In this outdoor lesson, students observe the ecology of the forest; learning about the layers of the forest (forest floor, herbaceous layer, shrub layer, understory, and canopy), then participating in a “sit spot” & drawing activity.
Summer Lessons
Summer Soil Scoop
In this activity students will study the texture of soil by doing an experiment using soil samples found nearby. After learning what makes soil special and the makeup of soil, students will carry out an experiment and take note of their results.
Biomimicry
Students learn what biomimicry is by examining a handful of examples. Then, students have the opportunity to innovate on their own and develop a plan that draws inspiration from nature.
Plant Characteristics
This investigation invites young botanists to distinguish between plants based on their characteristics, then use their observations to sketch what they find. For students of all ages; includes extension activities.
Looking for something else?
Salmon Stories
Students go over the remarkable life cycle of Pacific salmon and learn about their role in ecosystems as well as their importance to Indigenous communities, and steps we can take to protect salmon for future generations.
Summer Soil Scoop
In this activity students will study the texture of soil by doing an experiment using soil samples found nearby. After learning what makes soil special and the makeup of soil, students will carry out an experiment and take note of their results.
Nest Sweet Nest
This lesson dives into the craft of nest-building by animals big and small. First, students will learn about why animals build nests and study examples of incredible nests around the world. Then, students have options to create a nest & more!
Winter Scavenger Hunt
This activity fosters students’ sense of curiosity and can be done indoors, outdoors, or a combination of the two. Students view a virtual presentation, then bring an activity sheet outdoors, looking for a variety of natural objects.
Cold Weather Animals Pt 2
In part two, students are introduced to endothermic animals, or “warm-blooded” animals that maintain a regular body temperature internally.
Cold Weather Animals Pt 1
In part one of this lesson series, students are introduced to ectothermic animals, or animals that rely on external sources of heat to stay warm.
Rock Properties
What makes rocks unique, and how can we investigate the rocks we find in the Pacific Northwest to understand more about them? Students observe rocks and conduct investigations.
Biomimicry
Students learn what biomimicry is by examining a handful of examples. Then, students have the opportunity to innovate on their own and develop a plan that draws inspiration from nature.
ECO Heroes
This social studies lesson encourages students to research and report on diverse environmental and social justice heroes who have made a positive impact on our planet.
Fall Observations
This activity blends ecology and social-emotional learning (SEL), encouraging students to observe the changes in nature as well as the changes they are experiencing within themselves.
Bird-O
Although birds are common, they are anything but boring! This Bingo game begins with a lesson on bird behavior to get students thinking about the different behaviors they might observe.
Plant Characteristics
This investigation invites young botanists to distinguish between plants based on their characteristics, then use their observations to sketch what they find. For students of all ages; includes extension activities.