There are some nature-study lessons that we plan, and others that present themselves quite wonderfully without any help from us at all!
On the 12th of August 2026, the Moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun, creating a solar eclipse. Here in the UK we will see a deep partial eclipse, while parts of North America and much of Europe will also see a partial eclipse. A total eclipse will be visible from Greenland, Iceland, parts of Spain and a small part of Portugal.
As the eclipse progresses, we may notice the daylight becoming dimmer, changes in the shadows, a drop in temperature, and perhaps even changes in the behaviour of birds and insects, which feels like a wonderful opportunity for a little nature study!
I have created a free Solar Eclipse Nature Study Resource to help your family to notice what is happening around them. There are simple pages for sketching the projected Sun, observing changes in light and wildlife, recording questions, and looking for the tiny crescent-shaped images of the Sun that can appear beneath trees during a partial eclipse. There is also a simple colander projection activity, together with important guidance for observing the eclipse safely.
As always, my aim is not to turn a beautiful natural event into lots of work, but simply to help our children to look carefully, wonder, and remember.
Download the free Solar Eclipse Nature Study here.
From my home to yours,
