Nature journaling with kids

George Washington Carver once said, “Reading about nature is fine, but if a person walks in the woods and listens carefully, he can learn more than what is in books…” And I am inclined to agree with him. Our family spends time in nature daily. Because nature has so many benefits for us, we want to help inspire your family to do the same. 

Something we combine with our nature walks is nature journaling. It is one of our favorite things to do, especially when we have been busy or on the go. Nature journaling quiets us, helps us slow down, and restores peace in our day. Nature journaling’s multidisciplinary approach involves many subjects, so it appeals to a wide audience. And it works with different age groups and ability levels because there is not one way to do it. It’s open-ended and forgiving. 

Benefits of nature journaling

Connection to nature

There are so many benefits of nature journaling for kids. Perhaps most importantly, nature journaling inspires us to be outdoors and connects us with the natural world. It encourages curiosity about the world around us. We learn how to ask questions. And we discover how to seek out the answers to those questions through the help of those around us, books, websites, and documentaries. This sense of wonder not only enriches their educational experiences but also lays the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of nature. Nature journaling can be a gateway to science, ecology, and environmental stewardship, instilling a lifelong love for learning and discovery.

Observation skills

Nature journaling also teaches us how to observe with all our senses. We begin to see, hear, and even smell our surroundings like never before. As kids start to journal, they learn to observe the world around them in a whole new way. This heightened awareness not only deepens their connection to the environment but also nurtures essential scientific skills and curiosity. Through the process of sketching and describing what they see, children develop an acute attention to detail, honing their observation skills.

Fosters creativity

Additionally, nature journaling serves as a creative outlet, enhancing self-expression in children. Through drawings, descriptions, and personal reflections in their journals, children can freely express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in connection with nature. The act of recording our thoughts, ideas, and observations on paper makes them concrete and creates memories of our time in the great outdoors. 

Nature journaling supplies

To get started with nature journaling, you only need a few supplies, many of which you probably already have on hand. Nothing fancy or expensive is required for this activity, and all the supplies should fit comfortably in your backpack if you decide to take them with you. 

• Paper – We prefer blank pages rather than lined paper, but a lot of people also like graph paper. You can buy a blank notebook, nature journal, or DIY nature journal with completed pages. Journal pages can be kept in a notebook, loose in a folder, or added to a binder.
• Writing utensils – We prefer to use pencils, but some people like to use colorful pens or markers for writing and drawing.
• Adding color – Colored pencils are our go-to, but watercolors, crayons, markers, and even watercolor pencils work well.
• Camera (optional) – Whether a fancy DSLR, a phone camera, or a simple Polaroid, adding photos to your nature journal from your adventures can enhance the experience.
• Magnifying glass, binoculars, or pocket microscope – These items help kids observe details of any natural object close up and get a better sense of the intricacies of nature. 
• Field guides or identification apps – We use these to help us identify what types of flora or fauna we’re observing. iNaturalist is a great app for identifying plants and flowers. We also have a laminated field guide for common birds in our area. 

One family journal or individuals?

My kids and I each have our own nature journal. When they were small, I had one for the family that I kept and maintained. However, as they got older, they wanted their own journals to be customized as they saw fit. If you have older children, nature journals and supplies make great gifts and are a fun way to help encourage kids to spend more time outside. 

Getting started with nature journaling

There’s no time like the present to start incorporating nature journaling into your outdoor routine. If you don’t currently spend a lot of time outdoors, let nature journaling be the catalyst for changing that! It’s a creative way to combine learning, creativity, and outdoor adventure. 

To get started, I recommend that you choose a location that’s easily accessible and abundant in natural elements. This could be a local park, nature reserve, or even your backyard. Encourage children to explore and observe their surroundings, paying attention to the colors, textures, and sounds of nature.

When introducing kids to nature journaling, make it fun and focus more on the exploration and discovery of nature than on their artistic ability. Begin with simple activities like identifying and sketching common plants or animals, and gradually progress to more detailed observations. Encourage them to use their senses – touch, smell, and sound – to deepen their connection with the environment. Making it more about playing outside is an easy way for them to connect journaling with fun.

Make sure to keep a non-judgmental attitude towards their drawings and notes, emphasizing the process of observation over creating perfect representations. By keeping the experience light-hearted and fun, children are more likely to develop a genuine enthusiasm for nature journaling, making it a fun activity and not a chore. 

