You may have heard the phrase "crocodile tears" , but what does it mean? In this episode, discover whether crocodiles shed real tears, and if so, why. 🐊 In the companion Alligators & Crocodiles Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study membership, you'll discover the similarities and differences between alligators and crocodiles, explore their habitats and behaviors, and create a nature journal comparison page about the differences between these fierce reptiles. Join No Sweat Nature Stu...
Mar 10, 2025•13 min•Ep 81•Transcript available on Metacast Have you heard the whistling wind? How about the howling, roaring, or humming wind? Learn how the wind creates these sounds through air movement during this episode. Plus, wow your friends with scientific words like turbulence and the Aeolian effect! Explore earth science, geography, and weather in the video class about wind as we discover how wind forms, shapes weather patterns, and can be harnessed as a natural energy source! Join No Sweat Nature Study at NoSweatNatureStudy.com . Use the code ...
Feb 25, 2025•13 min•Ep 80•Transcript available on Metacast Discover how beloved author and illustrator Barbara Cooney infused her stories with the beauty of nature. In this episode, we explore her life, her inspirations, and the special connections between her books and nature study! Join us for a special No Sweat Nature Study video class where we’ll explore Barbara Cooney’s breathtaking illustrations and uncover how she used nature to bring her stories to life. Students will compare her artwork across books and create nature journal pages inspired by h...
Feb 10, 2025•14 min•Ep 79•Transcript available on Metacast Did you know diamonds can be pink, blue, or even black? In this sparkling episode, kids will learn what gives diamonds their colors and the meaning behind fancy diamonds! Explore earth science, chemistry, and math in the video class about diamonds as we discover how diamonds form, relate to the rock cycle, and shine with incredible strength! Join No Sweat Nature Study at NoSweatNatureStudy.com . Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. Buy gift cards for friends...
Jan 27, 2025•15 min•Ep 78•Transcript available on Metacast Brace yourself for an earth-shaking journey as we explore the most powerful earthquake ever recorded. Discover fascinating facts about seismologists and the Richter scale, too! Learn how and why earthquakes occur in the companion Earthquakes Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study membership. Be ready to create a nifty diagram of tectonic plates, fault lines, and seismic waves! Join No Sweat Nature Study at NoSweatNatureStudy.com . Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a...
Jan 13, 2025•13 min•Ep 77•Transcript available on Metacast Discover the fascinating reasons behind the enormous size of bald eagle nests and learn how bald eagles build them. Also, enjoy exciting new features like The Science Snicker and a fun 3, 2, 1 Quiz to kick off the new year! In the companion Bald Eagles Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study membership, learn about the amazing characteristics and behaviors of these incredible birds of prey while creating a nature journal page! Join No Sweat Nature Study at NoSweatNatureStudy.com . Use ...
Dec 30, 2024•15 min•Ep 76•Transcript available on Metacast Discover the fascinating history and traditions of the Yule log, from its roots as a burning log for winter warmth to the sweet French bûche de Noël cake. Learn how this holiday custom connects to the winter solstice and nature's seasonal rhythms! In the companion video class about The Shortest Day of the Year , included in the No Sweat Nature Study membership, discover how the tilt of the earth and its orbit affect the seasons, climate, and the length of light each day - all while creating a sc...
Dec 10, 2024•14 min•Ep 75•Transcript available on Metacast Learn about the Theridiidae spiders, often called cobweb spiders, and the tangled webs they create. These messy but fascinating webs might surprise you when you hear how they connect to the shimmering tinsel often found on Christmas trees! In the companion The Cobweb Christmas Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, l earn how cobwebs contribute to biodiversity, discover fascinating facts about harmless and venomous cobweb spiders, and create a nature journal page to c...
Nov 25, 2024•13 min•Ep 74•Transcript available on Metacast This cranberry nature study is perfect for your autumn science lessons about the harvest season, Thanksgiving, or Christmas! In the companion video class about cranberries , included in the No Sweat Nature Study membership, 1st-8th graders will understand the life cycle of cranberries that grow uniquely in bogs. Learn why cranberries bounce, see how they are harvested, and discover their importance in agriculture and cuisine. Join No Sweat Nature Study Membership at NoSweatNatureStudy.com . Use ...
