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Description
Nature is remarkable and the more time spent outside surrounded by the smells, sounds and sights the better we feel. This outdoor activity engages students in discovering the natural world by creating a journal to describe and record their observations. As they learn techniques such as looking for patterns, mapping sounds and comparing structural features, pupils will strengthen observation skills, develop curiosity and understand the connection between humans and the environment. Supported by a teachers guide and study questions, this resource fosters discovery, reinforces science concepts and provides a learning adventure that expands far beyond classroom walls.
General Assessment
Recommendation of how and where to use it
This outdoor activity supports Grade 4-9 Science investigations of habitats, ecosystems, classification of organisms and biological diversity. Students also learn how to observe patterns in nature, relate form to function and identify key features of plants and animals Pupils are encouraged to write poetry, sketch their observations and describe sounds which enables them to use English Language Arts, Visual Arts and Music skills. The activity also includes a downloadable teachers guide that provides information and ideas to introduce and extend the lesson, and a set of study questions offers an assessment tool.
The student nature journals could become the basis of an action project whereby students work with a local conservation organization to develop a community nature guide. This guide could also include information about ways citizens can reduce impacts on the environment.
Relevant Curriculum Units
The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.
- Step 1Select a province
- Alberta
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 4
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Living Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interaction
- Grade 6
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Living Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Interactions and Ecosystems
- Grade 9
- Step 3Select a subject
- Environmental Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Environment and Outdoor Education: Environmental Core
- Environment and Outdoor Education: Environmental Investigations
- Environment and Outdoor Education: Outdoor Expeditions
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Knowledge and Employability Science: Biological Diversity (Social and Environmental Contexts Emphasis)
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland & Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 4
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Life Systems: Habitats & Communities
- Grade 6
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Life Systems: Diversity of Living Things
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Interactions and Ecosystems
- Ontario
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 4
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Life Systems: Habitats and Communities
- Grade 6
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Life Systems: Biodiversity
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Life Systems: Interactions in the Environment
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 4
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Living Things
- Grade 5
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Living Things
- Grade 6
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Living Things
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- The Living World
- Grade 8
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- The Living World
- Saskatchewan
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 4
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Habitats and Communities
- Grade 6
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Science 6: Life Science: Diversity of Living Things
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Science 7: Life Science: Interactions within Ecosystems
- Yukon Territory
Themes Addressed
Ecosystems (2)
- Appreciating the Natural World
- Biodiversity
