Extensions

Looking for more ways to use Nature Labs in the classroom?

Additional Activities

1. Encourage students to keep a nature journal where they can record their observations, sketches and reflections on the natural world. This activity helps develop their powers of observation and encourages them to engage more deeply with their surroundings.
2. Organize field trips to local parks, nature reserves or botanical gardens, where students can observe and learn firsthand about different ecosystems, as well as plant and animal species. They can document their findings and discuss their observations afterwards.
3. Run a citizen science project and contribute to ongoing scientific research by collecting data on topics such as bird migration patterns, insect populations, or water quality. Websites such as iNaturalist can help provide the tools for this initiative. Nature Labs also offers a breakdown of how to set up a citizen science project.
4. Teach students the basics of nature photography and encourage them to capture images of the natural world. They can focus on specific themes like biodiversity, patterns in nature, or seasonal changes. Students can then showcase their photographs in a classroom exhibition or create a digital portfolio.
5. Organize nature walks or hikes in local parks. During these outings, students can learn about local flora and fauna, identify different tree and plant species, and discuss ecological concepts such as interdependence and adaptation.
6. Select quotes from different podcasts and different perspectives. Have students discuss these quotes and decide if they agree with what the person is saying, or how they would respond to them.
7. Invite experts from organizations, government agencies, businesses, or local universities to give talks or presentations on topics like sustainability, public policy, biodiversity, or economics. Students can engage in discussions and ask questions in order to deepen their understanding of course material, while drawing connections to local issues.
8. Introduce students to classic nature literature, such as works by Ernest Thompson Seton, Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, Rachel Carson, or Aldo Leopold. Assign readings and hold discussions to explore the author’s perspective on nature and their contributions to our understanding of biodiversity.

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