OUTDOOR SCIENCE CLASS ACTIVITIES

Are you looking for fresh ways to ignite your students’ curiosity and get them engaged in the wonders of science? Well, look no further because we’re about to dive into the exciting world of outdoor science class activities! Picture this: a sunny day, a group of eager learners, and the great outdoors as your classroom. Sounds like a dream, right? Let’s make it a reality with these fun and educational outdoor science class activities. 

Nature Walk Adventures:

Step outside those classroom walls and take your students on a nature walk! It’s truly the best place to observe the world around us up close and personal. Encourage your students to use their senses to explore their surroundings. What do they see, hear, smell, and feel? Challenge them to identify different plants, insects, and birds they encounter along the way. You can even turn it into a scavenger hunt by creating a checklist of items for them to find.

Taking a Closer Look:

​Sometimes, all it takes is a closer look to discover the extraordinary in the ordinary. Equip your students with magnifying glasses and encourage them to examine objects they find outdoors in finer detail. From examining the intricate patterns on leaves to observing the tiny creatures living beneath rocks, there’s a whole world waiting to be discovered right at their fingertips. This activity not only sharpens their observation skills but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of nature.

Nature Journaling: 

​In today’s fast-paced world, we often forget to slow down and truly observe the beauty of nature. Nature journaling is one of my absolute favorite outdoor science class activities. It provides the perfect opportunity for students to do just that. Encourage them to find a quiet spot outdoors, sit quietly, and take in their surroundings. Once students have taken the time to observe the natural environments in their surroundings, it’s time to document their findings in their nature journals. Encourage them to take detailed notes in their nature journal about what they’ve observed, recording important details such as the types of plants and animals they’ve seen, the weather conditions, and any interesting phenomena they’ve noticed. Additionally, encourage students to draw pictures of what they see, using their artistic skills to capture the beauty of the natural world.

Messy Science Experiements: 

​Who says science experiments have to be confined to the lab? Take advantage of the outdoor spaces available to you and conduct some of the messier outdoor science experiments. Here are two of my favorite hands-on activities to do outside:  

• Diet Coke & Mentos: Your students will have so much fun conducting a soda experiment outdoors! This easy science experiment is sure to captivate the minds of everyone from young children all the way to high school students. (There’s just something about watching things explode that is serious fun!)  Grab some cans of soda (or any carbonated beverage) and let your students hypothesize about what will happen when you open them. Will the soda behave differently in the open air compared to inside the classroom? This hands-on experiment is sure to fizz with excitement and provide valuable insights into the properties of carbonation.
  
  
• Egg Drops: Looking for a fun activity to enhance your physics units? Working in small groups, ask your students to construct a container that will protect a raw egg from cracking when dropped from a high distance. You may use a ladder, the top of your school’s playground equipment, or better yet…the school roof! This simple experiment is a fun way for students to experiment with concepts such as force and gravity. Since you’ll be using raw eggs…things might get a little messy. Head outside and keep that yolky mess out of your classroom. 
  
  
• Solor Oven S’mores: Making solar oven s’mores is not only a delicious treat but also a fantastic hands-on learning experience for younger children and older students alike. (Honestly, who doesn’t LOVE a s’more?!) By harnessing the power of the sun, students can explore concepts such as renewable energy and heat transfer in a fun and engaging way. Constructing solar ovens from simple materials like cardboard boxes, aluminum foil, and plastic wrap encourages creativity and problem-solving skills. As they assemble their solar ovens, students learn about the importance of insulation and reflection in maximizing heat absorption. Once their ovens are ready, students can experiment with different configurations and materials to optimize their s’mores-making process. Watching as the sun’s rays melt the chocolate and toast the marshmallows, students gain a deeper understanding of solar energy and its potential applications in everyday life—all while enjoying a delicious treat with their classmates.

Weather Station Wonders:

​Turn your outdoor space into a weather station and let your students become meteorologists for the day! Set up instruments to measure temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation. Have them observe and record weather patterns throughout the day, noting any changes they observe. This hands-on approach to learning about weather not only reinforces scientific concepts but also fosters a deeper understanding of our ever-changing environment. Using a few different tools, students can observe weather patterns in different ways. 

Different materials may include: 

• Thermometer: Measures temperature, typically using either a mercury or digital thermometer.
• Anemometer: Measures wind speed and direction, usually with rotating cups or propellers.
• Barometer: Measures atmospheric pressure, indicating changes in weather patterns.
• Hygrometer: Measures humidity levels in the air, indicating how much moisture is present.
• Rain Gauge: Measures the amount of precipitation (rain, snow, etc.) that falls over a specific period.
• Weather Vane: Indicates wind direction, typically mounted on a rotating arrow or figure.
• Sun Dial: Measures changes in the sun throughout the day. 

Looking for a good way to introduce your students to weather tools? I’ve got the perfect resource for you! Check it out:

Predator & Prey Game: 

The “Predator & Prey” game is an exhilarating and educational experience that brings ecological concepts to life. As students take on the roles of predators and prey, they gain firsthand insights into the dynamics of ecosystems and food webs. The game encourages critical thinking and strategic decision-making as predators hunt for their prey and prey strive to avoid being caught. By simulating real-world interactions between species, students learn about concepts such as competition, adaptation, and the delicate balance of nature. As they immerse themselves in the game, students develop a deeper appreciation for the complexities of ecological relationships and the importance of biodiversity. Plus, playing outdoors allows students to connect with nature in a meaningful way, fostering a sense of stewardship and responsibility for the environment. To play “Predator & Prey”:

Step-by-step instructions:

• Designate a playing area with boundaries.
• Divide students into two groups: predators and prey.
• Predators wear wristbands or badges to distinguish them from the prey.
• Predators aim to tag the prey, while prey aim to avoid being tagged.
• Prey can find safety zones where predators cannot tag them.
• After a set time, discuss the game’s outcomes and relate them to real ecological scenarios, emphasizing the importance of balance in ecosystems. Overall, the “Predator & Prey” game provides a dynamic and engaging way for students to explore ecological principles while having a blast outdoors.

In conclusion…

Outdoor learning isn’t just about getting some fresh air—it’s about transforming the way we teach and learn. By embracing outdoor STEM activities, we can inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators who are ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. These outdoor science activity days will truly be the lessons your students remember for years to come. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s take learning to new heights and step into nature’s classroom together!

Let’s Stay Connected!

Continue the discussion in my Facebook Group for Middle School Science Teachers or my Classroom Management Facebook Group.

Or get free science resources delivered straight to your inbox by signing up for my newsletter! I promise to never be spammy. I’m just a regular teacher who likes helping teachers teach and students learn.