Nature Notebook - A Notebook Companion™ to Nature Anatomy
More about Nature Notebook + Nature Anatomy
We have enjoyed using Nature Anatomy by Julia Rothman in our studies and have referred to it often for reference, as the beautiful hand-drawn sketches bring nature to life. There so much nature study and science you can squeeze out of this book, and even if you have other science books laying around, you will likely find yourself reaching for this beauty often.
To get the most out of Nature Anatomy, we recommend using the Nature Notebook with it (a publisher approved Notebook Companion™).
Some of the nature topics covered:
- Earth – layers of the Earth, minerals, the rock cycle, fossils, landforms, mountains, and more.
- Atmosphere – weather, the water cycle, storms, snowflakes, rainbows, moon phases, constellations, and more.
- Plant Life – flowers, butterfly plants, sedges, grasses, edibles, and more.
- Trees and Leaves – anatomy of a tree, tree trunks, leaf identification, bark, cones, seeds, and fruit.
- Animals – squirrels, bears, snakes, lizards, horned animals, animals with antlers, mammals, and more.
- Flying Creatures – bats, birds, feathers, birdcalls, nests, beaks, bird behavior, owls, and more.
- Bodies of Water – ponds, freshwater fish, saltwater fish, water bugs, frogs, ecosystems, jellyfish, sand, shells, and more.
Nature Anatomy is a secular book and our companion notebook can be used with any worldview (see note below). Learn more about Nature Anatomy and the other books in the series by visiting the publisher’s website.
What age is the Nature Notebook appropriate for?
Although this notebook is very flexible and can be adapted for younger and older children, it is best suited to grades 3-8, however even high school students enjoy using it.
Additional Nature Printables
We have included links throughout the Nature Notebook for extra free printables and resources to expand your study on individual topics.
Like our other open & go curriculum, there is no prep-work involved – you simply grab your copy of the book and your notebooking journal and work at your own pace.
Charlotte Mason Homeschooling
Charlotte Mason homeschoolers often incorporate nature studies into their daily lessons, but even if you prefer to teach your children using another homeschool method, there is much to appreciate about the study of nature.
What is a nature notebook?
A nature notebook can be many things – even a sketchbook full of blank pages or a regular spiral notebook. We take our Nature Notebook to a whole new level though, because it’s used alongside Nature Anatomy with the intent of learning a ton of nature facts.
Nature notebooks, sometimes referred to as nature journals, are often filled with nature sketches and scenes that capture the beauty of God’s Creation. The Nature Notebook includes many places for sketches, as well as question prompts for written narration, and sections to label and diagram.
How do I start a nature journal?
You can get started on creating a beautiful nature journal by grabbing your copy of Nature Anatomy and using the Nature Notebook with it. You can take your nature work outside to the picnic table, or with you on a nature walk. You can also bring along a blank sketchbook when you see something you’d like to draw, such as pine cones on the hiking trail.
We also have Notebook Companions™ for other volumes in the Julia Rothman Series. Click here to view them.
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*Digital Product
NOTE: We are young earth creationists and have found it difficult to use many nature and science books without having to skim over at least one reference to age of earth. The only section I recall mentioning the age of the earth is the 1st chapter under “Layers of the Earth,” where is says “Planet Earth was formed 4.54 billion years ago.” I do not recall any mention of it elsewhere or the reference of evolution. I just skipped that part as it was once sentence.
Jan Craig –
We are really enjoying this notebook as part of our science curriculum. My child is developmentally delayed and this notebook allows us to do short, interesting lessons. Nature Anatomy is a wonderful book but without the Nature Notebook I would struggle too much to use it to teach science. The Nature Notebook is perfect for our needs!
Mary Ellen VanMarter –
I am using this with my special education class as a supplement to our biology unit. It is clear and well laid out. I look forward to using more of the resource and additional products in this series.
Janica Eames –
Julia Rothman’s books have beautifully sat upon our shelves, but I wanted my kids to get more from them, than just look at them a few times. These notebooks are what we needed! My kids are absorbing the information in the books now!
Amberly May –
This notebook is the perfect companion to the Julie Rothman Nature Anatomy book! The “open and go” layout is perfect for our homeschool. I am really looking forward to using this notebook in the upcoming school year.
S Versey –
I got this for my soon to be 4th grader to work on over the summer. I underestimated how large it was. I decided to only print about half of it, and if it gets completed then Ill do the other half next summer. I like that it corresponds easily with the book and is easy to follow. I would suggest printing on thicker pages though since water colors would be fun do with with some of the drawings. Overall, i think its a great resource and is great for children who love to draw.
Aspen Allen –
Can’t wait to jump into this! My oldest loves to explore nature and I think this will be great for all of the adventures we have lined up for the summer!