When to use your nature journal

Setting aside dedicated time for nature journaling ensures that the experience becomes a regular and anticipated part of their routine, providing a consistent opportunity for connection with the outdoors. But there’s no one perfect way to journal – it’s up to each person to journal as fits their needs and schedule. 

You may choose to bring your journaling supplies with you when you go outdoors (even in your own backyard), but you can nature journal when you get home as a way of taking inventory of all the memories you made, plants and animals you saw, and adventures you braved. 

Some people even like to do their nature journaling before heading out to explore, researching the things they might encounter or observe while at a particular location. We have been known to pull out our nature journals on a rainy day and take off on a virtual adventure through a book or documentary. 

If you choose to do your nature journaling in the field, it is helpful to find a spot to sit that’s comfortable, safe, and off the beaten path. It’s an excellent way to take a mindfulness break and enjoy the moment. If you have young children in tow, you might also need to pull out some snacks to keep them occupied while you all journal (and make it fun!). Keep your expectations simple, and start small. 

What to include in your nature journal

Nature journaling is all about documenting your observations in nature, but there’s no one right way to do this. The sky’s the limit for what to include on the pages of your journal. Because the options are virtually endless, we have a list of some ideas below to avoid the “blank page problem” that sometimes makes it challenging to get started. 

Three very general things to include are (1) information, (2) illustrations, and (3) photographs. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways and works for people of differing ages and abilities. 

Nature journal prompts and ideas

• Include a short paragraph of information recounting your observations might include the things you see, hear, smell, or feel around you.
• Include common names and scientific names of the plants you find in nature. This is a fun project for older kids to get them familiar with how the scientific naming process works. 
• Bullet points are my favorite way to jot down observations quickly. You can always go back and add more detail later.
• Write a poem to describe your entire experience or one animal, plant, fungi, river, sunset, etc that you observed. We especially love acrostic poems, haikus, and shape poems (calligrams).
• Compose a story based on your explorations. Both fiction and non-fiction stories capture moments from your adventures to preserve them as memories.
• Create simple illustrations of your surroundings as a whole or in part, which leads to further research after your outdoor experience. This means learning about different species of living things or landmarks you saw.
• Combine nature journaling with a scavenger hunt, where kids are tasked with finding (and recording) certain items. 

Details and tactile experiences

Kids can incorporate details such as the date, time, location, season or time of year, and weather conditions during their outdoor adventures. This not only adds context to their entries but also introduces the concept of tracking changes in nature across different seasons.

Encourage them to collect and attach found objects like leaves, feathers, seed pods, or pressed flowers to their journals, creating a tactile and interactive dimension to their records. It adds so many fun textures and different colors to your nature journal.

You could also do bark and leaf rubbings on the trail directly into your nature journal. We like doing these to help us identify species of trees and plants we didn’t know previously. This is especially great for younger children who want to be involved but may not be able to read or write yet. 

Nature journaling for kids

Nature journaling is a simple yet powerful activity that opens the doors to a world of exploration and creativity for kids. Its open-ended nature allows children to document their unique journey into the natural world over time, filled with their unique observations, thoughts, and reflections. There’s no right or wrong way to journal, making it a fun family activity for recording your nature observations and cultivating a love of nature. 

Not only is nature journaling an affordable endeavor, requiring only basic supplies like a sketchbook and pencils, but it also offers the flexibility to be anything a child envisions it to be and can be done at any age! Nature journaling can be done before, during, or after your adventures. It can be as quick and simple or as detailed and intricate as your time and interest level dictates.

For our family, the best things about nature journaling are our time together outdoors and the memories we get to relive and enjoy each time we open up our notebooks and lovingly flip through the pages. So, grab some paper, step outside, and let the adventure of nature journaling unfold.

Additional resources for nature journaling

Nature journaling with kids is a great idea, especially if you’re looking for a wonderful activity that seamlessly combines creativity and outdoor exploration. If you’re interested in learning more about nature journaling or how to get kids started, here are a few of our favorite resources on this topic and recommendations:

• How to Find a Nature Sit Spot
• John Muir Laws (Guide to Nature Drawing & Journaling)
• Nature Notebook
• 100 Nature Journal Prompts for Kids
• How to Press Flowers for Nature Journaling
• Free Scavenger Hunt Bundle for Kids

About the author

Laura is an ecology writer and the founder of Firefly Nature School, a nature study curriculum designed for homeschooling families, co-ops, and classrooms. Laura has a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Ecology from Iowa State University with an emphasis in natural resource education. A former wildlife conservation educator and upper school science teacher, she now directs School of the Wild, a local nature school serving her community. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family, hiking, running, writing, reading, and cooking. Laura lives with her husband and their three children in the beautiful Ozarks countryside.

