Be a Naturalist

Name: Be a Naturalist
Brand: Science Through Naturehttps://sciencethroughnature.com/explorer/

by Science Through Naturehttps://sciencethroughnature.com/explorer/

ScienceGrades 2–5

About This Curriculum

An all-in-one nature-based science curriculum that follows fictional naturalists Kate and Nate at Hawk Valley Nature Preserve through eight quests covering foundational scientific concepts.

What makes it unique: Combines Charlotte Mason nature study approach with hands-on science activities using engaging fictional characters and requires minimal prep time

Be a Naturalist: Story-Driven Nature Study Science Curriculum

Be a Naturalist is a nature-based science curriculum that follows fictional naturalists Kate and Nate through eight quests covering foundational scientific concepts. The curriculum combines narrative storytelling with hands-on outdoor exploration, designed for grades 2-5 with a Charlotte Mason-inspired approach.

Best for

Homeschooling families seeking an accessible introduction to nature study for grades 2-5, particularly those who appreciate Charlotte Mason methods and want to incorporate outdoor learning without extensive science teaching experience.

Evaluation Criteria

1 strength · 1 concern · 4 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Hands On IntegrationStrength

This curriculum excels at integrating hands-on activities with instruction through structured outdoor adventures and experiments.

Each quest includes experiments like observing water transfer in celery, denying sunlight to leaves, plant walks for identification, and nature journaling, with activities spread over 2-4 weeks per quest

Direct InstructionConcern

The curriculum relies primarily on narrative storytelling rather than explicit direct instruction of scientific concepts.

Learning occurs through stories from Kate and Nate, discussion questions, and hands-on activities, with reviewers noting most learning happens through discussion rather than formal instruction

Knowledge RichNeutral

The curriculum covers foundational scientific concepts including photosynthesis, classification, basic botany and zoology, but depth appears limited by its story-driven format.

Reviews mention teaching photosynthesis, classification activities, the four kingdoms of life, and basic botany/zoology, but at 194 pages for eight quests covering a full year, content depth may be constrained

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum provides parent guidance but appears to assume parents can facilitate nature study without extensive science background support.

Each quest includes 'PreQuest Prep' information with objectives, outlines, supply lists, and optional resources, but reviews suggest content is accessible without deep science knowledge

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

The curriculum includes some review materials but lacks systematic retrieval practice across the program.

Reviews mention worksheets, games, and flashcards that 'reinforce learning from adventures,' but no evidence of spaced review or regular retrieval practice is provided

Scientific VocabularyNeutral

The curriculum introduces scientific vocabulary through context in the narrative format, but lacks evidence of explicit vocabulary instruction methods.

Terms like photosynthesis are introduced through Kate and Nate's stories, and flashcards are mentioned as reinforcement materials, but no systematic vocabulary teaching approach is described

Ngss AlignmentInsufficient Evidence

Alignment to NGSS or rigorous science standards is not mentioned in any of the review evidence.

No reviewers discuss standards alignment, three-dimensional learning, or how the curriculum addresses disciplinary core ideas beyond basic nature topics

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, naturehomeschool.com