This fascinating outdoor "safari" takes students into a local green space to explore the wild creatures living in the natural surroundings of their neigbourhood. As they record signs of wildlife and count species, learners also consider how the organisms they discover have adpated to their environment and why different flora and fauna occur in different habitats. Whether they are exploring a single tree or a large urban park, students will connect with nature while developing their understanding of why environmental stewardship is so important in protecting the remarkable diversity of living things in their community.
This resource supports Grade K-4 Science outcomes related to discovering nature, observing living things, habitats and how animals meet their needs. Math and Visual Arts skills are used to count and draw observations while students also expand their vocabulary as they learn new definitions.
This activity could be the basis of an extended project where students explore seasonal variations in nature. An optional "Seasonal Animal Safari" worksheet is included with the support materials. A class might use the information to improve the school grounds for wildlife with simple stewardship techniques like creating brush piles for overwintering wildlife or erecting bird nest boxes.
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