Find more from Laura in the following locations:
Website: Firefly Nature School
Instagram: @fireflynatureschool
Facebook: Firefly Nature School
RWMC posts: Laura Stroup

The post Getting Started with Nature Journaling for Kids appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

Exploring the beauty of the season

As the crisp breeze of autumn transforms the landscape, it brings a spectacular display of vibrant hues adorning the trees. For curious young minds, fall leaves hold more than just seasonal beauty. They conceal a secret world of hidden colors waiting to be discovered.

Today, we invite young scientists (and their parents) to embark on an exciting journey of exploration through the captivating realm of chromatography, unlocking the mysteries of nature’s palette right from the comfort of home. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of chromatography and guide young enthusiasts through a simple and engaging experiment. Unleash your inner scientist, and let the colors of fall leaves tell their unique tales of nature’s artistry!

What is chromatography?

Chromatography is a technique used to separate and identify components within a mixture. In the context of fall leaves and their vivid hues, chromatography acts as a scientific detective, revealing the hidden pigments responsible for the kaleidoscope of colors in fall leaves.

This process capitalizes on the principle that different substances in a mixture travel at different rates through a medium, such as paper or a chromatography strip. As a solvent moves through the paper, it carries the pigments along, causing them to separate based on their unique chemical properties. By examining the distinct patterns left behind, scientists can unravel the composition of complex mixtures, offering a valuable tool not only for understanding the science of colors in nature but also for applications ranging from forensics to pharmaceuticals.

By understanding the science behind chromatography, kids can do hands-on experiments (like the one we’re sharing below!) that not only reveal the hidden pigments in leaves but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the natural world. Are you ready?

How do trees prepare for winter?

Like the people and animals around them, deciduous trees prepare themselves for winter. Each fall, deciduous trees undergo a fascinating transformation to prepare for the challenges of the colder months. As part of nature’s strategic planning, deciduous trees meticulously withdraw energy from their leaves, the very organs that had been the source of their lush greenery throughout spring and summer.

As the days grow shorter, leaves lose more chlorophyll. You probably know chlorophyll as the green pigment that helps leaves absorb the sunlight they need for photosynthesis. As the remaining chlorophyll breaks down inside the leaves, other hidden colors are revealed. Cold weather early in autumn and/or dry conditions over the summer months may make for less than spectacular shows of color and early leaf drop.

This withdrawal is facilitated by the formation of an abscission layer, a specialized zone that develops at the base of each leaf’s stem. As daylight wanes and temperatures drop, the tree recognizes these cues and triggers the production of a hormone called abscisic acid. This hormone signals the cells in the abscission layer to expand, effectively sealing off the connection between the leaf and the tree. The once-nurturing relationship comes to an end, and the leaf is left to gracefully fall to the ground.

What colors are in the leaves?

Leaves are green from chlorophyll, but they also contain lesser-known pigments like brown tannins, yellow xanthophylls, and gold and orange carotenoids. What makes the ravishing red and purple shades like those of the red maple, pin oak, and sweetgum? 

Anthocyanins, in combination with what remains of the chlorophyll, are responsible for those beauties. The anthocyanins are created as the leaves make sugars during fall’s warm sunny days. As night falls and the temperatures cool, the sugars are changed to red and purple pigments. 

Conduct your own chromatography experiment

You can solve a chem-mystery to figure out what colors a particular tree is hiding in its leaves. For this activity, we will focus on gathering a variety of leaves from different tree species and using the chemistry of chromatography to reveal the hues normally covered by chlorophyll for most of the year. 

Begin by taking a nature walk, noticing the colors, and collecting leaves from different trees. We like to do this experiment with green leaves, but you can use leaves of other colors. It’s best to pick leaves from trees that are on your own property or leaves that you have permission to pick.

