Patterns are revealed in creation. By studying the patterns, we are learning to see and understand the creation. These patterns are further explained and explored through the study of mathematics. Through the study of nature, man has discovered number patterns, sequences, theorems, postulates, and axiom. Even a child can see the importance of numbers when counting the petals on a daisy.
This focus on nature, seems fun and a simple way to introduce mathematics, but how does it prepare our children for higher level mathematics?
Nature Study. Two simple words open the world before our eyes. Showing our children how to enjoy nature, something they are already excited to do, and use that enjoyment to see the hidden world behind their vision, something they are less excited to try, is how nature study contributes to higher-level mathematics.
- Observation - Each moment spent sitting on a blanket in the woods, field, or garden offers the chance to build great observational skills. Students who have mastered their mind and body to pay attention to the soft rustle of grass, or the slight tweet of a bird are more likely to see the patterns in mathematical proofs and theorems.
- Patience - What happens in the first minute of sitting down outside? Most likely, nothing, or at least that's our perspective. We have to wait for a hawk to realize we aren't a threat to see him fly close. Good things come to those who wait. Your child won't instantly understand radicals and polynomials. True understanding takes time.
- Perseverance - You've tried the nature study thing. You sat on the blanket. You waited. You watched. Nothing. Do you quit? If you stop trying, you may miss out on the deer in the field or the ants preparing for winter. Even when a moment in nature seems fruitless, you still try again. This is a long game. You are here for the long haul. Mathematics is not a single semester course.
- Rest - Have you ever fallen asleep while listening to the birds? You're supposed to be sketching the birds at the feeder, but. you are tired, lay your head down for just a second, and you're out. Contrary to your assumptions, this was not a completely useless nature study. Neither did you learn something through osmosis. However, you took time to rest in the world of nature. Likewise, we need to bring our children back to learning how to rest in the world of mathematics. You probably won't master nature or math by sleeping in the park, but you will have made a restful connection and benefited from God's creation.
- Work - What better way to balance rest than with work? Learning how to identify poison ivy is very different than trying to develop an ointment to counter its poison effects. The difference lies in effort. Work is needed to take the observations to the true level of mastery. In nature study, your 3rd grader may watch the birds build a nest, does he graduate to helping the birds with a feeder? In math, we observe the truths, study them, rest in them, and work to go beyond our observational knowledge.
The skills we develop in an elementary nature study are skills we use for a lifetime of learning. Take the time to practice seeing the hidden world behind the summer fruits and discover the language of mathematics, science, and God!