Check out this amazing resource from Project Learning Tree about the Next Generation Science Standards. Challenge yourself to think BIG!

Just starting out? Check out these activity ideas from Maine Cooperative Extension to get your students connected to the Nature Trail

• Scavenger Hunts

  • Five Senses Scavenger Hunt

  • ABC Scavenger Hunt

  • Color Scavenger Hunt--pick a paint chip and try to find that color (ask Ms. Hutchison if you want to borrow!)

  • Superlative Scavenger Hunt--find the biggest/tallest/smallest (i.e. find the biggest pine cone...)

  • Look and listen for birds--see how many different kinds you can find!

• Adopt a Tree/Adopt a Square--visit throughout the seasons and make observations about the changes

• Picture a Tree: students compare their general concept of a tree with a specific example in the woods

• Compare and Contrast: 2 different plants, leaves, bugs, rocks, animal tracks, areas on the trail, etc.

• Classification: collect leaves/rocks etc, then sort according to different classification systems (texture, color, size, etc.)

• I see/I think/I wonder observation routine (then investigate "I wonder" questions)

• How do trees help provide habitat for other plants and animals?

• How does this living thing survive? What are the stages of its life cycle? Student can choose a favorite plant, insect, or animal, then research it when you return to the classroom. Students can share what they learn through writing, visuals, and oral presentations.

• Based on the kinds of questions students are asking after their time on the trail, work together as a class to craft an Essential Question that students will be able to answer based on direct observation outside, combined with additional research if needed (examples: how does the forest change throughout the seasons? how do plants and animals adapt to winter?)

  • Winter Resource

• Life Science

  • Tree Identification

  • Find and identify animal tracks

  • Look for plants at different stages of the life cycle and put them in order

  • Disappearing Log mystery: Look under a log and see what life exists underneath, even in winter

  • Plant and animal adaptations

  • Collect stream/pond water and look for microorganisms

  • Analyze soil samples

• Earth Science

  • Look for evidence of the way that water is stored/moves through the Nature Trail area

  • Investigate the effects of solar energy/gravity on the water cycle

• Physical Science

  • Conduct any investigations that you might not get to do in the classroom (states of matter, tug of war, engineering challenge, patterns in motion, etc.)

• Explore Maine Studies and Wabanaki Studies themes: seasonal changes, natural resources, traditional cultural practices such as basket-making, environmental stewardship and collaborative decision-making

• Navigate on the trail using the maps

• Geocaching (have to download the app; there's a small fee to access the caches located on the trail because they are more challenging)

• Team-building games and physical challenges that you do not have space for in the classroom

• Map the sounds that you hear

• Class picnic to build sense of community

• Pick up litter using gloves/plastic bags and analyze/classify the items that you find

• Walk and talk: buddy up for a discussion or reflection question

• Work together to build a shelter or a bridge or other team building challenge using fallen sticks/trees

• Brainstorm the benefits that a public trail brings to our town, then write about it to spread the word to other community members so they can use it, or inspire other people to help take care of collective natural resources like the Trail

  • Environmental: produce oxygen, retain soil and water, store carbon

  • Ecological: landscape diversity, habitat for plants and animals

  • Economic: revenue from trees that were removed, recreation space/visual beauty

  • Educational: a place for us to learn about the natural world

• Estimate and measure distances

• Measure plant height, animal tracks, or tree circumference

• Make weather observations (temperature, humidity, cloud type and % cover, etc.)

• Find examples of symmetry and asymmetry

• Play creative math games that might otherwise require lots of space (i.e. measure the rate at which 6th grade students can throw snowballs to hit a target within one minute, then graph the data)

• Collect art supplies like leaves, stones, seed pods, and flowers for projects like this Nature Name Craft (please leave more than you take!)

• Create a sculpture out of found materials in the place where you find them--other people can add to it over time

• Use your time outside to do a messy art project you wouldn't do inside the classroom:)

• Spend quiet time outside journaling or writing poetry (nature related prompt, or just a peaceful place to write or draw what you see!)

• Write from the perspective of a plant or animal

• Describe a natural object using as many different adjectives as possible

• Write about your favorite memories of spending time outside

• Write a poem to share what you experience outside with your 5 senses (maybe excluding taste...)

• Describe an object you find using similes

• Bring your Read Aloud experience outside!

• Physical exercise and fresh air

• Reduce stress and fatigue; restore attention

• Build confidence, engagement, creativity, imagination, and sense of wonder

• Hands-on learning that activates all senses

• Social connection opportunities built into class time on the trail

• Want to learn more? Check out these resources:

  • Six Ways Nature Helps Children Learn

  • Why Kids Need to Spend Time in Nature