The Natural World

262 Activities

The Natural World

Get outside and get curious! Through observation and discovery, learners explore ecosystems, animals, and environmental science. Nature becomes a classroom for inquiry, creativity, and care. This is great for adventurers and future eco-leaders!

Activities

Pollinators Project

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Pollinators Project

OregonASK

6 - 12

1 Hour 15 Minutes

Students learn how pollination works and how bees are essential for the production of fruits and vegetables. Students will also be presented with a problem and use tools to brainstorm and test potential solutions to fix it.

Discover Activity

Prep, Plant, Bloom! How to Plant a Dahlia Tuber

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Prep, Plant, Bloom! How to Plant a Dahlia Tuber

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Let’s dig in! After checking for healthy tubers and learning how they work, it's time to plant! This hands-on lesson will teach students how to properly prep and plant their dahlia tubers. From prepping garden beds to placing the tubers at the proper depth, students will experience the joy and responsibility of kickstarting the growing season. They will also learn why placement, spacing, and soil health are essential for producing strong, beautiful blooms.

This activity is 2 of 5 in the "How to Grow Dahlias" module from Farm to Table Kids. Visit the module to view the full set of learning resource and learn more about Part 1 of the module series, "Things to Know Before You Grow."

Discover Activity

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Egg Safe Seat

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Egg Safe Seat

OregonASK

K - 5

1 Hour

Students create a car that can safely transport an egg when it comes in contact with a wall. They learn about mechanical engineering as they use an engineering design process grid to build, test, and modify their designs. This activity can be done in one day or over several days.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Up Weather & Climate

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

S.INQ Up Weather & Climate

OregonASK

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students conduct their own investigations to find out the truth behind climate change; also, they brainstorm ways to preserve Earth with each other.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Attraction

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Attraction

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this lesson, students test different objects to see which objects are attracted to the magnet and which objects aren't.

Discover Activity

How to Cut Back, Dig Up, Divide & Store Dahlia Tubers Part 1: Buried Treasure – Cut Back & Dig Up Dahlia Tubers

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

How to Cut Back, Dig Up, Divide & Store Dahlia Tubers Part 1: Buried Treasure – Cut Back & Dig Up Dahlia Tubers

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Students will learn how and when to cut back dahlia plants after frost and safely dig up the tubers for overwintering. Through observation, they’ll track seasonal indicators and begin hands-on harvesting and data collection to prepare tubers for drying.

This activity is 4 of 5 in the "How to Grow Dahlias" module from Farm to Table Kids. Visit the module to view the full set of learning resources and learn more about Part 1 of the module series, "Things to Know Before You Grow."

Discover Activity

S.INQ Invisible Forces: Magnetic Force

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

S.INQ Invisible Forces: Magnetic Force

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this lesson, students test different objects to see if the magnetic force is strong enough to pass through and attract a paper clip.

Discover Activity

Where Did You Come From?

Whole Body, Whole Self, The Natural World

Where Did You Come From?

The Nature Conservancy

6 - 8

1 Hour

In this engaging lesson, students explore their connection to food and its origins. Through hands-on activities, they sketch their favorite fruits and vegetables, examine their geographical sources, and create thought-provoking food art to reflect on the impact of locally grown versus shipped produce.

Discover Activity

Favorite Animal

Arts in Action, The Natural World

Favorite Animal

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children choose their favorite animal to be the subject of a large informational poster.

Discover Activity

The Cube Game

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

The Cube Game

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students arrange 27 small cubes into pieces that may—or may not—form a large cube. They practice logical reasoning and spatial reasoning skills as they solve this simple but intriguing puzzle.

Discover Activity

Nature Squares

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Nature Squares

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students develop their scientific inquiry and observational skills as they list all the living and nonliving things in a 1-meter-by-1-meter plot of land.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Up Space Systems Part 2

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

S.INQ Up Space Systems Part 2

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students learn what constellations are and how they work, and how to find them.

Discover Activity

Pollinators Project

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Pollinators Project

OregonASK

6 - 12

1 Hour 15 Minutes

Discover Activity

Prep, Plant, Bloom! How to Plant a Dahlia Tuber

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Prep, Plant, Bloom! How to Plant a Dahlia Tuber

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Discover Activity

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Egg Safe Seat

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Egg Safe Seat

OregonASK

K - 5

1 Hour

Discover Activity

S.INQ Up Weather & Climate

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

S.INQ Up Weather & Climate

OregonASK

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students conduct their own investigations to find out the truth behind climate change; also, they brainstorm ways to preserve Earth with each other.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Attraction

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Attraction

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this lesson, students test different objects to see which objects are attracted to the magnet and which objects aren't.

