Outdoor Science - Outdoor Activities For Children - Find It Activity

Fun Outdoor Science Activities for Kids

Science is everywhere. Activities for kids in science can be fun.

Children can learn about living things wherever they are. Looking at objects, plants and insects will help Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 children become more aware of their environment around them.

In a world filled with gadgets and screens, the outdoors can become a fascinating classroom for children to discover the marvels of science. From the rustling leaves of trees to the intricate world of insects beneath rocks. The outdoor environment offers a dynamic and hands-on experience that can captivates children's minds.

Why outdoor science is a vital part of a child's education.

• Engaging the Senses
  The outdoors can provide a sensory-rich environment where children can see, hear, touch and smell the wonders of nature. Feel the rough texture of bark, listen to the chirping of birds, or smell the earthy scent of soil, freshly cut grass and flowers.
  
  Senses Activities for Children can include:
  
  - Tree bark / leaf rubbings.
  Using plain paper and wax crayons, show and encourage children to identify the different patterns on tree bark, leaves and rocks.
  
  - Use the rhyming storybook for children 'Tree Full of Wonder' as a starting point to encourage children to look closer at trees.
  The book is a vibrant, rhyming, educational picture book showing the unbreakable bond between people and trees.
  Buy Tree Full of Wonder by Anna Smithers
  
  - Use Teach My Kids free worksheet.
  
  'Find It' - Outdoor Science Activity Worksheet below to help investigate and find plants, insects and birds.
  
  

• Encouraging Curiosity
  Children are curious. Many children will enjoy exploring and discovering new things outdoors. The natural world is full of curiosities waiting to be uncovered.
  
  Children's natural curiosity is sparked as they observe the behaviour of animals, examine different plants, or investigate water in a flowing stream. Outdoor science invites questions and encourages the pursuit of answers through exploration.
  
  Curiosity Activities for Children can include:
  
  - Watch ants go about their business in the garden
  
  - Watch birds, squirrels or any other animals in the garden or park on a regular basis. See how they go about their business!
  
  - Watch how water flows in a river or stream when it goes around or over rocks and pebbles.
  
  - Watch how the water ripples and splashes when a pebble is thrown in.
  
  
  
• Hands-On Exploration
  Unlike a normal classroom setting, the outdoors can provide a space for hands-on experiments and activities for children.
  
  Children can plant seeds, observe the life cycle of butterflies or conduct simple experiments with natural materials. This will encourage a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.
  
  Exploration Activities for Children can include:
  
  - Grow cress seeds in an eggshell.
  
  - Plant a strawberry plant in a small pot or carton outside. Children will love it when the strawberries are finally good to eat.
  
  - Read the Hungry Caterpillar a few times throughout spring and summer. Then go into the garden of park and see if children can find any caterpillars pr butterflies.
  
  Buy The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
  Buy The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle

• Promoting Physical Activity
  Outdoor science is great for mixing physical activity into learning. Whether it's a nature walk, a scavenger hunt, or exploring a local park, children are naturally engaged in movement, promoting a healthy lifestyle while they learn.
  
  Physical Activities for Children can include:
  
  - Go on a scavenger hunt around the local park or local nature area
  
  Buy Scavenger Hunt Games for Outdoors
  
  - Use Teach My Kids free worksheet.
  'Find It' - Outdoor Science Activity Worksheet below to help investigate and find plants, insects and birds.
  
  
  
• Building Critical Thinking Skills
  Outdoor science encourages children to make observations, ask questions and draw conclusions.
  
  Whether identifying different species of birds or understanding the concept of cause and effect in nature, these experiences contribute to the development of critical thinking skills.
  
  Observation Skills Activities for Children can include:
  
  - Ask children to choose a leaf or flower. Pull it apart and look at it in detail.
  
  
  
• Improving Social Skills
  Visit different places. This could be a city you've never been to, famous building or landmarks, the seaside or a park / walk in another city. Anything to encourage conversation about where you are, what you can see, how it is different to where you live.
  
  Collaborative outdoor activities or nature activities, provide opportunities for teamwork and communication. Children learn to share their observations, discuss ideas and work together to achieve common goals.
  
  Collaboration Activities for Children can include:
  
  - Go to an adventure playground.
  
  - Visit a cathedral or old church.
  Wonder around the grounds and look closely at the plants growing, or the animals / insects .
  
  - Get more Days Out with the Kids ideas for places to visit and discounts
  Visit Day Out With The Kids for Family Days Out for Less.

By using the natural classroom, children not only acquire scientific knowledge but also develop a lifelong love for the natural world around them.

Let every rustle of leaves and flutter of wings be a stepping stone in the incredible journey of outdoor science education for our future scientists and nature enthusiasts.

This is a Foundation Stage and KS1 science activity for outdoors. Using the pictures printed on the worksheet, see how many of the objects, insects and plants can you find outside?

Download Your Free Science - Find It - Activity Worksheet

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