Chromatography supplies

Paper chromatography is how you will separate the different colors in the leaves you gather by using a solvent (in this case, isopropyl alcohol) and a paper strip. Remember, most leaves have a few different colors hiding in them, even if you see only one color.

For this activity, you will need:

1. A variety of leaves – keep track of the species
2. Isopropyl alcohol 
3. Glass jars (the number of jars depends on how many leaf species you collect)
4. Pencils
5. Tape
6. Scissors
7. Coffee filter or absorbent paper towel

Breaking down the leaves

You will need to make a mixture with the leaves. Choose one species of leaf, and select your method of breaking your leaves into small pieces. You can use your hands to tear them, a mortar and pestle to grind them, scissors to cut them, or a blender or food processor to mulch them into tiny pieces (the latter being my kids’ favorite option). 

The goal is to have enough leaf pieces to cover the bottom of your jar. 

Put your leaf pieces into the bottom of a glass jar. Pour enough isopropyl alcohol into the jar to cover the leaves. Slowly swish the jar around to mix up the solution. The leaves will break down a bit, so their color molecules will mix in with the alcohol. Making sure the pieces are tiny helps this process along. 

Revealing the colors

Let the jar with leaf bits and alcohol rest while you make your filter strips. Cut a one-inch wide strip through the length of a coffee filter or the width of a rectangle of paper towel. Roll the end of the strip around a pencil, and rest the pencil across the top of the jar. The dangling end of the strip should be just barely dipped into the leaf/alcohol mixture. 

Once you have your setup complete, leave the jars for several hours. The different color pigments in the solution that you made will take different amounts of time to “crawl” up the filter paper due to the different molecules found in each. This results in the colors separating out into visible stripes in different locations along the length of the paper.

Reading your results and extending the lesson

As young scientists dip these leaves into a solvent during the chromatography experiment, they witness the mesmerizing separation of pigments on the chromatography paper. The resulting patterns are akin to a colorful fingerprint, revealing the distinct chemical makeup of each leaf.

Check your filter strips to see what color pigments are in your leaves. Did you find anything that surprised you? You may have found several shades of greens, oranges, browns, or yellows.

To translate this scientific exploration into a prediction for fall colors, kids can carefully observe and record the patterns obtained from the chromatography experiment. By noting the number, intensity, and positions of the separated pigments, they create a chromatographic profile for each type of leaf.

If you do this experiment in the summer or early fall BEFORE the leaves change colors, kids can make connections between these profiles and the forthcoming fall foliage. As fall approaches and the leaves begin to change color, children can revisit their chromatographic findings and correlate the presence of specific pigments with the colors they observe in the leaves outside.

For instance, if a particular pigment in the chromatography experiment corresponds to a rich red hue, spotting that pigment in the chromatographic profile could indicate a likelihood of red leaves appearing on the trees during autumn. This analytical approach transforms the chromatography experiment into a predictive tool, empowering kids to anticipate and appreciate the kaleidoscope of fall colors based on the unique chemical signatures unveiled in their chromatographic investigations.

Get outside and enjoy the season

Be sure to get outside and take an autumn nature walk to enjoy nature’s colors. Take photos of trees that catch your eye, or draw them in your nature journal. You can even save the leaves themselves and press them to dry them out. This allows you to store the leaves without them crumbling to pieces.

Here are a few additional fun fall posts you might be interested in:

• Fall leaves and nature crafts
• Must take fall photos
• Fall and winter books for kids
• Favorite fall recipes for families
• 100 outdoor fall activities for kids

Which fall colors are the most prevalent in your region?
Which shades are your favorites?

About the author

Laura is an ecology writer and the founder of Firefly Nature School, a nature study curriculum designed for homeschooling families, co-ops, and classrooms. Laura has a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Ecology from Iowa State University with an emphasis in natural resource education. A former wildlife conservation educator and upper school science teacher, she now directs School of the Wild, a local nature school serving her community. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family, hiking, running, writing, reading, and cooking. Laura lives with her husband and their three children in the beautiful Ozarks countryside.

