"A Sense of Wonder"  Homeschool Unit

“A Sense of Wonder” is a Unit with 5 classes. (Classes are on each Tuesday from Oct. 7th - Nov. 4th)

Oct. 7th: Nature’s Five S
tep into the outdoors and experience nature in a whole new way! Through fun, hands-on activities, participants will explore the forest and stream using sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. We’ll observe colors and patterns, listen to wildlife calls, breathe in the scent of flowers and leaves, feel textures from smooth stones to rough bark, and use their imagination to connect their sense of smell. This class encourages curiosity, sharpens observation skills, and deepens appreciation for the natural world. It’s a sensory adventure that brings learning to life.

Oct. 14th: Shutter Bugs
Step into the world of animals and plants by seeing nature from their perspective! In this hands-on class, we’ll explore how different creatures experience the world — how an animal's eye placement matters and how a deer senses movement, to how plants “feel” the sun and respond to their surroundings. Through fun activities and guided observation, participants will discover the unique ways living things interact with their environment and gain a deeper understanding of the natural world. By exploring how animals perceive the world, students will participate in nature photography activities designed to inspire and nurture the creativity and skills of emerging young photographers.

Oct. 21st: Nature Notes
Dive into the world of wildlife by reimagining a single scene from the viewpoints of various animals—like an eagle soaring high or an ant navigating the forest floor. Through drawing and observation, you’ll explore how perspective shapes what animals see, hear, and experience. This activity sharpens your awareness of the natural world and challenges you to think beyond human perception, fostering a deeper connection to the environment. So, grab your pencils and get ready to explore and observe the natural world closely and record what you see, hear, and feel through drawing and writing. Nature journaling helps you notice tiny details, track changes in plants and animals, and express your thoughts and questions about the outdoors. It’s a creative way to connect with nature and make your own special nature story.

Oct. 28th: Wild about Forest Matter
Experience the magic of fall while discovering how the three states of matter—solids, liquids, and gases—are all around us in the forest and stream! As leaves change color and fall to the ground, and streams carry crisp autumn water, participants will explore rocks and soil (solids), flowing water and rain (liquids), and the cool fall air and morning mist (gases). Along the way, we’ll learn how animals adapt to these seasonal changes—like growing thicker fur or preparing for migration—and how these adaptations help them survive in a changing environment. This hands-on outdoor class connects science concepts to seasonal cycles and animal behavior, bringing autumn in nature to life.

Nov. 4th: Sequence and Patterns in Nature
Join us outdoors to discover the fascinating patterns and sequences all around us in nature! From the spirals of pinecones and the arrangement of leaves to the rhythms of animal behaviors and seasonal changes, this class invites participants to observe, identify, and understand how patterns help living things grow, survive, and thrive. Through hands-on activities and guided exploration, learners will connect math and science concepts with the natural world in a fun and engaging way.

Price: $10/ person per class Drop down option: $50/ person for all 5 classes in the Unit
Date: Tuesdays, Oct. 7th, Oct. 14th, Oct. 21st, Oct. 28th, Nov. 4th) ages 3-7 (10am-12pm) ages 8-14 (1pm-3pm)
Location: Nature as Teacher Preserve 247 Chestnut Ferry Road Camden, SC 29020

Classes are non-refundable except in the case of cancellation by the provider.

Contact: For questions, contact Aebranh@clemson.edu