Nov 11, 2024•13 min•Ep 73•Transcript available on Metacast Corn isn’t just tasty; it comes in a rainbow of colors! Discover why corn kernels can be yellow, white, purple, red, and even blue in this seasonal science episode! In the companion Video Class about Maize included in the No Sweat Nature Study membership, discover the life cycle of maize, its unique history around the world, and the many ways it can be used - all while creating a beautiful nature journal page. NEW MEMBERS can use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly members...
Oct 28, 2024•13 min•Ep 72•Transcript available on Metacast Kangaroos are incredible creatures, and their unique mode of movement is not just fun to watch but also an efficient way for them to get around the vast Australian landscape. Join Mrs. Cindy as she dives into the science behind why hopping is so energy-efficient for kangaroos and how their strong legs, giant feet, and tails are perfectly designed for this movement. In the companion Marsupials Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study membership , learn about various types of marsupials a...
Oct 07, 2024•12 min•Ep 71•Transcript available on Metacast Have you ever spotted a striking orange and black butterfly fluttering through your garden? That was likely a monarch butterfly! Milkweed, the monarch butterfly’s favorite plant, is vital to their life cycle. But why do monarch butterflies love milkweed so much? In this episode, we’ll uncover the special connection between monarchs and milkweed that helps these butterflies thrive. In the companion Monarch Butterflies Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study membership, discover the life...
Sep 23, 2024•13 min•Ep 70•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast, Mrs. Cindy takes kids on a journey inside the human body to explore the fascinating role of cells. Children will be amazed to learn that their bodies contain more cells than people on Earth! In the companion Animal Cells Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study membership, understand the functions and structure of animal cells as you create and label your own. Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com . Use the code N...
Sep 09, 2024•11 min•Ep 69•Transcript available on Metacast Explore the concept of biomimicry, where nature's designs inspire human innovation. This episode delves into STEM as we discuss science, technology, and engineering. Learn how one engineer in the 1940s imitated a natural plant process to create new technology! In the companion Nature's Tech Wonders Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study membership, explore the various technologies that assist in animal care and conservation. See how a tracking device works and how technology can be us...
Aug 26, 2024•12 min•Ep 68•Transcript available on Metacast Explore an incredible mutualistic symbiotic friendship in nature as you discover the fascinating bond between clownfish and sea anemones! In the companion Symbiosis Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, learn other examples of mutualistic symbiosis, such as the relationship between bees and flowers. Plus, discover commensalism and parasitism – two other types of symbiosis! Expect to create a detailed chart of examples of each of these types of symbiotic relationships...
Aug 13, 2024•14 min•Ep 67•Transcript available on Metacast Learn about the weather phenomenon of droughts as you discover the microscopic tardigrade's ability to survive with a lack of water of a very long time. In the companion Drought Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, understand the difference between meteorological, hydrological, and agricultural droughts. Create a chart in your nature journal to show their impacts on the land, plants, and animals. Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com . Use the co...
Jul 29, 2024•13 min•Ep 66•Transcript available on Metacast Ichthyology nature study is a fishy one. You see, ichthyology is the study of all types of freshwater and marine fish. In this episode, learn where this odd science word comes from and what the scientists do. Who knows? Maybe you'll be inspired to become an ichthyologist someday! In the companion Eugenie Clark Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study membership, learn the biography of a pioneer ichthyologist. During the video class, expect to create a nature journal page highlighting he...
Jul 10, 2024•13 min•Ep 65•Transcript available on Metacast How do you feel about sharks? Have you ever seen one? I have! You'll hear about that experience and learn about the smallest shark in the ocean in this episode. In the No Sweat Nature Study Video Class about Sharks enjoy testing your shark trivia while creating your own shark species in your nature journal. This class is included in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership found at NoSweatNatureStudy.com . Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTI...
Jun 24, 2024•14 min•Ep 64•Transcript available on Metacast Let's learn about everyone's favorite domesticated fowl, the chicken! This episode explores the reason behind a chicken's unique practice of ingesting rocks. In the companion Chickens Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, draw or paint a beautiful chicken and label the external anatomy as you discover each part's purpose. Enjoy a very special Q&A time with Mrs. Cindy's farming daughter, too! Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com . Use the code NOS...
Jun 10, 2024•13 min•Ep 63•Transcript available on Metacast Are spiders helpful or harmful to a garden? Many people think they're dangerous and even scary, but are they? Join Mrs. Cindy to think about these questions and more in this episode about animals that are garden helpers. In the companion Garden Helpers Video Class included in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, create a chart of some of the coolest animals and their unwitting ways of helping a garden grow. Charting when nature journaling is a fun way to show a lot of information on a sing...
