Maria's Nature Notebook
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Provided by: Chicago Botanic Gardens|Published on: July 16, 2026
VideosScientist Reviewed
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This series of animated and live-action videos explores the natural world for young children, with episodes on bees, the titan arum plant, fall, bonsai trees, and the food we grow.
- Students learn from host Maria and supporting scientists with kid-friendly language and analogies.
Subjects: Science
Authors: Chicago Botanic Gardens
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Classroom Implementation:
- Each video runs 12-20 minutes and is self-contained (except for the two-part series about the fall), so choose the video that best fits with your lesson or unit.
- Pause the video at a few pre-selected points to ask students questions or review vocabulary, keeping engagement for the whole length of the video.
Extensions:
- Pair the episode with a walk outdoors to observe the same plants, insects, or seasonal changes discussed.
- Have students sketch or tape (when appropriate, with guidance for conserving nature) findings from their walk in their own nature notebook.
Related Resources:
- Follow this guide to make your own recycled nature journal.
- Pair inquiry in nature with this show-and-tell activity.
These videos cover a variety of nature topics. These topics are bees, fall, the Titan Arum plant, bonsai trees, and the food we grow. Each video introduces and explores the specific topic through discussion, interviews, animations, and music. The information presented is accurate, and this resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
