My STEM Nature Journal - Little Bins for Little Hands...Natural STEM Challenge Instructions...
66
My STEM Nature Journal
Transcript of My STEM Nature Journal - Little Bins for Little Hands...Natural STEM Challenge Instructions...
My STEM Nature Journal
Natural STEM Challenge InstructionsNatural STEM Challenge InstructionsNatural STEM Challenge Instructions Instructions: Try to use as many natural items as possible such as sticks, leaves, rocks, bark, reeds, and anything else you have around the area! Go on a nature hunt and take a paper bag to collect goodies. You may need to sparingly use string or twine, but please remember not to litter and bring these extra supplies back inside! Do your best not to use any man-made materials! Encourage kids to not pick leaves off of trees or break branches off of trees! Use items that are already on the ground as much as possible!
Build a fortBuild a fortBuild a fort Challenge: To create some shade on this hot day, you need to
build a fort you can sit in comfortably.
Use natural materials to build your structure.
Design a Model HouseDesign a Model HouseDesign a Model HouseChallenge: Design and build a model house out of only materials
found in nature. Can you add a working door? How does your
house stand up to the weather over time?
Design a Stick RaftDesign a Stick RaftDesign a Stick Raft Challenge: Can you design and build a stick raft that floats!
What could you use for a sail? Will your stick raft hold a load
of rocks? If so, how many rocks will it hold before taking on
water? If possible, take your stick raft to a small stream.
Art & NatureArt & NatureArt & NatureChallenge: Get creative and add art to your nature finds!
Build a sculpture, make a picture, or design a mandala
with nature. Can you make a self-portrait
or build a rock sculpture?
What is the problem? How have others solved the problem? What are the limitations/guidelines? Who can help me solve this problem?
What information will I need to solve this problem? What resources do I have or need to solve this problem?
How can I solve this problem? Have I found an “out of the box” solution? Do I have more than one solution?
What materials do I have/need? What steps will I take to solve this problem? What could go wrong?
I will test my plan! I will take notes of my process/observations! I will draw/take pictures as I work, for reference later!
I will reflect on my design. What changes can I make to improve my plan/solution? What does my data tell me about my first attempt? I can create another plan and retest!
nature journaling
Writing Page Directions: My Nature Journal
Describe your favorite outdoor experience with as many
details as possible. Where did you go? Who was with you? What did you do? How long did you stay? What did you eat? What was the weather? Did you see any plants or
animals? Why was this your favorite experience?
© Little Bins for Little Hands
Cover Directions: My Nature Journal
On the cover of your Nature Journal, draw a favorite outdoor experience you've had.
My outdoor experience
© Little Bins for Little Hands
© Little Bins for Little Hands
My nature journal
My Favorite Outdoor Experience
nature journal Choose an animal that would live in your backyard,
like a squirrel or a rabbit. Write about your
backyard from that animal's point of view.
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
nature journal You have a pack of sunflower seeds ready to plant.
What are the supplies you need to plant them? What
are the steps you will take to plant the seeds?
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
nature journal An outdoor magazine is holding a contest.
Write a diary or journal entry describing your
most exciting outdoor adventure to submit.
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
nature journal It's treehouse planning time!
Make a list of 10 features your dream treehouse
would have. Make a list of 10 items you would use
to decorate the inside of your treehouse.
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
nature journal You're going on an all-day hike and need to get
your backpack packed. What do you take with you
for the day? List the items you packed and write
about why you chose each one.
