Phenology Wheel for Homeschool Nature Study

A huge trend among homeschooling families is nature study. In an era where we are indoors more than ever before in human history, getting our kids — and ourselves — outside more often is a tremendous benefit. In addition to the popular nature journal, a phenology wheel can be an excellent addition to nature study for homeschoolers of all ages.

Phenolo… What?

Phenology sounds like something you might see on a nameplate at a doctor’s office. In reality, phenology is the study and observation of natural events and cycles — a fantastic way to get more in tune with the rhythm of nature.

What Is a Phenology Wheel?

A phenology wheel is simply a way to document your observations in one spot. It allows you to make note of what you’ve seen and keep an easy-to-use visual record over time. When working on a phenology wheel, you notice the changes in plants, trees, wildlife, weather — and even in yourself — in a way you never have before. The wheel enables children to notice small details and to grasp the calendar in a new and meaningful way.

Generally, people draw their observations and use the wheel as a visual guide alongside their nature journal. However, if you or your student prefer not to draw, the wheel can be written on instead. The wheel itself is simply a circle broken into equal sections — traditionally twelve, to reflect one year. We’ll use this model as our example.

How Do I Get Started?

Making a phenology wheel is easy. You’ll need a compass, protractor, pencil, ruler, and art supplies — or a large circular object to trace. You can make your own from scratch, or use our free printable template:

If you’re making your own from scratch, here’s how:

1. Draw a large circle in the center of your paper
2. Draw a slightly smaller circle inside it — about ¼–½ inch smaller than the first
3. Draw a small circle in the very center — a couple of inches across
4. Divide the two inner circles into 12 equal sections (a great math opportunity!)
5. Leave the outer ring undivided
6. Label the outer ring with your four seasons — color-coding is a popular touch
7. Write the months of the year at the top of each section in the first inner layer
8. Leave the innermost ring blank for now — it will fill in as you observe

How to Use Your Phenology Wheel

Now that your wheel is set up, how do you put it to work? To a certain extent, this is entirely up to you. The natural world, your current science study, and your child’s interests can be your guide. Pick two things to observe throughout the year, then choose a consistent day each month to make your observations (a day or two off is perfectly fine).

Head out on your designated day each month and make your notes and artwork. The outer and inner wheels can be used to observe two different things, two aspects of the same thing, or one for drawing and one for written notes. As the year progresses, you’ll begin noticing changes happening right under your eyes that you might never have seen before.

Ideas for Observation

• Outer circle: an animal; inner circle: a spot in your yard
• Your household pet’s fur and habit changes throughout the year
• Changes in a tree and an area with wildflowers
• Beach visits: animals on the outer circle, tide times on the inner
• Your student’s height/weight, plus a monthly “first” or something they loved
• The night sky and stars
• A favorite zoo animal and changes in their living environment
• Moon cycles each night over the course of a month
• Snowflake types and the weather when they fall
• Growth of a favorite garden vegetable over a season

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