Spring is finally starting to tip-toe its way into the South and it has me looking forward to more outside time for the kids. It's been raining at least a little every day for the past three weeks and my kids are rather stir-crazy. In preparation for sunnier days, I thought it would be fun to put together ideas for easy backyard science!

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Your backyard is much more than just a convenient playground. There are SO MANY wonderful things to study right outside the door.
I don't know many children who begrudge going outside to play, but making outdoor time into learning time can seem overwhelming. There's just so much to see and do!
The number one easy backyard science topic is the study of plants. Every yard is full of grass, bushes, trees, flowers, and even weeds! Make sure you don't limit your exploration to the well-manicured lawn either. The best plants are found in the overgrown places that haven't been mowed.
A little closer inspection of those plants will reveal some pretty amazing little creatures crawling, hopping, and slinking through the yard. Learn about how they live, what they eat, and how they survive against predators. Don't forget to safely capture a few to observe!
When you've finished with the plants and animals in the area you can turn your attention to the weather and the effect it has on all the things you've found. Examine the yard after a light rain and heavy rain, when it's cloudy and sunny, and even when it's windy. You'll find that many of the plants, flowers, and animals have changed an, in some cases, disappeared completely!
If you're not really sure where to begin, take a short nature walk with your kids. Point out some things you come across and see what sparks their interest.
When all else fails, play in the mud for a while. That should do the trick!

I've put together a list of easy backyard science topics to help you get started. Each topic is linked to a page filled with ideas and resources on that topic. I will continue adding to the list!
Plants
Seeds
Parts of a Plant
Trees
Parts of a Flower
Plant Roots
Misc.
Weather
Clouds
Pollination
Rocks
Get a Few Basic Backyard Science Tools Ready
To make the most of your next backyard adventure you'll need a few basic supplies. See-through containers or jars, butterfly nets, magnifying glasses, binoculars, tweezers, and gloves will make it easier to observe and interact with nature. A small rug or blanket is also useful for sitting on.
Record What You See and Do
While examining the plants, animals, and other interesting finds in your yard, you'll want to keep a record of all you see and do. Documenting the things you study means that you and your child can look back at all of your fun explorations together..
When we first started our outdoor adventures I thought we needed to keep a nature journal with beautiful drawings and detailed notes. Since I don't have an artistic bone in my body I knew that wasn't going to work for me. What I finally realized (after putting way too much unnecessary pressure on myself) was that my nature journal can be whatever I want it to be! Yours can too.
Want a nice handmade leather bound journal full of watercolor paintings or intricate drawings? Go for it!
More of the $0.25 spiral notebook filled with stick figures and barely recognizable insects? Welcome to the club mama!
Journals can be as unique as you (and your kids) are. Don't NOT keep one because you're afraid you're doing it wrong. The only wrong is not trying!
I discovered, quite by accident (a.k.a I was being lazy), that I can take pictures of things with my phone, print off the pictures, and tape them in my nature journal. Super easy!
Books and Guides
Having science picture books and resource guides on hand is a convenient way to learn more about the things you find. If you'd like to build your own home library, you can find many great science books on Amazon, in local book stores, and even in thrift stores!
Most local libraries also carry a wide selection of suitable guides if you'd rather borrow the books.
Here are a few of our favorites that we've gathered over the years and use on a regular basis.
Interested in another easy backyard science topic that's not included in this post? Let me know (message or comment below) and I'll do my best to put it together for you!

This post may contain some affiliate links for your convenience, which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission. This helps me keep my blog up and running without costing you a penny more! Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
Looking for a nature study that is open-and-go?
It doesn't get much easier than NaturExplorers from Our Journey Westward.
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