May 28, 2024•12 min•Ep 62•Transcript available on Metacast Perennial bulbs seem to appear out of nowhere each year then disappear almost as quickly as they arrived. Learn about this strange life cycle of some flowering plants with Mrs. Cindy. Sketch the stages in the companion Perennial Bulbs Video Class , which is included in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership. Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com . Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join...
May 13, 2024•14 min•Ep 61•Transcript available on Metacast Wait. Isn't personification a language arts topic? What does it have to do with science or nature study? Great question! Mrs. Cindy will explain herself in this creative episode about figurative language. In the companion Animal Personification Video Class found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, sketch personified animals as you discover plant, animal, and earth science personification examples in children's literature. Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com . Use ...
Apr 29, 2024•14 min•Ep 60•Transcript available on Metacast Learn about insect life cycles as you hear about the growing stages of the tomato hornworm caterpillars that Mrs. Cindy finds in her vegetable patch every year. In the companion Insect Life Cycles Video Class found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, sketch diagrams that show the differences between complete and incomplete metamorphosis. Expect to see a variety of familiar insects in various life cycle stages so you can identify them on your next nature walk. Join No Sweat Nature Study...
Apr 08, 2024•16 min•Ep 59•Transcript available on Metacast Hear a personal story from Mrs. Cindy's childhood and learn about tornado signs and safety. In the companion Tornado Video Class found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, sketch the anatomy of a tornado while learning how tornadoes are formed, why they are so destructive, and why they are more common during the spring season. Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com . Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for f...
Mar 25, 2024•14 min•Ep 58•Transcript available on Metacast Learn about the Javan rhinoceros and why it's an endangered animal! In the companion Endangered Animals Video Class found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, learn the differences between endangered, threatened, and vulnerable species while creating a beautiful nature journal page of endangered animals around the world. Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com . Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends...
Mar 11, 2024•15 min•Ep 57•Transcript available on Metacast Learn about vocalizations and other noises that create a cacophony in the Amazon Rainforest! In the companion The Rainforest Video Class found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, expect to discover the differences between tropical and temperate rainforests worldwide. As you create a vibrant tropical rainforest in your nature journal, learn about the incredible biodiversity within the canopy of this unique biome. Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com . Use the code N...
Feb 26, 2024•12 min•Ep 56•Transcript available on Metacast Did you know the process of photosynthesis is responsible for the sugary sweet sap that can be turned into maple syrup? That's what Mrs. Cindy is talking about in this episode! Get your FREE Nature Walk Challenge → https://ourjourneywestward.com/sap-into-syrup-nature-study Supplies for the nature study challenge: nature journal or blank white paper pencil colored pencils In the companion Sap into Syrup Video Class found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, create a beautiful painting or...
Feb 13, 2024•13 min•Ep 55•Transcript available on Metacast Learn about simple machines with Mrs. Cindy. You're right, that doesn't seem like a nature study topic, but it can be! Get your FREE Nature Walk Challenge → https://ourjourneywestward.com/simple-machine-nature-study Supplies for the nature study challenge: nature journal or blank white paper pencil colored pencils In the companion Simple Machines in Nature Video Class found in the No Sweat Nature Study membership, plan to create a chart of simple machines and some of the plants and animals that ...
Jan 29, 2024•14 min•Ep 54•Transcript available on Metacast Do you love penguins? Many people do! I think it might have something to do with their adorable appearance and cute, little waddle. Don't be fooled, though, these cuddly-looking creatures are masters of resilience as many of them face some of the harshest weather conditions on earth. Enjoy this penguin nature study with Mrs. Cindy! In the companion Penguins Video Class found in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership, embark on an expedition to explore the geography and unique habitats of each...
Jan 08, 2024•12 min•Ep 53•Transcript available on Metacast Why are the wolves in Yellowstone National Park so special? Listen to find out! In the companion Wolves of Yellowstone Video Class found in the No Sweat Nature Study membership , learn about apex predators in the food chain, food webs, plant and animal populations, overgrazing, extirpation, and reintroduction in this fascinating, historical science lesson about balance in an ecosystem. Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com . Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month o...
Dec 29, 2023•14 min•Ep 52•Transcript available on Metacast