Activities

Nature Scavenger Hunt.docx

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Shapes and colors are everywhere in our environment. Nature scavenger hunts are a great way to explore and make observations. Use one of the three templates provided to go on your own adventure. The templates can be modified for children of all ages. The first template is appropriate for early childhood. The second page asks individuals to strengthen their connection and add their senses to the observations. The final page is specific for children with special needs. Boxes are provided for them to check off their observations.

Modifications:

While the templates are geared towards children, adults can modify the activity to meet their needs. Identifying shapes and colors assists in describing the environment in detail.
You can visit your local paint supply store for some paint swatches. Take the color pallets outside and try to find those colors in your local environment.

Leaf Rubbing

You will need to work with thin paper to feel the veins in the leaf. Place the paper over the leaf and run your fingers across the paper to see if you can feel the veins.

Tip: Use a leaf that has pronounced enough veins to capture them.

Place your leaf, vein side up, under your paper. Use the side of a crayon or pencil and rub over the surface until the image appears!

Tree bark Rubbing

Place the paper over a tree bark and run your fingers across the park to feel the barks ridges. This is a great activity to learn about the different types of trees and textures.

Mini BioBlitz

The goal of a bio blitz to find as many local plant & animal species as possible. You can use phone apps like iNaturalist or Seek to identify species in your environment. Or, do this activity with someone who has a fair amount of knowledge about the species in your area.

Have a dedicated list keeper to keep track of everything you find. By the end of the activity, you’ll be amazed by how many new species you’ve encountered.

If you have multiple people, you can form groups you can add in a bit of friendly competition by having a prize for whichever team finds the most diversity.

Create a rock shop

Go exploring in your backyard or local park. Pick up various rocks and observe the different colors, layers, and texture. Write your discoveries in a journal.

Camouflage

Many insects and mammals camouflage in their environment to protect themselves from predators. Choose an insect or mammal and conduct research on them.

Directions:

Draw/Cut an outline of the species
Try to camouflage your outline with your environment

Insect national park

Tiny critters are everywhere! They can be outside or in our home. Have you ever wondered what the world looks like from an insect's perspective? Draw what the world will look like from an insect's perspective.

Modification: Use the Zoom In, Zoom Out Template below for a more challenging approach.

ZOOM IN, ZOOM OUT.pdf

go tracking

Exploring nature is a great adventure when you start exploring animal tracks. With a sharp eye and a curious mind, a simple walk becomes a mission to discover the unknown. Each track tells a story. As you go through your nature walk observe the tracks on the ground and ask questions such as What type of animal is it? Where did it come from?

Modification: Plaster Animal Tracks

Materials:

Plaster
Plastic cup
Stirring Stick
Water

Directions:

Find an animal track or use an animal track mold
Follow the directions on the plaster bag you purchase to mix it

Do not make the plaster prior to the nature walk as it will harden

Pour the plaster into the animal track
After 10 minutes, remove the plaster once it hardens
Conduct research on the animal track such as the type of animal
Write findings in a journal with illustrations of the animal track

Modification:

Purchase a bird feeder and set it up in your backyard to bird watch!

bird feeder

Birdfeeders create an opportunity to transform a backyard into an intimate experience with nature. As you take the role of being their host, take note of their colored feathers, beaks, and feet. Make sure to record your observations in a journal. You can even download apps such as Merlin and eBird to help you identify your findings.

Materials:

Washed gallon milk carton
Pen
Craft knife
Punch hole
Acrylic Paint
Paintbrushes
Permanent Marker
Wire or Twine
Bird Seed

Directions:

Draw outline of a window on one side of the carton
Cut out the opening with adult supervision
Rotate carton once, draw outline in the shape of a wing, cut outline leaving the top of the wing intact
Rotate carton once, repeat steps 1-2
Repeat step 3
Paint the beak, wings, and bird body. Let it dry for 1-2 hours.
Add the second coat of paint
Paint eyes above beak, dry 1-2 hours
Draw pupils and other details with markers
Make a hole on top of the carton using a punch hole, feed twine through the hole and tie ends into a knot
Place bird feeder in desired location such as a nearby tree
Pour bird seed into openings

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