Watch this short video to learn more about all the free resources that Natural Inquirer has to offer upper elementary students.
Investi-gator Series
Investi-gator is a free science journal written for upper elementary level students. The journal follows the same format as Natural Inquirer but is written at a different level. Currently, three editions of Investi-gator are available highlighting research from different regions of the U.S.
Investi-gator (Northern Research Station) – Vol. 1 No. 1
Investi-gator (Pacific Northwest Research Station) – Vol. 1 No. 2
Animals and Ecosystems of the Southwestern United States Investi-gator (Rocky Mountain Research Station) – Vol. 3 No. 1
NSI: Nature Science Investigator
NSI: Nature Science Investigator (NSI) is a self-guided activity book for students ages 8-14. The booklet enables each student to become the scientist with 2-3 outdoor, hands-on activities for each career. Its small size makes NSI perfect for use in schoolyards, outdoor classrooms, or at home.
Collector Cards
Browse our ever-growing list of collector cards featuring a huge variety of careers in STEM. Download and print collector cards and posters for free, or order assorted packs. The cards are a great way to introduce students of all ages to STEM and natural resource careers.
Forest Service Career Cards
Forest Service Fire Career Cards
Artemis Moon Tree Cards
Women in Science & Engineering Cards
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Rima Lucardi, Plant, Molecular, & Invasion Ecologist
- Ph.D., Mississippi State University
- USDA Forest Service Scientist
- An ecologist studies low organisms interact with each other and the environment. I use genetic tools to answer ecological questions related to plants and invasive species.
- Ph.D., Mississippi State University
- USDA Forest Service Scientist
- An ecologist studies low organisms interact with each other and the environment. I use genetic tools to answer ecological questions related to plants and invasive species.
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Dexter Strother, Forest & Soil Ecologist
- Ph.D., University of Georgia
- USDA Forest Service Scientist
- As a forest and soil ecologist, I am interested in how forest management practices impact soils.
- Ph.D., University of Georgia
- USDA Forest Service Scientist
- As a forest and soil ecologist, I am interested in how forest management practices impact soils.
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Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, Artemis I Launch Director
- NASA
- As the launch director I oversaw the countdown and liftoff of NASA's Space Launch System Rocket and Orion spacecraft for Artemis I. I developed specific steps that the team went through within the launch countdown to configure the ground equipment and the flight vehicle.
- NASA
- As the launch director I oversaw the countdown and liftoff of NASA's Space Launch System Rocket and Orion spacecraft for Artemis I. I developed specific steps that the team went through within the launch countdown to configure the ground equipment and the flight vehicle.
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Jordan Gulley, Assistant Superintendent, Redmond Hotshots
- B.S., Washington State University
- USDA Forest Service
- I lead 20-25 firefighters daily. This includes developing fire line tactics, identifying and mitigating hazards, ensuring the crew is logistically supported with supplies and equipment, and building a team of hotshots. We dig in the dirt, crawl around in the mud, and cut down trees.
- B.S., Washington State University
- USDA Forest Service
- I lead 20-25 firefighters daily. This includes developing fire line tactics, identifying and mitigating hazards, ensuring the crew is logistically supported with supplies and equipment, and building a team of hotshots. We dig in the dirt, crawl around in the mud, and cut down trees.
Lesson Plans
The Natural Inquirer has lesson plans for every grade level. We’ve paired lesson plans with our Investi-gator journals, card packs, and more.
Lesson Plan – Make A Scientist or Engineer Card
Lesson Plan – Main Ideas
Lesson Plan – Investi-gator KWL
Lesson Plan – Letter to a Scientist
Virtual Learning Adventures
Our FSNatureLIVE distance learning adventures bring nature learning to you through our series of webcasts, webinars, and online education resources.
No matter where you are in the world, visit our LIVE programs for exciting, on-site learning about bats, butterflies, caves, wetlands, and more.
Woodsy Owl LIVE
Ecosystems LIVE: Nature Nearby
Fresh Water LIVE
Smokey Bear LIVE
Virtual Learning Adventure – Nature Health Benefits LIVE
Learning Modules
Check out our learning modules on topics like Artemis Moon Trees, invasive species, Smokey Bear, and more. Ready-made units include step-by-step lesson plans, articles, video clips, and activities. Use part of a module in your own unit plans or follow along with the complete module.
Learning Module – Countdown to Moon Trees
Learning Module – Invasive Species
Learning Module – Caves & Karst
Career Activity Handouts
Our newest product line is a collection of handouts perfect for helping students explore science careers. Written for upper elementary students and their families, these simple, one-page sheets explain a scientific concept and introduce a related career. Kids can complete the hands-on activity on the back of the sheet to try out the career for themselves.
Living Lights: Spotting Bioluminescent Fireflies
Woolly Watchers: Spotting Forest Invaders
Living Lights: Spotting Bioluminescent Fungi
Coloring Books
The Natural Inquirer has several coloring books for students of all ages. Download the entire coloring book or print individual coloring pages.
Bee A Scientist Coloring Book
Bee A Fire Scientist Coloring Book
Artemis Moon Tree Coloring Book
