Sprout seeds without soil

Is it possible to grow a seed without using soil? With your child, conduct this simple science experiment using dried peas, damp paper towels, and a cup. You might be surprised to find out what happens! Encourage your child to talk with you about what happens to the pea over time.

Make friends with a tree

Take a walk with your child. Take some crayons and this sheet with you. Encourage your child to choose a tree that s/he would like to observe. Sit with your child, observe, and draw the tree. Return to the tree to see if it has changed.

Go on a nature scavenger hunt

Take a walk with your child and hunt for living and nonliving things together. Take some crayons, so your child can circle or draw the things you find. If you take a small bag along, your child can make a nature collection.

Explore the great outdoors

When you are outdoors, help your child look closely at the living and nonliving things you find together. If you bring a bag, your child can make a nature collection and share it with other family members.

Dig for and draw tiny animals

Go outside with your child. While outside, encourage your child to look for insects, worms, or other very small animals. When your child finds an animal s/he is interested in, observe and talk about it together. Encourage him/her to draw a picture of the animal and write some sentences about it.