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Forest Scavenger Hunt
1. cover page
2. scavenger hunt: 1
3. bird observatio
4. parts of a flower flower
Backyard jungle projec
Beach Scavenger Hunt
Playgroundrscavenger hunt
beach scavenger hunt
beach ball
bird
blanket
boat
bottle
bucket
crab
driftwood
flip flops
sand castle
sand dollar
seaweed
shell
shovel
sunglasses
towel
tree
turtle
umbrella
water
forest scavenger hunt
acorn
ant
bee
beehive
berry
bird
branch
butterfly
caterpillar
clover
flower
frog
grasshopper
ladybug
leaf
mushroom
squirrel
stump
tree
water
playground scavenger hunt
acorn
ant
ball
basketball hoop
butterfly
dog
feather
flower
grill
kite
ladybug
leaf
merry-go-round
rock
sign
slide
squirrel
swing
trash can
tree
backyard scavenger hunt
acorn
ant
bird
butterfly
chair
deck
fence
flower
grass
grill
ladybug
leaf
mud
rock
spider
squirrel
stick
swing set
toy
tree
Bird Observations Bird Date Time of Day Tally
Cardinal
Nuthatch
Blue Jay
Robin
Hummingbird
Add your own below
Bird Observations Bird Date Time of Day Tally
Materials:
• Empty produce netting • 1 1/2 cups of birdseed or
sunflower seeds
• 1 cup of peanut butter
• String
• Bowl • Spoon
Instructions:
STEP 1. In a mixing bowl, mix the birdseed and
peanut butter together until a thick paste forms.
STEP 2. Spoon the mixture into a large ball shape. It does
not have to be perfectly round. Then freeze the ball shape
in the freezer for about 1 hour. This will help it drop into
your produce bag nicely without making a huge mess.
STEP 3. Find the bottom of the produce bag. Drop the
seed ball into the bag so it reaches the bottom.
STEP 4. Gather the additional netting at the top of the bag
and tie it closed with string. You can add additional string
for hanging as well.
STEP 5. Hang the bird feeder on a shepherd’s hook or
tree branch where birds can find it. The high protein and
high fat ingredients will help keep birds fed and warm
during the winter months.
DIY Bird feeder
Materials:
• Cardboard tube (like a clean toilet paper roll)
• Peanut butter
• Birdseed
• String
• Scissors
• Bamboo skewer
• Butter knife
Instructions:
STEP 1: Using the scissors, create a small hole at the top
and bottom of each side of the cardboard tube.
STEP 2: Through the top set of holes, tie one end of the
string to each side.
STEP 3: Through the bottom set of holes, push the
bamboo skewer through to make a resting perch for the
birds.
STEP 4: Pour birdseed into a shallow
dish.
STEP 5: Using a butter knife, spread a
thin layer of peanut butter over the
cardboard tube. Immediately roll the tube
in birdseed or press birdseed against the
sides.
STEP 6: Hang birdfeeder outside on a dry day.
Cardboard Roll Bird feeder
Instructions:
STEP 1. Mix the gelatin with a half cup of cold water until it’s all dissolved.
Now add a half cup of boiling water (adult help required) to the bowl and
stir it slowly until it's completely dissolved.
STEP 2: Next, add 2 tablespoons of corn syrup and again, stir until
dissolved. Quick Tip: Spray the tablespoon with a little non-stick spray
and the corn syrup will slide right off!
STEP 3: Mix in the bird seed. Keep mixing until the gelatin/corn syrup
mixture evenly coats each seed.
STEP 4: Now for the messy part, time to spoon the seed mixture into the
cookie cutters. Fill the cookie cutters about half way and use a small
piece of parchment paper to press the seeds firmly into the mold. Fill the
cookie cutter to the top & press again.
STEP 5: To make a hole for your twine, push the straw into the birdseed.
Leave plenty of room between the straw and the edge. Press around
the straw to ensure the seeds will hold shape around the hole.
STEP 6: Place the cookie cutters in the fridge to set overnight. Once set,
remove the cookie cutters by gently pushing at the edges until it falls out,
taking extra care with detailed cookie cutters.
STEP 7: Pop the straws out and thread the twine. Now your bird feeder
is ready to hang outside.
Birdseed ornament Materials: • 1/2 cup of cold water
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 2 packets of gelatin
• 2 Tbsp of corn syrup
• 2 1/2 cups of bird seed
• Cookie cutters
• Straws cut in 2” pieces
• Parchment paper
• Twine or string
Materials: • 3-4 Packages of Flower Seeds
• 3 Sheets of Construction Paper • Food Processor
• Scissors
• Water
• 3 Small Containers
• Baking Sheet and Parchment Paper
Instructions:
STEP 1: Start by cutting your construction paper into
one-inch squares. Place each color separately into a
container.
