Did you know one short nature study can teach a complete science lesson?
In just a few minutes, Cindy West of No Sweat Nature Study introduces seasonal science topics designed to spark curiosity in elementary and middle school learners. These quick lessons make it easy to fit meaningful science into your day—and they’re the perfect way to get a taste of the deeper learning in No Sweat Nature Study video classes.

For information about bonus materials, please visit https://ourjourneywestward.com/podcast.

Discover the parts of a sunflower seed, how germination begins, and what helps a tiny seed grow into a towering plant in this fun nature study episode for kids. In the companion <a href= "https://nosweatnaturestudy.com">video class about Sunflowers</a> included in the No Sweat Nature Study membership, students explore the sunflower’s life cycle, label its parts, and create a nature journal page inspired by Van Gogh’s famous sunflower art. Join No Sweat Nature Study at <a href="http://nosweatnaturestudy.com/">NoSweatNatureStudy.com</a>. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. Buy gift cards for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study →  <a href= "https://ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/"> ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift</a> Charter schools can purchase access to No Sweat Nature Study → <a href= "https://ourjourneywestward.com/charter/">ourjourneywestward.com/charter</a> Visit the <a href= "https://ourjourneywestward.com/sunflower-nature-study/">Sunflower show notes page</a> to see a sunflower field. <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/shop/ourjourneywestward/list/BCHY2WNJTWMS?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_XPC81DK3D5GB2Q8JMKWS"> Click here</a> for the list of nature book recommendations submitted by our listeners! Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

The No Sweat Nature Study Podcast

088. What's Inside a Sunflower Seed?

Which veggie wins the title of fastest-growing? Join Mrs. Cindy as we find out the answer and explore why some vegetables seem to grow almost overnight! In the companion <a href= "https://nosweatnaturestudy.com">True Vegetables Video Class</a> included in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, discover how true vegetables are different from fruits and how important they are to human nutrition. In your nature journal, you'll create a life cycle of a true vegetable, as well as a comparison of true vegetables and fruits. Join No Sweat Nature Study at <a href="http://nosweatnaturestudy.com/">NoSweatNatureStudy.com</a>. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. Buy gift cards for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study →  <a href= "https://ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/"> ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift</a> Charter schools can purchase access to No Sweat Nature Study → <a href= "https://ourjourneywestward.com/charter/">ourjourneywestward.com/charter</a> Visit the <a href= "https://ourjourneywestward.com/true-vegetables-nature-study/">True Vegetables show notes page</a> to see a radish! See the nature-themed booklist → <a href= "https://amzn.to/3HDA2Rk">book recommendations from YOU!</a> Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

087. What's the Fastest-Growing Vegetable

Join Mrs. Cindy to discover why peaches have a soft, fuzzy skin and how it helps them thrive in the summer heat. Learn about trichomes, their protective superpowers, and how each fruit has just what it needs to stay healthy. In the companion <a href= "https://nosweatnaturestudy.com">video class about peaches</a>, have even more juicy fun as you draw and label a peach’s parts, study its life cycle, and compare peaches to nectarines! Join No Sweat Nature Study at <a href="http://nosweatnaturestudy.com/">NoSweatNatureStudy.com</a>. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. Buy gift cards for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study →  <a href= "https://ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/"> ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift</a> Charter schools can purchase access to No Sweat Nature Study → <a href= "https://ourjourneywestward.com/charter/">ourjourneywestward.com/charter</a> Visit the <a href= "https://ourjourneywestward.com/peaches-nature-study/">Peaches show notes page</a> to see trichomes on the skin of a peach! Here are links to Mrs. Cindy's favorite <a href= "https://ourjourneywestward.com/picture-books-for-nature-study/">nature-themed picture books</a> and <a href= "https://ourjourneywestward.com/chapter-books-for-nature-study/">nature-themed chapter books</a>. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

086. Why Do Peaches Have Fuzzy Skin?

Learn about the impressive Pileated Woodpecker, compare it to the possibly extinct Imperial Woodpecker, and discover how these birds are built for powerful pecking. In the companion <a href= "https://nosweatnaturestudy.com">video class about woodpeckers</a>, explore the unique adaptations that help woodpeckers peck safely, cling to trees, and find food—all while creating a detailed nature journal page to record your discoveries. Join No Sweat Nature Study at <a href="http://nosweatnaturestudy.com/">NoSweatNatureStudy.com</a>. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. Buy gift cards for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study →  <a href= "https://ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/"> ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift</a> Charter schools can purchase access to No Sweat Nature Study → <a href= "https://ourjourneywestward.com/charter/">ourjourneywestward.com/charter</a> Visit the <a href= "https://ourjourneywestward.com/woodpecker-nature-study/">Woodpecker show notes page</a> to see a pileated woodpecker! Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)

Cindy West

The No Sweat Nature Study Podcast by Cindy West

Episodes