Discover Activity

How to Cut Back, Dig Up, Divide & Store Dahlia Tubers Part 1: Buried Treasure – Cut Back & Dig Up Dahlia Tubers

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

How to Cut Back, Dig Up, Divide & Store Dahlia Tubers Part 1: Buried Treasure – Cut Back & Dig Up Dahlia Tubers

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Discover Activity

S.INQ Invisible Forces: Magnetic Force

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

S.INQ Invisible Forces: Magnetic Force

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this lesson, students test different objects to see if the magnetic force is strong enough to pass through and attract a paper clip.

Discover Activity

Where Did You Come From?

Whole Body, Whole Self, The Natural World

Where Did You Come From?

The Nature Conservancy

6 - 8

1 Hour

Discover Activity

Favorite Animal

Arts in Action, The Natural World

Favorite Animal

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children choose their favorite animal to be the subject of a large informational poster.

Discover Activity

The Cube Game

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

The Cube Game

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students arrange 27 small cubes into pieces that may—or may not—form a large cube. They practice logical reasoning and spatial reasoning skills as they solve this simple but intriguing puzzle.

Discover Activity

Nature Squares

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Nature Squares

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students develop their scientific inquiry and observational skills as they list all the living and nonliving things in a 1-meter-by-1-meter plot of land.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Up Space Systems Part 2

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

S.INQ Up Space Systems Part 2

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students learn what constellations are and how they work, and how to find them.

Discover Activity

Collections

Things to Know Before You Grow

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Belonging and Community, The Natural World

4 Activities

Things to Know Before You Grow

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

4 Hours 55 Minutes

The Ultimate Garden Planning Toolkit for Curious Kids & Inspired Educators

Before you plant your first seed, there are a few essential things every gardener should know—and this module delivers them in the most hands-on, kid-friendly way possible. In “Things to Know Before You Grow,” students explore the fundamentals of garden success: how to read a plant hardiness zone map, understand frost dates, calculate seed starting schedules, and document their observations like real scientists. This four-lesson collection is packed with interactive worksheets, educator-friendly slides, and real-life garden planning tools that help youth think critically and connect deeply with the rhythms of nature.

Designed by Farmer Steph and the team at Farm to Table Kids, this module brings the garden to life in your classroom or afterschool program. It also features exclusive “how-to” videos from Farmer Steph, offering step-by-step support and encouragement straight from the garden. These videos give learners a direct connection to the seasonal cycles they’re studying—setting the stage for confident, climate-smart planting.

Once you've soaked up all the "Things to Know Before You Grow," don’t stop there! Continue the adventure with our partner collection: “How to Grow Dahlias”—a joyful, flower-filled deep dive into one of the most beloved and magical plants in the garden.

Discover Collection

Catalyze STEM Learning with Kayla Ambesi

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

12 Activities

Catalyze STEM Learning with Kayla Ambesi

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 12

From robots and rockets to quicksand, plants, weather, and wildlife, this playlist ignites curiosity in STEM, inspiring the joy of discovery. Youth will design and test a kite in flight (learning about wind and weight); make rock candy crystals (discovering supersaturation), record and sketch nature (learning about climate and weather); and craft a protective device for a falling egg (exploring momentum and energy).

"By engaging in STEM activities that go beyond textbooks and lectures, youth can explore their interests, develop critical thinking skills, and gain practical knowledge that transcends traditional education. Investing in these experiences empowers them to become well-rounded individuals equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving world." — Kayla Ambesi

Kayla Ambesi is the Supervisor of Community Schools at Schenectady City School District in New York. With a passion for education and engagement, she oversees six community schools and leads districtwide STEAM Camps, K-12 summer enrichment, and a "STEM Saturdays" collaboration with Union College. Kayla is the devoted mother of four children and holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the esteemed College of Saint Rose.

Discover Collection

Intro to Science Notebooking

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

4 Activities

Intro to Science Notebooking

California Academy of Sciences

3 - 12

4 Hours

This collection of activities introduces students to science notebooking, and how to establish systems, organize information, and sketch like a scientist.