STEP 2: Once you have cut up all your paper squares and each
container is ready, add water. Cover the paper completely and allow to
soak for 20 minutes.
STEP 3: When the 20 minutes is finished (the hardest part is always
waiting), take one container and squeeze the excess water out of the
paper. Place the paper in a food processor and pulse until the paper
becomes pulp.
Place the pulp back into its container. Go ahead and repeat with the next
two colors until you have three containers of pulp.
STEP 4: Divide the packages of seeds between the three containers
gently mixing them into the pulp.
STEP 5: Start by taking a bit of each color from each container and
forming it into a ball.
STEP 6: Place your homemade seed bombs on a parchment lined
baking tray. You can go ahead and press a few more seeds into the balls
if you think they need a few more. Let your tray dry overnight.
STEP 7: Once dry, toss your flower seed bombs into your favorite
flower pot or garden plot (you still have to dig a hole first)!
DIY SEED BOMBS
Label the Flower bud
leaf
petal
roots
my flower
my leaf
backyard jungle The one square foot project
SUPPLIES NEEDED
• 4 Feet of String
• Measuring Tape
• Scissors
• Magnifying Glass
• Camera
• Pencil/Pen/Colored Pencils
• Printable Sheets {a notepad works well too}
• Small Shovel • Optional Items: small beaker for taking a
sample to study further, a test tube for col-lecting a water sample, or a bug box for peacefully observing any bugs found.
PROJECT SET UP
Help your kids measure and cut the amount of string needed to create your backyard jungle project.
Decide how you want to set it up and whether you want to simply place the string on the ground or if you want to try out some creative engineering.
Get down! Yes, you need to get down on your belly to really see what’s down there. Grab a magnifying glass and check it all out. You can push the grass aside if necessary to see what’s below the surface.
RECORD DATA
Use the printable sheets to record data, take notes, and draw pictures of everything you can see and find from leaves, to moss, to grass, to dirt and water. Take notes on the bugs, insects or critters that might be crawling around or take note of any foot prints or droppings that are left behind.
Draw pictures of your area, document the weather conditions, time of day, season, or anything else that can help you learn more about your one square foot!
backyard jungle Scientists observe every little detail, so make sure to include lots of detail in your description and drawing.
Draw Your Square
Describe Your Square
sunny rainy windy
cloudy snowy stormy
backyard jungle
What is the temperature?
What are the weather conditions?
The 1 square foot project
Backyard JunglePlantsPlantsPlants InsectsInsectsInsects
Insect/Animal Insect/Animal Insect/Animal AnimalsAnimalsAnimals
LittleBinsforLittleHands.com
The 1 square foot project
Backyard Jungle
Bird/Baby InsectBird/Baby InsectBird/Baby Insect Animal InsectAnimal InsectAnimal Insect
Animal FoodAnimal FoodAnimal Food Insect/Animal Insect/Animal Insect/Animal
LittleBinsforLittleHands.com
BE A COLLECTOR!
Be a Scientist through Observation and Collecting
BE A COLLECTOR As a scientist, an important goal is to observe the world and to
document and organize your findings. Collecting things is a
wonderful way to do this. One way you can start a great
collection is with simple everyday found objects.
Once you create your collection you can add to it and refine it
and reorganize it based upon different categories. Organization
by differing categories is a basic tool that scientists use every day
to learn and discover new things about our world.
To be a good collector you will need some supplies to keep on
hand. These supplies will help you as you collect, analyze, and
document your collection. They can also help you to keep your
collection organized.
SUGGESTED SUPPLIES
Camera/video camera
Tweezers
Glue
Tape
Insect net
Magnifying glass
Notebook to collect and document your findings
Pencils
Ziploc bags
Envelopes
A variety of recycled boxes and jars with lids
Collecting Process STEP 1: Observe things that spark your interest.
STEP 2: Collect items that hold your attention.
IDEAS TO TRY
• Collect objects daily (i.e., walking to school or at recess) or at special times (i.e., during a hike or during a trip)
Set a goal of the number of items that you want to collect each time.
For example, today I will collect 30 very small things.
