Be a Nature Detective

Serious Scavenging

Why Play This Way?

There is no better way to slow down the frenetic pace of everyday life than to spend time in nature. This play experience invites you to closely explore and connect with the outdoors in the freest, most open-ended of ways. Follow your little scientist’s lead as they engage in a scavenger hunt, discover and collect treasures, and marvel at the unique beauty of the natural world.

Nature

Science

sensory

fine motor

SET THE STAGE FOR PLAY: 2 Minutes

Adult Participation: Required

Ready

  • A bag for collecting natural parts

  • Optional: magnifying glass, camera, paper, & writing/drawing materials

  • Print your scavenger hunt chart.

SET

  1. Choose a location to explore nature and go on a scavenger hunt.

     

  2. Optional: 

     

  3. Get dressed & ready for your outdoor adventure!

PLAY!

  • Start by exploring your natural surroundings.

  • Pay attention to what you see, smell, feel, and hear:

    → Do you see anything moving? 

    → Do you smell anything familiar? Or unfamiliar?

    → Can you hear any animals?

    → What does the air feel like on your skin?

  • Be a nature detective & scavenge for the items in the list below. (Optional: Use your visual checklist).

    • Tree
    • Dirt
    • Sand
    • Leaf
    • Flower
    • Pinecone
    • Stick
    • Bark
    • Ant
    • Boulder
    • Grass
    • Pebble
    • Bird
    • Water
    • Shell
    • Moss
    • Mud
    • Mushroom
    • Acorn
    • Feather
  • Whenever possible, collect natural items that fit in your bag for future play.

  • What else can you find and/or collect?

    → Is there anything you want to explore more closely with your magnifying glass?

    → Do you see something you want to photograph or draw?

HOW CAN YOU PLAY WITH YOUR NEW COLLECTION OF NATURAL PARTS?

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"Backyard Fairies"
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