NQNA Nature Link

We learn about science and nature, then translate our knowledge into visual art!

Nudibranch (Sea Slug) Graphic Novels.......

Our Friday Morning Class is Studying Nudibranchs. We are learning how these real life super powered ocean creatures can do extraordinary things!

Cue Sea Slug Graphic Novels! Where tiny super heroes battle tiny villains in action packed hilarous adventures!

Here is a sneak peak.....

Our Wednesday morning class is working on a natural history of dragons in Athol. What if dragons lived amongst us? How would they fit into our ecosystem? How would they adapt to the harsh winters of the North East and co-exist with humans and local animals. 

Here is a preview of this beautiful project by Marley, Opal, Kayleigh, Salena and PJ.

Geology Workshop

On Tuesday April 14th, 2026, the students of NQNA had the pleasure of enjoying a Geology Workshop presented by a guest speaker, local scientist Max MacPhee, who specializes in Geology. This workshop began with a lecture about the different types of layers of earth and how they came to be, and what forces contribute to changing the ground over time, focusing mostly on the layers of earth and the terrain of our local environment, here in Massachusetts. The children learned from Max’s lecture and PowerPoint presentation before diving into the latter part of the workshop which included creating maps of their chosen terrain to show the different types of layers of earth.

Geology and art together reveal that the Earth is not just a subject to study, but a canvas to explore. By blending science with creativity, this workshop demonstrated to the students of NQNA that the natural world is full of beauty, history, and wonder. They are learning to look at the land that they walk, the cliffs that they see, and the rocks that they hold as both scientific specimens and artistic inspiration. Translating scientific facts into tangible, colorful masterpieces was a beautiful way to spend their morning in creative expression. Science and art are interconnected ways to understand our world. By turning geology into art, these children proved that the ground itself beneath our feet is an inspiration for imagination.

Upcoming projects: 

A Study of Local Birds: Acrylic Painting and Animal folktales

Release the Kraken!: Mythology, Surrealism & Oceanology