Science that begins with the world around us.
Bernadette's Under the Sun creates engaging science and conservation resources that help students discover the connections among soil, water, wildlife, working lands, and people.
Created by an environmental scientist and educator, each resource combines real science, hands-on investigation, and meaningful connections to the natural world.
NEW FROM BERNADETTE'S UNDER THE SUN
Where Does the Water Go?
A Playa Science & Conservation Adventure
Grade 4 • Earth Science • Water • Erosion • Wetlands
When rain falls on the High Plains, where does the water go?
Students investigate playa wetlands through real science, hands-on exploration, field photography, mapping, and conservation problem-solving.
Follow a raindrop's journey, investigate erosion and sediment, discover how native vegetation protects playas, explore groundwater recharge, and learn why these temporary wetlands matter to wildlife and people.
27-page complete lesson + separate student printables
MEET BERNADETTE
Science Taught From Experience
I'm Bernadette Mills—an environmental scientist, conservation professional, college instructor, curriculum developer, and homeschool mom with more than 20 years of experience in natural resources and conservation. I created Bernadette's Under the Sun because I believe science is most memorable when students can see it, investigate it, and connect it to the world around them. My educational resources bring together real science, hands-on learning, and the landscapes and natural systems I've spent my career working to understand and protect.
Featured In
The Kansas Sportsman
| Fall 2026
“A Prairie Oasis”
Bernadette Mills shares her expertise in a published Q&A exploring how playas connect water, wildlife, agriculture and the future of Western Kansas.
Her conservation work brings real-world science to the lessons and resources at Bernadette’s Under the Sun.
A publication of the Kansas Outfitters and Landowners Association (KOLA)
Bernadette Mills on KHON2. Watch the original segment on KHON2’s YouTube channel
KHON2 Television Appearance
| winter 2015
Watch Bernadette Mills in this KHON2 segment as she teaches viewers about soil health on live TV—another opportunity to get to know the person behind Bernadette’s Under the Sun.
In this segment, Bernadette appears under her married name.
THERE'S A WHOLE WORLD TO INVESTIGATE
SOIL
Discover what's happening beneath our feet.
WATER
Follow water through landscapes, wetlands, and groundwater.
WILDLIFE
Explore the habitats and relationships that connect living things
CONSERVATION
Investigate how people can care for the natural systems we depend on.