Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to observe and identify different elements of nature during a nature hike.
Materials and Prep
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Water bottle
- Small bag or container for collecting nature items (optional)
Before starting the lesson, make sure to review basic safety rules for outdoor activities with an adult.
Activities
- Start by discussing with an adult the concept of a nature hike and why it is important to explore and appreciate nature.
- Go on a nature hike in a nearby park, garden, or even your backyard. Observe and explore the natural surroundings.
- Look for different elements of nature such as plants, trees, flowers, rocks, insects, and animals.
- Use your senses to engage with nature - touch the leaves, smell the flowers, listen to the sounds of birds or insects.
- If you have a container, collect small nature items like leaves, flowers, or rocks. Remember to only take things that have fallen on the ground, and not to harm any living creatures or plants.
- Take breaks during the hike to rest, drink water, and discuss your observations with an adult.
- Once you finish the hike, find a comfortable spot and share your collected items or observations with an adult. Talk about what you found and what you learned about nature during the hike.
Kindergarten Grade Talking Points
- "Nature hikes are a fun way to explore and learn about the natural world."
- "We can observe different things in nature like plants, trees, flowers, rocks, insects, and animals."
- "We can use our senses to touch, smell, and listen to the things we find in nature."
- "It's important to be safe during a nature hike by wearing comfortable shoes and applying sunscreen and bug spray."
- "We can collect small items from nature, but we should only take things that have fallen on the ground and not harm any living creatures or plants."
- "Taking breaks during the hike helps us rest and stay hydrated."
- "Sharing our observations and findings with an adult helps us learn more about nature and what we discovered."