The Wheels of Nature Go Round and Round: Phenology Wheels for Seasonal Nature Study
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Since we are on a nature kick lately, I wanted to share one more resource that will encompass Nature Walk, Nature Study and Nature Journaling: the Phenology Wheel! This is such an amazing nature observation tool and it can be created in so many different mediums that it will appeal to one and all. It is a perfect blend of observation and creativity.
What is a phenology wheel?
Phenology is the study of the seasons and their impact on living things: plants, animals, insects, etc… Phenology is the scientific observation of cause and effect in nature on how the climate affects the flora and fauna. For example, recording the date of the first frost, the first snow, the first robin coming home, etc… In other words, it’s a fascinating observation of the world around us. And the wheel is simply a mode of recording these observations. Why a wheel? Because it is easy to see all the data at a glance, and, I’m guessing, because it is fun and creative and looks beautiful when completed. A scientist with more than usual artistic talent must have created the first one.
The goal of the phenology wheel
Observation. The Phenology wheel is a beautiful and challenging way to record your observations. But in order to have observations to record, you first have to get outside and make the observations. So it is a great motivator to go poke our nose outside.
Discovery. Through observation we discover the world around us. We do not have to go very far, our own backyards have so much to provide us with. And we often overlook them…
Learning. Through observation and discovery we ask questions and while finding the answer to these questions we learn.
Beauty. It should always be our first goal for most everything. The end goal is to have something beautiful to show for your effort.
Delayed gratification. Oh this is a hard one to learn, especially for kiddos. Most wheels cover either all 4 seasons or all twelve months of the year. So this is not a quick and easy project.
Working with your phenology wheel
I have created for you a printable phenology wheel: a monthly one and a seasonal one. I like the monthly one for a good summary of the month past and I like the seasonal one for a summary of three months at a time. I couldn’t decide which I wanted to make most so I went for both. Filling out your phenology wheel can be done once a month. At the end of the month, open your Nature Journal and choose what has marked you the most during that month and enter it on your phenology wheel. At the end of the season, record your favorite thing from the last three months. At the end of the year, you get to look back at a full year of observations, discoveries and learning.
Which medium to use for your phenology wheel?
Drawing and painting are the first mediums that come to mind, of course. But you could also just write if drawing is too intimidating, or you could embroider it or quilt it and then embroider it. The options are only limited by your imagination and your willingness to try something new.
Let’s explore a few of the options.
Drawing/Painting
I have created a lovely little wheel for you here. There are both a monthly wheel and a seasonal wheel. On printer paper I would recommend using colored pencils or makers. Paint might bleed too much through the paper and ruin it. We love using watercolor pencils, if you apply only a damp brush, not wet, then it works fairly well on printer paper.
If you wish to paint your wheel, I would recommend using watercolor paper and to handdraw your wheel. Use a circular plate for the wheel itself. Then using a ruler, start by finding the center of the circle, as all the spokes will go through it. First trace a cross from top to bottom and left to right, with both going through the center Then divide each quarter in 3, using a protractor for exact measurements. Each third of the quarter should have a 30 degree angle at the center of the circle. This is a great math exercise!
Embroidery
Oh this is the one that tickles my finger tips the most. I have just not been brave enough to do it yet. Etsy has some wonderful pre-made patterns, but that would be using someone else’s observations, lol! What I want to do is to print my pattern on sticky soluble embroidery stabilizer then embroider my own observations. The internet is full of embroidery patterns for animals and plants that I will be observing throughout the year. Keep checking my Phenology Wheel Pinterest board for ideas! Printing on on sticky soluble embroidery stabilizer makes it so easy to print your pattern, stick it to your fabric and just start stitching! I will post my progress on Instagram.
Details
When is the best time to start? Today! Really anytime is the best time, do not wait for the “perfect” time to start or you never will. With Lent starting next week you could even add a liturgical band to your wheel to record the liturgical season. Today is always the best first day.
How do I find the time? I’m sorry to say that I have discovered that time cannot be found… It has to be made. If you already have a habit of nature observation and study, then just peg it to that time. Take the last day of the month to work on your phenology wheel instead of your Nature Journal.
What do I put on my wheel? See above, Working with your phenology wheel. At the end of the month, open your Nature Journal and choose what has marked you the most during that month and enter it on your phenology wheel. At the end of the season, record your favorite thing from the last three months.
You are all set! Jump in with both feet and enjoy a year of soaking in nature with your family. I will update our family’s endeavors as regularly as possible.
Love,
Mattie
