Nature Walk Habitat Hunt
Habitats
30 minutes
Whole class with adult supervision
Outdoor
Learning Objective
Explore local habitats and identify residents through guided observation
Materials Needed
- Clipboards with paper
- Crayons
- Magnifying glasses
- Collection bags for safe items
- First aid kit
- Camera
Preparation
- 1Scout safe walking area around school
- 2Prepare simple recording sheets
- 3Arrange for additional adult supervision
- 4Check weather conditions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1Take a walk around the schoolyard or nearby safe area
- 2Stop at different 'habitats': under trees, near flowers, by rocks
- 3Children draw or list plants and animals they see
- 4Ask: 'Why do you think this lives here? What does it need?'
- 5Discuss why each plant/animal is found in that particular spot
- 6Collect safe items like leaves, shells, or rocks to examine later
Assessment
- Can the child observe and record what they see?
- Does the child make connections between habitat and needs?
- Can the child identify different types of habitats?
Extensions
- Create a class 'map' of habitats found
- Make a nature journal with findings
- Research animals we didn't see but might live there
- Create habitat dioramas
Teaching Tips
- Emphasize observation, not collection of living things
- Keep group together and safe
- Encourage quiet observation to see more animals
- Connect findings to previous learning about needs