Studying science in the deep, dark cold of winter opens up a whole new opportunity often overlooked by the textbook. While winter often seems to be silent, bland, and dead, the reality is that nature study can often be investigated from the window as we watch the birds God has created for us to enjoy and ponder.
In my childhood home, my parents often fed the birds in the midst of winter. We could watch their habits from our deck door. In recent winters, my husband has taken a liking to caring for these small creatures of God’s design. He daily checks their various feeders and expects birdseed to be part of the family budget.
Scripture speaks often of how God cares for and about these small creatures that, to us, often flit by unnoticed. For instance, Psalm 50:11 states, “I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine” (ESV).
Our Lord cares so much, indeed, that He assures us that they are cared for by His sovereign Hand, thereby assuring us as well of His providential care. “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:25-26, ESV).
And in Matthew 10:29, “are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father” (ESV).
With Scripture giving such attention to the fowl of the air, it makes perfect sense for them to be an object of directed study. What is available to help us delve deeper?
Start out by sharing an introductory picture book. A favorite of ours is Owl Moon. Increase interest by dissecting an owl pellet. Keep a field guide for your region close by the window to help in identifying and discussing various species. Listen to samples of their songs. Feeders are available that can attach up close on a window. Intricate coloring books, games, window clings, art projects, observation logs, and bird calls make the study fun and interesting. Practical life skills can be accomplished by building a feeder or birdhouse, whether with a kit or go deeper and more challenging. Start at the lumberyard! Or enter the kitchen and make a suet mixture for our hungry feathered friends.
In our home, nature studies like this have been fueled by visits to particular vendors while at the annual CHAP Convention. We especially love homeschool vendors like Nature’s Workshop Plus. Grandparents have given the gift of Nature Friend magazine, published by Nature’s Workshop Plus, and back issues continue to be treasured. While visiting a convention, there are so many neat gadgets to be found at a science booth—science experiments to try, supply kits for various experiments assigned in curricula, detailed learning posters, educational games, and intricate books.
How can you fuel enthusiasm for nature studies? Look for sessions and vendors that support your family’s science studies while attending the next CHAP Convention. Planned for May 12–13, 2023, at the York Expo Center, the theme will be “Teach me Your Way, O Lord, and lead me in a level path” (Psalm 27:11). Studying His creatures show us His ways, His creativity, His care, His omniscience. Join us!
CHAP Convention 2023 Insights
Rick Green will be the keynote speaker. His two keynotes are titled Hope is Alive and How America Can Again Be One Nation Under God.
Rick will also be offering six workshops.
Rick Green is known as America’s Constitution Coach. He is a former Texas State Representative, national speaker, author, and radio host. He and his family travel the nation bringing America’s forgotten history and heroes to life in fun and entertaining ways with an emphasis on our moral and constitutional heritage. Rick co-hosts the national daily radio program WallBuilders Live! with David Barton. Rick’s family also produced Chasing American Legends, an entertaining reality show, traveling with comedian Brad Stine as they investigate history’s mysteries and the American story.
Rick is the author and executive producer of Constitution Alive!, America’s most engaging and entertaining study of the U.S. Constitution, as well as Biblical Citizenship In Modern America, biblical instruction for a free people.
Rick and Kara, his wife, are founders of Patriot Academy—an elite leadership training program specializing in applied civics with a biblical, historical, and constitutional foundation. Through their more than 15,000 Constitution coaches, they are training and empowering adults across the nation to educate their communities about the Constitution.
Rick and Kara have four grown children and three grandchildren.
Check out his website at patriotacademy.com.
