Teaching elementary students about environmental science is a fun way to introduce local fauna, conservation, metamorphosis, germination and photosynthesis. There are several projects that will encourage students of this age to explore and learn about nature around them. With some basic materials and some time out in nature, these activities can be done as a group and create finished projects.
Nature Walk
Find an area adjacent to the school that is safe for children to explore. Walk through the area to make sure there are no poisonous plants or challenging areas while taking note of different types of plants to share with elementary students. Gather materials needed for the nature walk such as small baskets for students to put things in and magnifying glasses.
Discuss with students before heading out into nature the idea of conservation and how it is important to respect the plants they encounter on the nature walk. Picking items off the ground ensures plants stay healthy and continue to grow. Using the magnifying glass will allow them to take a closer look at interesting items. Determine what time of year it is, and ask the students to think about how the season affects the plants around them.
When you get back to the classroom, give each student a sheet of paper and some glue. Create a nature collage using the items from the nature walk and then have students label the different items in their collage.
Planting Seeds
Growing seeds with elementary students is one way to learn about how a seed goes through the evolution from a small seed to a thriving plant. Bring in different types of seeds for students to look at, such as sunflower seeds and small wildflower seeds. Go over the germination process with students and how photosynthesis is part of helping plants grow. Would plants grow without sun and water? Why or why not?
You will need some soil and a couple of clear glass jars along with the seeds to complete this project. Have students help fill glass jars half way with soil. Pick several seeds to plant in jars and place some in spots in the sun, and others in areas where they will not get sun. Label each jar with the type of seeds and if they are in the sun or not. Water the seeds every couple days and take note of any changes.
After two weeks, gather the students around the jars and see which seeds are growing and which are not. Talk with students about why the growing seeds were successful.
Give each student a small 4-inch by 4-inch sheet of paper and let him or her glue several seeds in an interesting design. The sheets of paper can be taken home and planted in soil for students to watch grow with their families.
Metamorphosis
Seeds and leaves go through changes, and so do different insects. For this science project, you will need to obtain caterpillar that will go through metamorphosis to change into butterflies. Many types are available to purchase online and can be shipped directly to the school. They may also be found on a nature walk, if the season is appropriate.
Along with the caterpillars, you will need glass containers with a breathable lid containing natural elements such as sticks, grass and rocks. Place each caterpillar in a container and discuss with elementary students what they think will happen to the caterpillars. Make a list of ideas and post them near the containers. Check the caterpillars daily and mark changes on a chart. When changes are noted, discuss with students the process of metamorphosis and the stages the caterpillars are going through to become butterflies.
After the caterpillars have gone through metamorphosis, have students draw a picture of the process to take home.
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