Objective: To enhance observation and interpretive skills

GRADE: 5-8

MATERIALS: Paper and pencil, magnifying glass

PROCEDURES:

• Determine the outdoor environment to be explored
• Each student/family is assigned an area consisting of a three-foot circle or square, which represents the observation site
• Allow 5-7 minutes for detailed observation of the site; have students observe trees, plants, animals, minerals, rocks, leaves, flowers, etc. on their site
• Write down who lives on the site, what they look like, i.e., size, color, number of legs, petals, twigs etc.

PARENT/CHILD EXPERIENCE: Students share their observations with family and encourages future nature family outings

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Study science books or Internet sites on various plants, trees, animals and minerals.

EVALUATION: Students are to write a story about their observation site and "who lives there."