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Micro-Hiking

From "Into Nature" A Guide to Teaching in Nearby Nature

Elementary

Description

Micro-hiking invites students to go on an outdoors 'mini hike' and explore a very small (one metre!) habitat through the eyes of a mini-person of their choice. The mini-person can be as simple as a stick figure made of toothpicks but should be no larger than a finger.

Students will use a magnifying glass to explore a very small area under a rock or log and imagine what it would be like to see it through the eyes of a mini-person.

Along with their mini person, students will observe the life found under the log, such as insects, spiders, slugs, etc. The mini people are the ones making the observations. The students record information for them by writing or drawing and using clipboards.

The resource includes a detailed description of how to conduct the lesson, guiding questions, curriculum connections, materials needed, step-by-step instructions for lesson delivery, and guidance on assessment and evaluation.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This outdoor activity is suitable for students in the primary grades. It might be incorporated into each of the four seasons in order to make comparisons of the different types of creatures living there throughout the year.  The activity relates well to science and English language arts curriculum outcomes.

Relevant Curriculum Units

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  • Alberta
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    • Kindergarten
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      • Science
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        • Earth Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened by investigating natural systems and their interactions.
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      • English/Language Arts
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        • Writing: Ideas and information can be articulated accurately and imaginatively through the use of writing processes and an understanding of the author’s craft
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        • Writing: Ideas and information can be articulated accurately and imaginatively through the use of writing processes and an understanding of the author’s craft
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        • Oral Language: Listening and speaking form the foundation for literacy development and improve communication, collaboration, and respectful mutual understanding
        • Writing: Ideas and information can be articulated accurately and imaginatively through the use of writing processes and an understanding of the author’s craft.
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        • Science 1: Living things have features and behaviours that help them survive in their environment
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        • Science 3: Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems
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        • Our Local Environment : Learning and Living Sustainably
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        • Life Systems: Growth and Changes in Plants
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        • Needs & Characteristics of Living Things
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        • Plant Growth and Changes
  • Yukon Territory
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        • Science 1: Living things have features and behaviours that help them survive in their environment
    • Grade 3
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 3: Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems

Themes Addressed

Ecosystems (2)

  • Appreciating the Natural World
  • Biodiversity

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