Explore Nature with Project WET: Engaging Outdoor Learning Activities for Kids
, by Project WET, 2 min reading time
Living Water (Getting Little Feet Wet)
Discover the wonders of nature with Project WET’s early childhood education activity, Living Water from the Getting Little Feet Wet guide. This activity encourages children to explore the outdoors, identifying examples of living and non-living things, and understanding the essential role of water in all living organisms. Children can engage in a hands-on experience by pounding leaves or flowers to observe the water within plants. Julia Beck, Project WET’s VP of Networks, praises this activity as “a fantastic way to help kids appreciate nature and grasp the concept that water is life.” Michelle Darnell from Texas also recommends Our Blue Planet from the same guide for younger learners.
Healthy Habits/Surface Sanitation Solutions
Project WET International Projects Manager Allison Howe and Cindy Etgen from Maryland highlight the Healthy Habits activity from the Guide 2.0. This engaging tag game, also adapted for the Clean and Conserve Educators Guide as Surface Sanitation Solutions, makes learning about germ transmission fun and interactive. Cindy notes that taking Part II of Healthy Habits outdoors is especially effective for demonstrating how germs spread more rapidly in densely populated areas. Allison adds that Surface Sanitation Solutions is not only useful for teaching science but can also be an exciting activity for health or PE classes. These whole-body movement activities enhance retention and comprehension.
Life in the Fast Lane
Dive into the archives with Life in the Fast Lane, a Guide 1.0 activity nominated by Project WET VP of Projects and Programs Morgan Close. This scavenger hunt through temporary wetlands educates children on the benefits and challenges faced by organisms living in these unique ecosystems.
Didn’t see your favorite Project WET outdoor learning activity? Email us with your nominations. If you have questions about how best to bring the outdoors to your students, feel free to contact your local Coordinator or Project WET staff.