There certainly are lots of resources for home-schooled children today and they seem to be just playing and having fun while they are learning.
The only nature thing I had in public school (many,many years ago) was the milk weed pods and pussy willows the teachers would bring in every year.
I don't remember having any nature things in school. Some teachers would bring in plants and things, but they weren't part of a lesson.
I'm really impressed with some of the projects the park volunteers come up with to teach the kids. And the kids love it. Walking along the river or chasing through fields looking for stuff beats sitting at a desk listening to the teacher.