10 Must-Have Nature Study Supplies

If you're setting outdoors for a nature study, you'll need a few basics. These must-have nature study supplies will get you off on the right foot! 

Nature studies are one of my favorite things to do with my kids. I have a profound respect for nature, and very few things make me happier than to share the wonders of it with my children.

I don't set out to make every single outdoor experience a formal lesson, of course. Sometimes we hike just to hike, right? Even so, every hike shows us something we've never seen before. And maybe - just maybe - we end up researching more about the things we saw.

Education. This is how it naturally happens.

From nature walks to studying nature while you're on vacation, there are so many creative ideas for nature studies, but you need to be equipped for it. That's why I've created this list of must-have nature study supplies.

10 Must-Have Nature Study Supplies

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Backpack

No hike or nature study is complete without a backpack for carrying supplies.

Field Guides

Every naturalist needs field guides to for identifying  things in, and learning about, nature.

Binoculars

A pair of binoculars will allow you to get a good look at the world around you. There's nothing like a closeup view!

Compass

Learning to use a compass is important for your budding naturalist. Of course, you can use apps on your smartphone. But our children need to understand how to use a compass and keep one with them for when the phone battery dies.

Measuring Tape

How long is that leaf? What about that snake skin? That bear paw print? A measuring tape will give you that knowledge, which you can then document in your nature journal.

Art Supplies

• washable markers
• crayons
• watercolors Field Sketch Set
• colored pencils

That's just a starter list. Of course, if you have all your must-have art supplies for your homeschool, you're all set.

Magnifying Glass

Like binoculars, you'll need a magnifying glass to get a closer look at things.

Sketch Book

You can choose any type of sketch book. I like mixed media sketchbooks because they allow my kids to do all sorts of things in them.

Digital Camera

A camera is important. Not only will it help you document memories (photos of your kids exploring), but photos are useful for your studies, too. Take shots of just about anything. Then you'll have the photos for referencing later when you draw, paint, or create visual projects.

Containers and Protective Gear

Bags, baskets, tiny containers, quality hiking shoes, gloves - you'll need these for protection and gathering specimens, creepy crawlies, and whatever other neat things you find!

Read the fifth in my 5-post series, "25 Nature Study Activities for Winter."

>>Check the rest of this 5-day series:<<<
5 Wintertime Nature Study Ideas.