Maria's Nature Notebook

Provided by: Chicago Botanic Gardens |Published on: July 16, 2026

Videos

PKK1

Scientist Reviewed ↗

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.

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Subjects: Science

Authors: Chicago Botanic Gardens

Region: Global

Languages: English

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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.

Scientist Notes

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Scientist Reviewed

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Maria's Nature Notebook

Synopsis

Teaching Materials

Scientist Reviewed

Related Teaching Resources