Are you looking for ways to increase your child’s interest in science?
One of the best ways to teach children about science is to engage them in fun, interactive activities that allow them to learn through experience.
Outdoor games are an excellent way to accomplish this, as they allow children to explore the natural world while learning about scientific concepts in hands-on ways.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some fun science-focused educational outdoor games that you can play with children to help them learn about the world around them.
1. Sun and Shadow Tracing
This game is a fun way to teach children about the movements of the sun and the way shadows change throughout the day. To play, take your children outside, choose a spot (this is the hard part!), and trace their shadows on the ground at different times throughout the day.
They can also trace the shadows of objects such as trees or rocks to see how they change over time. This game teaches children about the movement of the Earth and the way the sun’s position in the sky affects our daily lives.
2. Leaf Rubbing
Leaf rubbing is a fun way to teach children about the different types of trees, and the different shapes and textures leaves can have.
To start, have children collect leaves from different types of trees and bushes. Then have them place the leaves on a flat surface, cover them with a piece of paper, and rub over the paper with a crayon or colored pencil.
This will create a rubbing of the leaf that shows its shape and texture. This game teaches children about the different types of plants in their environment and how to identify them based on their unique characteristics.
3. Water Filtration
This game is a great way to teach children about the importance of clean water and the process of water filtration. To play, give each child a jar of dirty water and a set of materials such as sand, gravel, and cotton balls.
Have them experiment with different combinations of materials to see which ones filter the water best. This game teaches children about the water cycle and the importance of clean water for both people and the environment.
4. Bug Hunt
A bug hunt is a fun way to teach children about the different types of insects that can be found in nature. To play, have your children search in different habitats such as grass, flowers, and trees, to see what insects live there
This outdoor game teaches children about the important role that insects play in the ecosystem and how to identify different types of insects based on their physical characteristics.
5. Rock Collecting
Rock collecting is a fun way to teach children about the different types of rocks and minerals found in nature. To play, have children search for rocks in different locations. Depending on your location, this could include nature trails, creek beds, rocky beaches, grassy fields and more.
You can then have them use a sensory table to sort the rocks based on physical characteristics such as color, texture, and shape. This game teaches children how different types of rocks and minerals can form and shape based on their surrounding environment.
(The TAC truck pit is filled with pea gravel, which is great for exploring, sorting, and comparing small rocks!)
6. Weather Observation
Observing the weather is a fun way for children to learn about the Earth’s atmosphere. They can also create their own weather instruments such as a homemade thermometer or rain gauge. This game teaches children about the basic concepts of weather and climate and how they impact our daily lives.
A Guide to Scientific Outdoor Games
Keeping your children entertained and engaged can be an important part of learning.
Please contact us today to learn how The Adventurous Child Playgrounds can improve your outdoor play environment.
