• Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock (can get this book online from a link on this site: http://handbookofnaturestudy.blogspot.com/)
• Nature Journal (sketchbook or a blank notebook)
• Field Guides (appropriate to your region)
• Suggestions:
• National Audubon Society Field Guide to the Night Sky
• Night Sky: A Guide To Field Identification (Golden Field Guide from St. Martin's Press)
• Other Golden Field Guides from St. Martin's Press:  Stars; Planets; The Sky Observer's Guide
• Peterson Field Guides: Stars and Planets
  

 

• The Backyard Astronomer's Guide by Terence Dickinson & Alan Dyer
• Signs & Seasons: Understanding the Elements of Classical Astronomy
• Exploring Creation with Astronomy by Jeannie K. Fulbright
• God's Design for Heaven and Earth: Our Universe by Debbie and Richard Lawrence
• Astronomy by Dinah L. Moche (stg - self-teaching guides) 6th edition
  available now but 7th edition is coming out in April 2009
• Planets, Stars, and Galaxies: A visual Encyclopedia of Our Universe by David Aguilar
• Astronomy Made Simple by Kevin B. Marvel Phd
• The Kolob Theorem: A Mormon View of God's Starry Universe by Lynn M. Hilton

• Astronomy Picture of the Day
• Backyard Astronomy for Amateur Astronomers
• A Practical Guide to Astronomy
• Astronomy for Kids
• Classical Astronomy
• Worldwide Telescope
• Hubblesite
• NASA
• Astronomy Today

1. Read the monthly assignment from The Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Comstock.

2. Learn about the stars and planets from an astronomy book or website of your choice.

3. Read the selected stories from Nature/Science Lore.

4. Take some time to go stargazing each month.  Try to make at least 1 entry in your nature journal after your excursion. 

5. You may also wish to keep a notebook with thoughts and impressions from your readings.
 

• Get your materials organized.

• Read the Handbook of Nature Study pgs. 815 - 817

• Study from the resources of your choice.  Share your findings with the email group.

• Go stargazing and make an entry in your nature journal.

• Read the following selection: Galileo and the Wonders of the Telescope

• Read the Handbook of Nature Study pgs. 818 - 822

• Study from the resources of your choice.  Share your findings with the email group.

• Go stargazing and make an entry in your nature journal.

• Read the following selection: Kepler and the Pathways of the Planets

• Read the Handbook of Nature Study pgs. 823 - 829

• Study from the resources of your choice.  Share your findings with the email group.

• Go stargazing and make an entry in your nature journal.

• Read the following selection: Herschel and the Story of the Stars

• Read the Handbook of Nature Study pgs. 829 - 833

• Study from the resources of your choice.  Share your findings with the email group.

• Go stargazing and make an entry in your nature journal.

• Read the following selection: Kirchoff, and the Story told by Sunbeam and Starbeam

• Read the Handbook of Nature Study pgs. 833 - 838

• Study from the resources of your choice.  Share your findings with the email group.

• Go stargazing and make an entry in your nature journal.

• Read the following selection: Night and Day by Mrs. Alfred Gatty

• Read the Handbook of Nature Study pgs. 838 - 840

• Study from the resources of your choice.  Share your findings with the email group.

• Go stargazing and make an entry in your nature journal.

• Read the following selection: Our Planet's Movements in Space by Charles R. Gibson

• Read the Handbook of Nature Study pgs. 841 - 844

• Study from the resources of your choice.  Share your findings with the email group.

• Go stargazing and make an entry in your nature journal.

• Read the following selection: The Earth by J. Henri Fabre

• Read the Handbook of Nature Study  pgs. 844 - 846

• Study from the resources of your choice.  Share your findings with the email group.

• Go stargazing and make an entry in your nature journal.

• Read the following selection: The Atmosphere by J. Henri Fabre

• Read the Handbook of Nature Study pgs. 847 - 850

• Study from the resources of your choice.  Share your findings with the email group.

• Go stargazing and make an entry in your nature journal.

• Read the following selection: The Sun by J. Henri Fabre

• Read the Handbook of Nature Study pgs. 851 - 854

• Study from the resources of your choice.  Share your findings with the email group.

• Go stargazing and make an entry in your nature journal.

• Read the following selection: Day and Night  by J. Henri Fabre

• Read the Handbook of Nature Study pgs. 855 - 859

• Study from the resources of your choice.  Share your findings with the email group.

• Go stargazing and make an entry in your nature journal.

• Read the following selection: The Year and Its Seasons by J. Henri Fabre