Nature is the ultimate classroom for kids to learn all about Life Science and see how everything connects! From cool outdoor activities to more hands-on experiments, there are so many ways to make learning exciting for your students. That’s why I’m here to share 7 fun activities that involves the outdoors – as well as bonus information that will help your kids explore Life Science in the most creative way!
TIP:
If you’re looking for an easy way to teach Life Science – my book Exploring Life Science in 9 Weeks has everything you need to set your students up for success. No complicated prep or stress – It’s filled with a variety of Life Science topics and structured daily practices. It’s like having a step-by-step guide to Mastering Life Science all in one book!
1. Nature Observation Journals
This is a great way to enhance observation skills and let your kids develop a deeper understanding of ecosystems.
What to Do: Go outside with your students and let them spend 15-20 minutes observing nature – They can then record plants, animals, weather conditions, and any interactions they notice.
(You can also make it a fun homework assignment where they can observe nature in their backyard or park)
Follow-Up With Them: Discuss how different organisms interact within their environment.
2. A Camouflage STEM Activity
This activity is a great way to show students the purpose of camouflage and how effective it can be for animals to protect themselves.
What to Do: Have your kids hide small, colorful objects in a grassy area – Let them observe which colors are harder to spot and relate this to how animals camouflage in nature.
ALTERNATIVE:
Even though I am listing different Outdoor activities, you can also do this activity indoors.
Science Buddies has an amazing video that shows exactly how you can implement this activity in the classroom.
Materials needed:
– Green paper shred (for the grass)
– 20 green and 20 red matchsticks or toothpicks (for the prey)
– a cup, and a timer or stopwatch.
When adding the red and green pieces in the “grass”, they will have 20 seconds to try to pick out the pieces and add them to the cup. This will allow them to see how difficult it is to spot prey when they are camouflaged in their surroundings.
You can watch the video for more information
Bonus: Exploring Life Science in 9 Weeks – Warm-Ups
If you want some extra daily science warm-ups, I have the perfect resource for you! Each topic is explored through different types of activities: reading comprehension, vocabulary practice, labeling diagrams, and writing responses.
NOTE: Both Versions are the same, so you can choose whether you would like a Physical book or a Printable Version.
3. Nature BINGO
Have some fun with your students as they learn more about the ecosystem. Create BINGO cards where they fill them out before going outside with what they think they will see. It can be any natural items like “red flower”, “squirrel”, or “cloud shaped like an animal”.
For an extra challenge, they can include more detailed items like “evidence of an insect eating a leaf”.
Download Free BINGO PDF
4. Outdoor Sound Safari
What to do: Go outside and let your students sit in silence for 5 minutes – let them record all the natural sounds they hear (birds, wind, rustling leaves).
After they record what they heard, let them take turns identifying what they heard and discuss the roles that they play in the environment – Or even a fact that they learned in class that relates to that sound, animal, or object. So simple yet so fun!
5. Animal Homes Exploration
What to Do: Look for different animal homes like nests, burrows, or anthills and discuss what makes them suitable shelters. This can be done at school or a fun homework project. They can even research about the homes they found and learn more about it.
ADDITION: You can add to the homework assignment where each student builds a “replica” of the home that they found using natural material from nature. Bonus points can be added if they write down what similarities their replica has to the actual home.
Here is an example by Science Buddies on how to Build a Bird Nest
Bonus: Animal Adaptations, Food Chains, Biomes, Animal Classification Science BUNDLE
Each science unit in the bundle includes interactive notebooks, lots of engaging activities, printables, and 100% editable PowerPoint. 4 units: Animal Classifications, Animal Adaptations, Food chains / Food Webs, and Biomes / Habitats.
*Also includes digital access via Google Slides.
6. “Adopt a Tree” Project
What to Do: Each student will select a tree to observe over a month. They can measure its growth, sketch its features, and note any wildlife interactions. This can help your students develop a personal connection with nature, rather than staying inside all day!
7. Recycled Wire Hanger Bird Feeder
This is a really creative DIY activity that I think your students will love. It is a Recycled Wire Hanger Bird Feeder project from Education.com
This can be used as an extra fun activity for the kids who want to learn how to make a DIY bird feeder.
Letting your students explore nature will really help with understanding Life Science more and connect with outdoors a little more. There is not better way to teach than hands on learning and sometimes all they need is a little extra creativity!
