The Field Manual · Volumes I–XII

A complete nature-based curriculum.With a Mission Center built in.

Twelve weeks. Nine subjects every week — Math, Science, Reading, Writing, History, Geography, Art, Bible, and Nature Studies. Plus an optional Mission Center: real-world problems your child can choose to take on, scaled across four age tracks from 5 to 18.

12 Weeks9 Subjects3 Mission Options / Week4 Age TracksWorksheets · Readings · Films

Volume I · Week 1

Nature Detectives

How do we observe creation with the eyes of a scientist and the heart of a steward?

Core Curriculum

Nine subjects, one rhythm.

Math

Full plan

Measurement & data collection

Use rulers, scales, and tally charts to record field observations.

WorksheetField Measurement Log (PDF) — record 10 outdoor measurements with units.

PracticeMeasure 10 leaves; chart length and width.

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Science

Full plan

The scientific method outdoors

Form a hypothesis from a real backyard observation and design a simple test.

WorksheetQuestion → Hypothesis → Test → Result worksheet.

Reading“What Is a Naturalist?” — short reader (included).

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Reading

Full plan

Nonfiction field guides

Read for information; identify three species using a guide.

WorksheetSpecies ID card (3 entries).

ReadingPeterson Field Guide excerpts; My Side of the Mountain, Ch. 1–3.

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Writing

Full plan

Observation journaling

Write a 1-paragraph field entry with sensory detail.

WorksheetFive-Senses Field Entry template.

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History

Full plan

Great naturalists

Meet John Muir, Beatrix Potter, and George Washington Carver.

WorksheetNaturalist trading-card set (3 cards).

ReadingShort biographies (included).

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Geography

Full plan

Your biome

Identify the biome you live in and 3 native species.

WorksheetLocal Biome Map — color and label.

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Art

Full plan

Nature sketching

Practice contour drawing from life.

WorksheetThree contour studies of leaves, bark, or feathers.

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Bible

Full plan

Made to steward

Read Genesis 1:26–28; discuss stewardship vs. ownership.

WorksheetStewardship Reflection (3 questions).

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Nature Studies

Full plan

Begin your nature journal

Establish a weekly rhythm: observe, sketch, label, wonder.

WorksheetNature Journal — Week 1 template.

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Choose one mission for the week.

Each mission applies the week's academics to a real problem. Every mission scales across four age tracks.

Mission 01Investigator

The Mystery of the Missing Ducklings

Five ducklings disappeared overnight from the pond. Track the clues and propose a protection plan.

Little Explorer

Ages 5–7

Follow drawn clues and match predator tracks to pictures.

Open

Field Researcher

Ages 8–10

Map the pond, identify likely predators, and design a simple shelter.

Open

Scholar

Ages 11–14

Analyze risk factors; produce a 1-page habitat protection plan with budget.

Open

Apprentice

Ages 15–18

Write a full conservation brief for a local pond — predators, fencing, water quality, and community education.

Open

Badges · Certificate · Portfolio

Mission 02Field Scientist

The Pollinator Investigation

Bees aren't visiting the garden. Why — and what should we change?

Little Explorer

Ages 5–7

Count and draw every flying insect you see in 10 minutes.

Open

Field Researcher

Ages 8–10

Test which flowers attract pollinators; chart results.

Open

Scholar

Ages 11–14

Audit a garden for pollinator-friendliness; recommend 5 plant changes.

Open

Apprentice

Ages 15–18

Design a pollinator restoration plan for a 1-acre property with native species list and cost estimate.

Open

Badges · Certificate · Portfolio

Mission 03Steward

The Ecosystem Audit

Where is your local ecosystem strong, and where is it failing?

Little Explorer

Ages 5–7

Sort animals into 'helpers' and 'eaters' on a food-chain card.

Open

Field Researcher

Ages 8–10

Build a food web of 10 local species.

Open

Scholar

Ages 11–14

Identify three weaknesses in a local ecosystem and propose fixes.

Open

Apprentice

Ages 15–18

Draft a county-level biodiversity report with restoration priorities.

Open

Badges · Certificate · Portfolio

Mission Rewards

Badges, certificates, and a real portfolio.

Every finished mission earns a badge, a completion certificate, and a portfolio entry students can show to coaches, mentors, and someday, employers.

Badge

Investigator

Earned through inquiry and evidence.

Badge

Scientist

Earned through hypothesis-driven work.

Badge

Entrepreneur

Earned through real value created.

Badge

Stewardship

Earned by caring for what's been entrusted.

Badge

Leadership

Earned by lifting others.

Badge

Mission Complete

Earned for every finished mission.