Find more from Laura in the following locations:
Website: Firefly Nature School
Instagram: @fireflynatureschool
Facebook: Firefly Nature School
RWMC posts: Laura Stroup

The post Using Chromatography to Find Fall Leaf Colors appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

WILD Mag

Welcome to the world of exploration and adventure with WILD Mag, the ultimate digital monthly subscription magazine designed to ignite the curiosity of young minds and families about the wonders of nature and the great outdoors. Bursting with vibrant colors and brimming with educational materials and engaging activities, WILD Mag is a gateway to a world of discovery, where children can embark on thrilling journeys through the wilderness, while simultaneously learning about the fascinating ecosystems that surround us. Get ready to dive into an immersive experience that will inspire a lifelong love for nature and foster a deeper connection to the natural world – all from the comfort of your own home!

What’s WILD Mag all about? 

The mission of the WILD Mag is to inspire a love for the natural world by helping educate families about different nature topics and encouraging them to go outdoors to explore together. With a new topic each month, you’re sure to learn lots and have fun doing it. 

An inexpensive digital resource, the WILD Mag is available by monthly subscription at Chickie and Roo Homeschool. If you aren’t ready to commit to a subscription, individual issues can easily be purchased HERE. Lauren Giordano from Chickie and Roo Homeschool, Stephanie Hathaway from Stephanie Hathaway Designs, and Laura Stroup from Firefly Nature School comprise the WILD Mag’s creative team.

Each month, you receive a 60(ish)-page digital magazine sent directly to your inbox. You can opt to print the magazine at home or have it printed by a print shop. Another economical option is to use the magazine’s digital resources from your phone, computer, or tablet and only print out the consumable pages for activities.

How to use the WILD Mag

The beauty of the WILD Mag rests in its simplicity. Open it up, and begin. Or preview and plan out a section to complete each week during your morning time, nature study, or science class.

The WILD Mag’s target audience includes kindergarten through sixth grade. Students in the older range of this age spectrum might enjoy reading through the articles and completing activities more independently, while younger kids can work with older siblings or with a parent, caregiver, or teacher. Families also enjoy perusing the magazine together as small sections of text deliver lots of information, and activities can be easily adapted for different age levels. 

If your kids are part of the early learner crowd, a WILD Mag Jr. might be more your speed. Geared toward preschool-aged kids, it shares a theme with the regular WILD Mag. But instead of exploring multiple facets of a nature topic, it focuses on just one aspect and includes something to read, ask, learn, solve, draw, find, make, and show. 

What’s in each issue?

Each issue of the WILD Mag contains more than enough information to have an entire unit study right at your fingertips. Every issue also includes a book list, along with links to related documentaries, helpful videos, and interesting websites (all with kids in mind) makes putting outside additional resources (beyond the magazine) together a snap. 

The digital magazine is filled with beautiful illustrations, including posters and diagrams, accompanying short bursts of informative text, followed by hands-on activities that may include crafts, games, experiments, recipes, projects, and nature journaling prompts, among others. These “your turn” sections encourage observation, nature walks, outdoor time, play, and family connections. 

Drawing tutorials, picture studies, vocabulary words, crossword puzzles, poetry, coloring pages, and word searches round out the WILD Mag experience. Plus, there are opportunities for your child to be featured in the monthly issues when you tag or share with the creative team the different projects and activities they enjoyed working on. 

Who is the WILD Mag for?

One of the most common questions about the WILD Mag is whether it focuses solely on North America since that’s where its creators reside. The short answer is no. The WILD Mag’s design features amazing aspects of science and nature from around the globe. The multi-country subscriber base can attest to that.

Including a variety of topics that highlight Earth’s different regions helps families see the ways in which nature connects us all. You only need to glance through past WILD Mag topics to see the biodiversity included. The magazine has previously covered topics such as mountains, coral reefs, horses, marsupials, and the solar system, plus many others. Be sure to check out the archives for a full list of topics if there’s something, in particular, you’re studying! 

WILD Mag highlights

1. Bright, colorful illustrations welcome young naturalists to turn the pages.
2. Short sections make information easily digestible for elementary and middle school readers.
3. Interactive projects encourage the application of knowledge. 
4. Fun, practical activities foster learning. 
5. Nature walks inspire a connection to the natural world. 

Benefits of learning with the WILD Mag

Introducing children to the wonders of nature through a digital magazine like WILD Mag offers numerous benefits that go beyond just educational value. Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Interactive learning experience: With a digital magazine, children can enjoy an interactive learning experience that goes beyond static text. Engaging elements like diagrams, images, and multimedia help in better understanding complex concepts related to ecosystems, biodiversity, wildlife, and more. The magazine’s hands-on activities, lessons, crafts, and games ignite curiosity and a sense of wonder about the natural world. This encourages children to ask questions, explore further, and seek answers, fostering a lifelong love for learning and nature.