STEP 3: Study your objects carefully
IDEAS TO TRY
• Make connections between the objects such as on size, shape, color, weight, texture or pattern.
• Form comparison groupings such as natural and man-made or flexible
and rigid.
Add information about your objects in a notebook. Use information
such as description, location, time, date, and dimensions. Look
closely at one particular object and draw exactly what you see.
DO MORE
• Make a sculpture with some items from your collection.
• Select an object or objects and create a story of fiction about them. Think about if
your object is magical or describe what the
objects do when nobody is around.
• Create your own gallery or museum for your collection. Create new ways to
display your objects.
Ideas for Your Collection
Rocks
Seashells
Pinecones
Seeds
Leaves
Butterflies
Insects
Mushrooms
Fossils
Animal bones
Flowers
Tips and Tricks Use a camera to take photos of anything living. Or, you can draw images
of what you are observing. You’ll need to be very observant and draw ex-actly what you see.
You can dry flowers to preserve them, or draw different types of flowers in
your notebook.
When you find insects that have already died, you can collect them. But-
terflies can be mounted to foam board using pins.
Be sure to research the best way to preserve your finds.
EXPERT SCIENTIST As scientists learn about our world, they are
constantly looking for new ways to see the
same things.
Once you have your collection, can you
think about how to set up your collection in a
new and different way using only your imagination?
Think about how your collection will seem different by changing
how it is grouped or presented.
This is called a thought experiment and is a tool that serious
scientists rely upon often.
Make Changes
Think about and write down 3 ways you can change or re-group your
collection.
free
Nature BINGO Scavenger Hunt
free
Nature BINGO Scavenger Hunt
free
Nature BINGO Scavenger Hunt
free
Nature BINGO Scavenger Hunt
free
Nature BINGO Scavenger Hunt
free
Nature BINGO Scavenger Hunt
free
Nature BINGO Scavenger Hunt
free
Nature BINGO Scavenger Hunt
free
Nature BINGO Scavenger Hunt
free
Nature BINGO Scavenger Hunt
graphics credit
Graphics Used in this pack were designed by the following graphic designers. They retain
the copyright for their own work. You may not reuse graphics in this pack for any reason.
These printable pages were designed by We Love Printables on behalf of
LittleBinsforLittleHands.com.
graphics credit
Treasure Hunt
A Red Flower
Footprints
Dragonfly orButterfly
Dandelion Clock
Spider’s Web
Caterpillar
Smooth Rock
Water
Leaves
Stick
Bird
Seedling
Bee
Squirrel
Feather
Acorn
Try to find 4 different kinds
Nature WalkNature Walk
www.littlebinsforlittlehands.com
Treasure Hunt
Leaves
Stick
Bird
Bird’s Nest
Seedling
Bee
Squirrel
Feather
Acorn
Snail
A Red Flower
Footprints
Dragonfly orButterfly
Dandelion Clock
Spider’s Web
Caterpillar
Smooth Rock
Water
Tree Stump
Pine Cone
Try to find 4 different kinds
Nature WalkNature Walk
www.littlebinsforlittlehands.com
INTRODUCTION:
Here's your Mini Pinecone Theme STEM Pack! You will find a fun collection of
pinecone activities and projects every junior scientist should try! I hope it sparks
creativity and curiosity within your young scientists this fall season.
II have added supplies, setup instructions, and simple science information as well as
simple writing prompts!
Feel free to use this pack with one junior scientist or a whole group of junior
scientists. You may copy activities as many times as you like for your class, but
please send your friends to grab their pack instead of sharing files.
~ Thank you!
P INECONE S TEM PACK
P INECONE ACT I V I T I E S
Learn all about your pinecone with hands-on activities!
Explore the parts of a
pinecone.
Explore the lifecycle of
a pinecone.
Look at different types
of pinecones.
Draw and label a
pinecone.
Observe and write about
a pinecone.
© LittleBinsforLittleHands.com
© LittleBinsforLittleHands.com
Young seed cone
Seed cone
Pollen cone
Mature seed cone
© LittleBinsforLittleHands.com
Norway Spruce Cones
Coulter Pine Cones
Lodgepole Pine Cones Pinyon Pine Cone
Monterey Pine Cones Bristlecone Pine
Wing Seed Cone scale Cone axis
Draw your pinecone in actual size and label the parts.
