Thorny subject

Posted by lapazfarm on September 10th, 2007 filed in nature study, Curriculum or Lack Thereof...

For nature study, that is!

Today’s subject for nature study was the lowly, lovely thistle. Bees and butterflies alike know it is well worth risking an occasional prickle to get a whiff (or a sip!) of that wonderful fragrance!

Superboy suggested we study flowers family by family this year and so we began with family compositae, which rules the late summer flowerscape. We have already looked at many of these ( including daisies, asters, black-eyed susans, fleabane, dandelions and more) thus bringing us nose to nose with a most conspicuous member of that largest and highly varied family.

We used our Peterson’s Field Guide to Wildflowers to id it to species ( Cirsium altissimum or Tall thistle) and then turned to Comstock’s Handbook of Nature Study for a formal nature study session, observing it in detail from tip to root.

Then came the drawing:

Superboy worked hard to note details about the structures he saw.

And his drawings are beginning to show more maturity as well.

Here is JBug’s excellent effort

showing close-ups of both a leaf and the flower. Very prickly! She is pleased as punch to be using a real nature journal this year just like Mom and big brother!

All the while we were entertained by the antics of the latest visitor to our dining room window:

Then we took a little nature walk down by the creek where Superboy put his observational skills to the test and recognized that the thistles growing there are 2 different species than the one we studied!

Of course, once we hit the creek the books were history and the kids enjoyed a well earned splash in the water.

Tomorrow is another day and we will happily continue with our study of bees and composite flowers!


5 Responses to “Thorny subject”

  1. scrappitydoodah Says:
    September 10th, 2007 at 8:13 pm

    We have thistle growing amidst some of our flowers here. Even though they are not the most attractive plant, there’s just something about thistle I really like.

    Superboy’s journal skills are definitely maturing. I like the picture of him…a study in concentration.

    J-bug’s drawings look fabulous, too!

  2. Dana Says:
    September 10th, 2007 at 10:28 pm

    What a detailed study! I love the nature journals both kids are doing. I’ve been happy with just photographing our studies, but I see how drawing them adds another layer of “study.” Thanks for opening my eyes!!!

  3. Angela, MotherCrone Says:
    September 11th, 2007 at 5:30 am

    This is a great idea that I am asking to “steal” for next year when NatureGirl and I focus on environmental science/nature study.

    I have always had a fondness for thistle, as it is practically the Scottish national flower! There is a lovely poem by Burns about it…I will try to look it up and send it to you if you can’t google it.

    Great nature journaling, by the way. They really are lovely!

  4. Meredith Says:
    September 11th, 2007 at 9:31 am

    What a nice and prickly day:) We have tons of thistle varieties here! And speaking of your little friend, they are flying by the hundreds around here right now!!

  5. Jacci M Says:
    September 15th, 2007 at 9:07 pm

    Thanks for your entry to the blog carnival :) I really enjoyed reading your entry. I’ve been battling thistle in my backyard all spring and summer. Then, we found a Painted Lady chrysalis and I realized that thistle is the Painted Lady’s host plant! If I had been a better gardener I would have weeded away a great nature study experience! Our Painted Lady emerged and even walked on my oldest daughter’s hand! Thistle redeemed itself in my mind right then and there :) Beautiful drawings, btw. Good for you to take nature study as serious training in observation and attention! And good for you for making even thistles enjoyable :) I’ll be posting the carnival on Tuesday :)