2. Visual stimulation: Visuals have a powerful impact on learning, especially for young minds. High-quality illustrations and graphics in the magazine bring the natural world to life, making it easier for kids to connect with and retain information.

3. Promotes environmental awareness: Learning about nature and its intricate ecosystems instills a sense of environmental consciousness in children. They become aware of the delicate balance of ecosystems, the importance of biodiversity, and the need for conservation efforts. As children learn about ecosystems and their interconnectedness, they develop a sense of empowerment, knowing that they can make a positive impact on the environment through their actions and choices.
4. Encourages outdoor exploration: While a digital magazine is accessible from anywhere, it often inspires outdoor exploration. Children may want to venture into nature to observe wildlife, identify plants, and experience the lessons they’ve learned firsthand.
5. Inclusivity and accessibility: A digital format ensures that educational materials are accessible to a wider audience, regardless of their location or circumstances, promoting inclusivity in learning. Digital magazines offer the convenience of access on various devices, making it easy for kids and families to explore nature’s wonders anytime and anywhere that suits their schedule.
6. Holistic development: Learning about nature encompasses various subjects, such as biology, geography, geology, and climate science. This multidisciplinary approach promotes well-rounded development and critical thinking skills.

The WILD Mag provides a captivating platform for kids to delve into the enchanting world of nature. Its immersive and interactive content nurtures a passion for the greatoors, encourages a sense of environmental responsibility, and equips the next generation with knowledge and appreciation for the natural world that surrounds them.

WILD Mag themes for 2023-24

Each year, the WILD Mag team shares a list of future topics to help subscribers plan their school year and summer holidays. This year’s topics have recently been revealed. 

• August – Tropical rainforest
• September – Apples
• October – Bears
• November – Winter dormancy
• December – Math in nature
• January – Puffins
• February – Trees
• March – Whales
• April – Naked mole rats
• May – Colors in nature
• June – Monotremes
• July – Urban nature

Learn about nature with WILD Mag

It’s no secret that nature study lends itself to multiple learning styles and an interdisciplinary approach. The WILD Mag focuses on ecological relationships, zoology, and other sciences in addition to sprinkling in math, reading, writing, geography, history, art, and physical education. Basically, there’s something for everyone and everything for someone.

If you would like to try out the WILD Mag, you can grab a free sample by clicking HERE and scrolling to the sample section.

Happy exploring!

Be sure to check out WILD Mag and learn something new with your kids today! 

About the author

Laura is an ecology writer and the founder of Firefly Nature School, a nature study curriculum designed for homeschooling families, co-ops, and classrooms. Laura has a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Ecology from Iowa State University with an emphasis in natural resource education. A former wildlife conservation educator and upper school science teacher, she now directs School of the Wild, a local nature school serving her community. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family, hiking, running, writing, reading, and cooking. Laura lives with her husband and their three children in the beautiful Ozarks countryside.

Find more from Laura in the following locations:
Website: Firefly Nature School
Instagram: @fireflynatureschool
Facebook: Firefly Nature School
RWMC posts: Laura

The post Exploring Nature with the WILD Mag appeared first on RUN WILD MY CHILD.

What is a pocket microscope?

Pocket microscopes are so named because they easily fit inside the pocket of your clothing or backpack. Their small size and light weight make them a good choice to take on a nature walk or hike. They are also sturdy and relatively simple to operate.

Once you learn how to use them, you can teach your kids to do the same. Soon, you’ll wonder what everything looks like magnified under the microscope.

Best pocket microscopes for kids

There are many pocket microscope brands on the market. Prices range from $10-$50. And maybe the best part of small microscopes is the small price tag. Many can be purchased for under $20. They make great stocking stuffers or birthday gifts for your kids or their friends. You can even purchase small cases for your microscope for extra protection and battery storage when transporting them. If your kids jump, climb, and tumble on a nature walk like mine do, then the storage case might be worth the extra cost. 

