Children love exploring natural science.
The natural world holds the mysterious wonders of life and the hidden secrets of science. This wonderment can be introduced to children through a few nature activities that will teach them about the patterns, structures, cycles and design of the natural world.
Leaf Rubbing
Leaf rubbings demonstrate to children that plants contain capillaries that transport water throughout the plant to keep it hydrated. To make a leaf rubbing, place a plain, white sheet of 8.5- by 11-inch paper on top of a fresh leaf, and color over the surface of the paper with a crayon, charcoal or pastels. The impression of the leaf will show through onto the paper.
Seed Planting
Planting a seed and watching it grow out of the soil demonstrates to children what plants need to develop. To plant seeds, fill paper cups with soil and place an individual seed into the middle of the soil. Pour a small amount of water onto the soil, and place the cup onto a window sill or in a sunny location. After a few weeks, the seed will begin to sprout into a new plant.
Soil Separation
Conducting a soil separation experiment teaches children that the soil in their backyards is composed of more than one type of material. To make a soil separation experiment, dig up around three cups of soil from the ground, and pour it into a glass mason jar. Fill the jar up with water, and screw the lid on tightly. Shake the jar vigorously for one minute, then place it onto a desk or a flat surface. Allow the jar to remain untouched for about one day. The different materials in the soil will separate inside the jar.
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