5 Outdoor STEM Activities to Get Kids Excited About Science
When it comes to getting kids interested in science, there’s nothing quite like hands-on experiences. Outdoor activities make this even better by giving kids the chance to explore their natural surroundings and make scientific discoveries along the way. Here are five outdoor STEM activities to get kids excited about science:
1. Nature Walk and Journaling
One great way to get kids interested in science is by having them take a nature walk. As they go, ask them to observe and record anything interesting they see or hear. Once they’re finished, have them reflect on their findings by discussing their observations and any questions they may have.
2. Build a Birdhouse
Building a birdhouse is fun, simple, and provides a great opportunity for kids to learn about architecture and engineering. They’ll need to measure and cut the wood, hammer nails, and think about how to make the house stable and durable. Plus, they’ll get to watch as birds make their home in the structure they’ve built.
3. Sun Prints
Sun prints are a great way for kids to learn about light and the ways it interacts with different materials. They’ll need to find objects to place on the sun-sensitive paper, arrange them in interesting patterns, and wait as nature does the rest. The sun’s UV rays will cause the paper to turn blue except for the areas where the objects were placed, creating a unique print of their design.
4. Water Quality Testing
Water quality testing is an important part of environmental science and can be done right in your own backyard. Provide your child with testing strips and a pH kit and let them take samples from nearby ponds or streams. As they test the water, they’ll learn about different pollutants and how they can impact the environment.
5. Make a Solar Oven
Making a solar oven will allow kids to experiment with solar energy and understand the basics of physics. They’ll need to build a box with reflective surfaces, cover it with a clear lid, and add a dark pot to absorb heat. Then, they’ll put the oven in the sun and watch as it cooks food with the power of the sun’s rays.
In conclusion, these outdoor STEM activities will not only get your kids excited about science but also provide them with a greater understanding of the natural world and the importance of scientific inquiry. By engaging in hands-on experiences, they’ll be more likely to retain what they’ve learned and develop a lifelong love of science.
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