There are many benefits to being in nature, such as overall improved well-being. Learning about nature is beneficial, too. Exploring the great outdoors can help students form a deep appreciation of the natural world.
Explore the great outdoors with activities
We’ve gathered activities you can use to teach students about the outdoors.
The sea turtles of shark bay
Help students learn about the turtles and sharks that live here through this hands-on activity. After watching the video below, students will use graphs to compare the physical traits of turtles and analyze data on shark attacks on turtles.
Download the student worksheet
Watch The Sea Turtles of Shark Bay to get started!
Alligators up close
In this activity, students will learn about alligator feeding behavior. After watching the video below, students will analyze field data on alligator diet and water salinity to infer reasons for alligator feeding behavior.
Download the student worksheet
Watch Alligators Up Close to get started!
Modeling matter moving within an ecosystem
Model an ecosystem using a variety of materials or illustrate on paper. This activity takes approximately 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the ecosystem model.
Download the student worksheet
Read about the great outdoors
- Biosphere 2: Learn about Biosphere 2, a science research facility that advances our understanding of natural and human-made ecosystems. Download Biosphere 2.
- Discovery at Blue Moon Bay: So many living things live in the ocean! Learn more about them. Download Discovery at Blue Moon Bay.
- Smoky Mountain Mystery: Read about the interactions of some of the animals in the Smoky Mountains. Download Smoky Mountain Mystery.
***
Learn more about HMH Into Science K–8, enabling teachers to guide students in learning through exploration, analysis, application, and explanation.
Be the first to read the latest from HMH’s blog, Shaped.
