literature-Based Middle Ages Unit Study for the Elementary Years appeared first on Our Journey Westward ..read more

Have you ever been outside on a breezy day and heard the wind whistle through the trees or howl around a building? This week’s wind nature study podcast episode explores why wind makes different sounds, such as whistling, howling, roaring, and even humming. Through simple explanations and scientific terms like turbulence and the Aeolian effect, children will... The post Why Does the Wind Whistle? Homeschool Nature Study appeared first on Our Journey Westward ..read more

World geography projects are a fantastic way to make learning meaningful, hands-on, and engaging for homeschool students. Instead of simply memorizing maps and facts, children deeply understand different countries’ cultures, histories, and geography, making personal connections along the way. When students research, write, and present their findings, they develop critical thinking, communication, and creativity—all while... The post World Geography Projects for Homeschoolers appeared first on Our Journey Westward ..read more

Beautifully written and illustrated picture books are the perfect inspiration for nature study! In this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast, we explore “Barbara Cooney nature study” while learning a little about the biography of this famous author and illustrator of beloved children’s books. If you’re looking for a fun way to combine... The post What Do Barbara Cooney and Nature Study Have In Common? appeared first on Our Journey Westward ..read more

Imagine an activity where your child explores creativity, practices art, and enjoys nature—without fear of mistakes. That’s the magic of how nature journaling builds artistic skills in a fun, pressure-free way! This simple practice blends observation, creativity, and self-expression in a relaxed and fun way. Whether your child loves art or feels unsure, nature journaling... The post How Nature Journaling Builds Artisitic Skills for Kids appeared first on Our Journey Westward ..read more

Diamonds come in a rainbow of colors, from pink to blue to black! In this No Sweat Nature Study Podcast episode, kids explore a “sparkling” diamond nature study by learning how these gemstones form their brilliant colors. This episode highlights connections to earth science, rock science, and chemistry in a way that’s easy for kids... The post Are All Diamonds the Same Color? Nature Study for Kids appeared first on Our Journey Westward ..read more

An earthquake nature study offers a fun way to teach science while exploring natural disasters. This week’s No Sweat Nature Study Podcast focuses on the largest earthquake ever recorded—the Great Chilean Earthquake of 1960. Children will learn how earthquakes are measured and discover how they can create giant ocean waves called tsunamis. Seismologists, or earthquake scientists, play... The post What Was the Largest Earthquake in Modern History? appeared first on Our Journey Westward ..read more

Winter homeschooling can feel long, especially with restless kids and the slower daily rhythm. But it doesn’t have to be that way! With some creativity, winter can become a season full of engaging and vibrant learning opportunities. In this post, I’ve gathered some of my favorite winter learning ideas to inspire your homeschool days. These... The post Winter Homeschooling: 6 Ways to Beat the Blahs appeared first on Our Journey Westward ..read more

Have you ever wondered why bald eagles build such enormous nests? These majestic birds of prey create homes that can grow as wide as 10 feet and weigh as much as a small car! In this No Sweat Nature Study Podcast episode, soar into an engaging bald eagle nature study. Listen to discover the fascinating... The post Why Are Bald Eagle’s Nests So Big? Nature Study appeared first on Our Journey Westward ..read more