The Second Coming of Nature Education for K-12: Dwight Seoul Idea Bank by Adam Hayton

Forest school sample curriculum

isabellegerona2 — 2025-04-14 07:08:31 UTC

Nature Journal Creation

isabellegerona2 — 2025-04-14 07:08:31 UTC

Students create their own nature journals to document observations, sketches, and reflections about local flora, fauna, and natural phenomena. Upper grades can include scientific names and detailed ecological relationships, while younger students can focus on simple drawings and basic descriptions. Materials needed: notebooks, colored pencils, and basic field guides appropriate for age level.

Ecosystem in a Bottle

isabellegerona2 — 2025-04-14 07:08:31 UTC

Students create self-contained ecosystems in clear containers. Younger students can make simple terrariums, while older students can create more complex systems with multiple layers and organisms. This helps demonstrate concepts of water cycle, photosynthesis, and interdependence. Materials: clear containers, soil, small plants, and other materials appropriate for the complexity level.

Weather Station Project

isabellegerona2 — 2025-04-14 07:08:31 UTC

Students build and maintain a class weather station. Lower grades can record basic observations like temperature and precipitation, while higher grades can analyze patterns and make predictions. Includes making simple weather measurement tools and maintaining a data log. Materials: thermometers, rain gauges, wind vanes, and record-keeping materials.

Native Species Mapping

isabellegerona2 — 2025-04-14 07:08:31 UTC

Students create maps of local plant and animal species on school grounds or in nearby natural areas. Younger students can focus on basic identification and location marking, while older students can include habitat analysis and population studies. Materials: local area maps, field guides, and mapping tools.

Lifecycle Investigation

isabellegerona2 — 2025-04-14 07:08:31 UTC

Students observe and document the lifecycle of various organisms. Lower grades might focus on butterflies or plants, while upper grades can study more complex organisms or multiple species simultaneously. Includes maintaining observation logs and creating lifecycle diagrams. Materials: appropriate containers, observation tools, and specimens.

Natural Material Art

isabellegerona2 — 2025-04-14 07:08:31 UTC

Students create artwork using natural materials collected from outdoors. Young students can make simple collages, while older students can create more complex sculptures or installations that demonstrate ecological concepts. Materials: collected natural items (leaves, seeds, stones), adhesives, and display materials.

Soil Science Investigation

isabellegerona2 — 2025-04-14 07:08:31 UTC

Students analyze different soil types and their properties. Lower grades can compare basic characteristics, while upper grades can conduct detailed analysis of soil composition, pH levels, and ability to support plant life. Materials: soil samples, testing kits, and recording materials.

Bird Migration Studies

isabellegerona2 — 2025-04-14 07:08:31 UTC

Students track and study bird migration patterns. Lower grades can identify local birds and their seasonal presence, while upper grades can analyze migration routes, timing, and environmental factors. Materials: binoculars, field guides, and tracking charts. Birds can be logged into this website on a yearly event.

Water Quality Testing

isabellegerona2 — 2025-04-14 07:08:31 UTC

Students conduct water quality tests on local water sources. Younger students can observe basic properties, while older students can perform chemical analysis and study environmental impacts. Materials: water testing kits, collection containers, and safety equipment.

Natural Disaster Response

isabellegerona2 — 2025-04-14 07:08:31 UTC

Students study natural disasters and their environmental impacts. Lower grades focus on basic safety and prevention, while upper grades analyze causes, effects, and mitigation strategies. Includes creating emergency response plans and studying local geographical features. Materials: maps, safety equipment, and research materials.

Alternative Energy Workshop

isabellegerona2 — 2025-04-14 07:08:31 UTC

Students explore renewable energy sources through hands-on projects. Younger students can build simple solar ovens, while older students can create more complex wind or solar power demonstrations. Materials: solar cells, small motors, and construction materials appropriate for age level.

Forest School Ideas Blog (Pinterest)

ahayton5 — 2025-04-14 07:08:31 UTC

Montessori Forest School

ahayton5 — 2025-04-14 07:08:31 UTC

More Forest School Activity Ideas

ahayton5 — 2025-04-14 07:08:31 UTC

Locations for Nature Ed

nwaldmann — 2025-04-14 07:08:31 UTC

Grow a herb or fruit garden

isabellegerona2 — 2025-04-14 07:08:31 UTC

Global bird count

isabellegerona2 — 2025-04-14 07:08:31 UTC

Once a year, students can be involved in a global bird count to watch local birds, identify them and log them into this website

Outdoor nature games

isabellegerona2 — 2025-04-14 07:08:31 UTC

Connecting to the SDG

isabellegerona2 — 2025-04-14 07:08:31 UTC

Watching minibeasts

isabellegerona2 — 2025-04-14 07:08:31 UTC