I was seriously planning on taking this week off from the Outdoor Hour Challenge and then I found a maple tree notebook page in my Publisher file that I had created and never used. So another bonus challenge this week for you!Please do not worry if you do not have a maple tree to observe and perhaps instead you would like to complete the Signs of Spring Challenge from last week or you can download the Spring Nature Walk sheet from my daughter's Hearts and Trees blog.
The official start to the Spring Series of Outdoor Hour Challenges will be next week, April 2nd.
Outdoor Hour Challenge
Spring Bonus Challenge-Maple Trees
Inside Preparation Work:
Read in the Handbook of Nature Study pages 628-634. Pay special attention to the section on page 629 where it talks about how maple trees change in the spring. Also on page 634 there are specific suggestions for spring observations of a maple tree.
Outdoor Hour Time:
Please note:
We will be doing our Year-Long Tree Study observations next week so save that tree for next time.
If you have a maple tree, spend some time making springtime observations. The Handbook of Nature Study suggests looking for the leaves and blossoms. On page 629 of the Handbook there is a photo of the sugar maple blossoms.
If you do not have a maple to observe, spend some time looking at any tree that perhaps has some buds forming or a tree that is just beginning to leaf out.
Follow-Up Time:
You can use the Maple Tree Study page provided below for your follow-up activity or you can sketch your maple tree right into your nature journal. The best way to follow up any maple tree study is to eat something with real maple syrup.
I have sent out all the Spring Nature Study with Art and Music Appreciation books that I have orders for at this time. If you did not receive your ebook for some reason, please email me and I will send it ASAP.
Have a great week!
Barb-Harmony Art Mom
