Gardner added to his intelligence list the eighth one called the Naturalistic Intelligence.

Naturalistic Intelligence is an ability to recognize plants, animals, and other parts of natural environment such as rocks, trees, flowers, clouds. These people may like doing activities related to nature such as fishing, hiking, camping.

Children with Naturalistic Intelligence have a strong connection to the outside world or to animals and enjoy out door activities. They notice patterns and things from nature easily. They love collecting flowers, rocks. They may enjoy stories, shows or any subjects that deal with animals or natural happenings (events). They are interested and care about animals or plants. These kids may show interest in biology, astronomy, meteorology, and zoology. These kids also show an interest towards endangered species. They learn the characteristics, names, any information about species found in the world easily.

How Can I Develop My Child’s Naturalistic Intelligence?

You can help to develop your child’s Multiple Intelligence. Following are some examples how you can help your child develop Naturalistic Intelligence.

Encourage your children:

To collect leaves, stones, bugs, flowers etc.
To identify the types of flowers and trees in your back yard or neighborhood.
To learn the different types of animals (e.g., types of dogs and cats, wildlife, squirrels, birds, etc.).
To develop an interest in collecting pictures of animals such as eagles, horses, or dogs or plants etc.
To do outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, gardening etc.
To watch National Geographic, the Discover Channel, or other programming that examines wildlife, fish, whales, and other animals.
How Can I Find Out If My Child’s Intelligence is Naturalistic?

You may observe what your child likes and enjoys most, while playing or learning.

Does your child:

Really likes being outside and doing things like biking, hiking, camping, fishing, and climbing.
Enjoy collecting things related to nature such as rocks, flowers etc.
Is fascinated with something particular in nature and learns about it in details.
Enjoys observing and noticing the subtle differences in the world of nature.
Examine what he finds in nature.
Makes keen observations and notice patterns and things from nature easily.
Want to become a scientist.
Like to watch natural events like the stars, moon or the tides and get detailed information to learn about it.
Like animals and likes to learn about them.