Discover Collection

Sustainable Cities

Belonging and Community, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

3 Activities

Sustainable Cities

City Parks Foundation

6 - 8

2 Hours

With the effects of anthropogenic climate change becoming more evident in our day to day lives, those in urban areas are at high risk of detrimental damage from extreme flooding events. Everywhere you look in urban areas, you are faced with impervious surfaces which presents a challenge when it comes to avoiding floods. And in cities that use combined sewer systems, these floods open the gates of contaminated wastewater filled with everything from human waste to toxic chemicals entering our groundwater and surface water supply which are detrimental to all living organisms that rely on it, including humans.

In this module, students will learn the parameters for and conduct water quality testing on local water bodies, assess the role of local green space in mitigating damage from flooding events, and construct sub-irrigated planters as an example of water saving green infrastructure.

Discover Collection

Our Watershed

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

3 Activities

Our Watershed

National Wildlife Federation

3 - 8

Think of a watershed like a filter, where water flows over the land and into other bodies of water, and takes into account the health of the land and all its waterways. In this playlist youth will learn more about their watershed, the ecosystem where they live, and observe the biodiversity nearby.

Discover Collection

Science Notebooks

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

7 Activities

Science Notebooks

California Academy of Sciences

3 - 12

7 Hours 15 Minutes

Keeping a notebook can help your students think and act like scientists. Sample these easy-to-implement strategies and lessons to bring science notebooking into your program.

Discover Collection

Helping the Planet for 3rd-5th Grade at Home

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

7 Activities

Helping the Planet for 3rd-5th Grade at Home

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

5 Hours 15 Minutes

This Playlist allows younger students to go outside and learn about ways to help the environment.

Discover Collection

Community Science Playlist

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

3 Activities

Community Science Playlist

California Academy of Sciences

3 - 8

1 Hour 15 Minutes

Community science, also called citizen science, is a global effort in which scientists and the public work together to help gather data on the earth’s biodiversity. In this playlist, youth will learn how to use three community science tools and make observations about arthropods, birds, and sky conditions to share with naturalists around the world.

Discover Collection

Invasive Species

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Belonging and Community, The Natural World

5 Activities

Invasive Species

City Parks Foundation

6 - 8

2 Hours

As our ecosystems continue to become more vulnerable through anthropogenic change, scientists are working hard to restore the resilience of green space. One of the major detractors from ecosystem resilience are invasive species. In this module, students will assess the impact of invasive species in their local ecosystems. They will work collaboratively with their peers to research effective pest management protocols, participate in field experiences to learn more about local native and invasive species, and analyze data to assess local biodiversity. This newly acquired knowledge and skills will set the foundation for a community outreach project in which students will educate their peers and community members about the importance of invasive species management.

Discover Collection

Things to Know Before You Grow

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Belonging and Community, The Natural World

4 Activities

Things to Know Before You Grow

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

4 Hours 55 Minutes

The Ultimate Garden Planning Toolkit for Curious Kids & Inspired Educators

Discover Collection

Catalyze STEM Learning with Kayla Ambesi

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

12 Activities

Catalyze STEM Learning with Kayla Ambesi

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 12

Discover Collection

Intro to Science Notebooking

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

4 Activities

Intro to Science Notebooking

California Academy of Sciences

3 - 12

4 Hours

This collection of activities introduces students to science notebooking, and how to establish systems, organize information, and sketch like a scientist.

Discover Collection

Sustainable Cities

Belonging and Community, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

3 Activities

Sustainable Cities

City Parks Foundation

6 - 8

2 Hours

Discover Collection

Our Watershed

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

3 Activities

Our Watershed

National Wildlife Federation

3 - 8

Discover Collection

Science Notebooks

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

7 Activities

Science Notebooks

California Academy of Sciences

3 - 12

7 Hours 15 Minutes

Keeping a notebook can help your students think and act like scientists. Sample these easy-to-implement strategies and lessons to bring science notebooking into your program.

Discover Collection

Helping the Planet for 3rd-5th Grade at Home

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

7 Activities

Helping the Planet for 3rd-5th Grade at Home

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

5 Hours 15 Minutes

This Playlist allows younger students to go outside and learn about ways to help the environment.

Discover Collection

Community Science Playlist

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World