© LittleBinsforLittleHands.com
Where did you find your pinecone?
What words can you think of that describes your pinecone?
What is your pinecone’s measurement? Use both a standard and non-standard measuring guide.
Standard Non-standard
Circumference: Circumference:
Height: Height:
© LittleBinsforLittleHands.com
© LittleBinsforLittleHands.com
Describe the color and texture and add as many details about your pinecone as possible.
P INECONE SC I ENCE PROJECTS
Pinecones make for a neat science project for fall! Each
activity includes supplies, set up, and necessary information.
Be A Collector (pinecone theme)
Pinecone Weather Station
Indoor Pinecone Experiment
Pinecone investigation Tray/Table
What's Included: 4 Pinecone Activities
Supplies: Pinecones Notebook and/or drawing pad Pencils Glue, tape, tweezers, and scissors
(as needed) Ziptop bags Variety of recycled boxes or jars and
containers with lids Camera/video camera
Activity: Go on a pinecone scavenger hunt and collect as many different pinecones as you can. As a scientist, an important goal is to observe the world, document, and organize your findings. Collecting pinecones is an excellent way to do this. Write about your collection and the different species of trees the pinecones come from, find new ways to group and organize the items and display your collection for others to see. Share your collection with others and tell them about it!
Supplies: Variety of pinecones Blue sticky putty (or other adhesives
that can stick to a windowsill but not damage the surface)
Notebook Pencils Camera
Activity: Gather several different pinecones if possible. You will want to place them on an outside windowsill that is easily visible to you from inside.
Although you can simply place the pinecones on the windowsill, it will be much easier if you can tack them down to keep from moving. Wait and watch! Make observations in your notebook and document what you see with a camera.
Observe: Pinecones detect humidity. On dry days, the scales of the pinecones will open up! This is so that it is easy for the seeds to spread far and wide. When the weather changes to damp and rainy, the pinecones will close. As the scales absorb moisture they swell and close up. This is to prevent the seeds from simply falling straight down and landing in one spot.
Supplies: Several pinecones Water Several jars Notebook Pencils Timer
Activity:. There are several ways you can go about setting up this pinecone experiment with humidity. You can encourage kids to come up with their own hypothesis to test.
Do you have closed or opened pinecones? Will a closed pinecone open if placed in an empty, dry jar? Will an open pinecone closed of placed in a jar filled with water? Does water temperature matter. What happens if you put a lid on the jar? What else can you test with your pinecones? Can you time how long the changes take? Make sure to record and sketch your findings!
Supplies: Pinecones Magnifying glass Tweezers Bowl of water Tray Notebook Pencils/crayons Measuring tools
Activity: A wonderful way to explore pinecones is a simple investigation tray! You can start by going on a pinecone scavenger hunt also collecting needles
or other items associated with pine trees.
Place items on a cookie sheet or craft tray and include items such as magnifying glasses, small containers, tweezers, a bowl of water, and any other science tools you have!
Encourage your kids to examine the pinecones with a magnifying glass, measure the pinecones, sketch the pinecones, take apart the pinecones, explore the parts of the pinecone as well as any other parts of the tree you collected. Do pinecones sink or float?
Photo credits:
Norway Spruce Pine—By Plamen Agov • studiolemontree.com, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/
index.php?curid=15301009
Coulter Pine—By Lazaregagnidze - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?
curid=39552901
Lodgepole Pine—By Jason Hollinger - Lodgepole Pine "Flowers"Uploaded by Amada44, CC BY 2.0, https://
commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24216067
Pinyon Pine—By Dcrjsr - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16926471
Monterey Pine—By S. Rae from Scotland, UK - Pinus radiata (Monterey Pine) - foliage, CC BY 2.0, https://
commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=52342846
Bristlecone—By Axel Kristinsson from Reykjavík, Iceland - Bristlecone Pine, CC BY 2.0, https://
commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24754571