When choosing a pocket microscope, there are many features you can consider, including, size, magnification ability, camera function, light, and durability. Here are a few choices for a great pocket microscope for kids: 

• Carson Microbrite Plus
• Carson Microflip
• Carson Pocket Micro
• Carson Micro Mini
• APEXEL Digital Microscope with LCD Screen
• USB Digital Microscope

The one we use is the Carson Microbrite Plus. As is the case with many other brands, it has a light, zoom, focus ring, eyepiece, and lens. This particular microscope can zoom in anywhere from 60 to 120 times magnification.

Starting with a pocket microscope

Many people feel intimidated when they first use a microscope, but starting with a pocket microscope can make the process seem less daunting, especially when you’re going to teach your kids how to use it, too.

Eventually, when you move on to a larger microscope down the road, you will already have microscope basics under your belt. And teaching your kids what you’ve learned will provide them with an invaluable skill they can use throughout their education. 

How to use a pocket microscope

To begin, you will want to keep the microscope on a flat surface. Then, find something around you worth a close-up look. A piece of fabric, napkin, hair, even your phone screen will work. And placing a light-colored paper or plate under the object will make it easier to view with your microscope.

Turn on your microscope’s light, and place the scope on the object so the lens is over the top of what you want to see. Make sure the zoom adjustment is on its lowest power. For example, if the zoom adjustment goes from 60x to 120x, you’ll want it set to 60x. 

Now it’s time to take a peek. Put your dominant eye up to the eyepiece on top of the microscope and look through while closing your other eye. Likely, the image will be blurry. While looking through the eyepiece and holding the microscope still, slowly turn the focus ring until the object comes clearly into view.

Once you see it, wow! It only gets better by zooming in closer. Move the zoom to the highest power, and again, use the focus ring to see the image clearly, with even more detail this time. 

What can you do with a pocket microscope?

Practice with different items around the house until you feel confident passing your newfound skills to your kids, with the eventual goal of taking your microscope outside with you and using it for all the things you find on your nature walks!

When you’ve had a lot of experience manipulating the zoom adjustment and focus ring, you can even use the pocket microscope up against a tree or flower, as long as you’re able to hold it steady and the object you’re looking at doesn’t move around. 

Looking at nature finds

Some of our favorite nature treasures to view with a microscope are:

• sand
• soil
• butterfly wings
• insect legs
• bark
• lichens
• moss
• flower petals
• seeds
• broad leaves
• needle leaves
• algae
• droplets of pond water

Benefits of using a pocket microscope in nature

Using a microscope in nature really helps you to slow down and appreciate the intricacies and details of things you see every single day. You’ll literally stop to smell and see the roses (and all the other flowers along the trail as well).

It also gives your kids invaluable and concrete STEM skills. But more than that, it nurtures their creativity, curiosity, and imagination. It instills a sense of wonder.

The plethora of features to see on even the tiniest bit of nature is surprising. Hairs and pores dot leaves and insect legs, scales cover butterfly wings, jagged edges surround bits of sand, and minute creatures scurry in soil and pond water.

Add a pocket microscope to your next outdoor adventure

You can hone your observation skills by doing simple nature journaling activities while using your microscope. Draw and label items that you see while out in nature. Then, look at the same items again, but under the microscope. Draw another illustration of what the object looks like close-up. What details did you notice after using the microscope that you did not see originally? 

Pocket microscopes are fun tools to use when you go hiking on a trail or around your neighborhood. Usually, my backpack ends up holding ALL the things on a hike – water bottles, rocks, sticks, bones, you name it.

Since these microscopes aren’t heavy or awkward, kids don’t mind carrying them and rather enjoy having them close by to grab when the notion strikes.

Toting a microscope in their pocket and having easy access to it on a hike just makes sense. You’ll probably even find yourself asking your kids if you can use it, too. 

Have you ever used a pocket microscope?

About the author

Laura is an ecology writer and the founder of Firefly Nature School, a nature study curriculum designed for homeschooling families, co-ops, and classrooms. Laura has a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Ecology from Iowa State University with an emphasis in natural resource education. A former wildlife conservation educator and upper school science teacher, she now directs School of the Wild, a local nature school serving her community. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family, hiking, running, writing, reading, and cooking. Laura lives with her husband and their three children in the beautiful Ozarks countryside.

Find more from Laura in the following locations:
Website: Firefly Nature School
Instagram: @fireflynatureschool
Facebook: Firefly Nature School
RWMC posts: Laura

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