NOEMI ROSADO –
The Nature Companion Notebook is a very good partner to the Nature Anatomy book. I really like how our children will be learning in a fun, colorful, interesting new way. They are both really artistic, so the way that they will give answers and accompany them with sketches and/or drawings is simply a plus. We had their notebooks printed with spiral binding- they look great and are a nice addition to our homeschool:)
Dani –
I am a homeschool Mom, but I bought the Nature Anatomy Notebook Companion for myself. I have been working in it daily while we are at the table for school. I love working on the drawing pages! I have seen a great deal of improvement in my artwork and my handwriting with this daily practice. The best part, my kids are so interested in what I am doing that they have started working in their own journals without being prompted.
A Baker –
This has been a great addition to our nature studies this month! We’re doing Marine biology this month too so I just printed that notebook to have on hand as well. At the beginning of the month I just go thru the book and notebook and mark with a sticky tab the pages that go along with what we’re studying and let her loose.
Our daughter recently turned 9.
Kristen Allender –
My daughter (3rd grade) is loving this notebook! She loves to draw so this is perfect for her. I also like that she can do it on her own while I’m working with other kids. It’s a great addition to our homeschool!!
M Lapierre –
My daughter (10) loved these independent notebooks to go along with the beautiful book series! They are also a great addition to any science curriculum.
K Polley –
These are great. My daughter loves the independence the allow.
Marcia Cabaday –
I am not sure why I put off buying this. The books are beautiful and so is this journal to do with it.
My two girls (ages 17 and 9) have both loved it.
Kerri Hults –
The open and go nature notebook has really been a life saver for me. My 10 year old actually enjoys working in it which is the best part for me.
Sarah Williams –
This journal is amazing!! I had this printed and spiral bound by Family Nest Printing. The combo of the book, this journal and the printing have been a great way for my son to study nature. He is so excited to draw the pictures, read the book and fill in the journal. Thank you so much! Can’t wait to try others!!
Carrie Fernandez –
We are so glad to hear your son loves the notebook companion to Nature Anatomy. We love notebooking in our homeschool!
Rachel Prichard –
Just take my money!!!! lol
I’m in love with these companion Journals! I have zip pouches that I put the Companion Notebook in, along with the Original Book and colored pencil pouch, and I send them outside every morning with that Zippered portfolio under their arms. They LOVE IT!
Carrie Fernandez –
Zip pouches are such a GREAT idea! I am not the most organized homeschool mom, I may steal this. 🙂
Dedra Sheffield –
When a homeschool science curriculum just wasn’t making us happy, I had a friend suggest Julia Rothman books. Luckily, I stumbled upon this companion notebookbook for Nature Anatomy. It was exactly what I wanted! Something that would foster our 6th grader’s imagination, broaden observation skills, while still leaving room for expounding and self-exploration into various topics.
I heartily recommend and encourage anyone to purchase this product. I WISH I would have purchased the complete set in the beginning. Yes, I like it that much!
Lata –
One would buy this Companion book after owning the original book “Nature Anatomy” but for me it was the other way round. I was so in love with this product that I purchased it and then purchased the original book. The amount of activities you can extend is beyond limit. This companion has exceeded our expectations. We use it in our nature walks . My kids love it.
Melissa –
I know this is geared toward younger students, but I’m having my 10th grader use it and it’s been phenomenal. Some kids are more science driven, he is not, so it’s been a perfect supplement to add to our science curriculum. Even I’m learning new things with the Julia Rothman books. I will definitely pick another notebook once he finishes this one.
C Spalding –
My 8 year-old daughter dreams of being a scientist and loved doing the Nature Notebook last year, along with Julia Rothman’s Nature Anatomy book.
Catherine Roach –
We love Julia Rothman’s journals and these notebooks are an excellent supplement.
Koleiah –
Journaling/Notebooking is such a great way to solidify information learned and the layout of the Nature Notebook makes it inviting. There is just the right combo of writing and artwork! My daughter loves it.
Yvie –
Living out in the country gives our children the ability to explore nature in a unique way, but they’re not always sure what they’re seeing. We began working through Nature Anatomy and the accompanying workbook, and now we have a daily routine of going outside and looking for what we’re studying. Everyone is learning so much! When we do the drawings and take notes on the world around us, it reinforces what we’ve learned that day.
Stacey W. –
We love studying nature in our homeschool. I have 5 kids who love birds, trees, gardening, and of course dirt! Now I can put my book to good use with the notebook that goes along with it. Very happy and plan to buy all of them in the series!
Shelly –
Our family loves the Julia Rothman books! I’ve had them on my shelf for a while, but was unsure of how to incorporate them into our homeschool day. The addition of a notebooking journal has made all the difference. We have the complete set and my kids love it!