Activity Introduction
Quick summary: These activities are designed to get children out and about, exploring their local environment, a local park, nearby nature or a wild space for Earth Hour Schools Day. Younger children will experience the outdoors through sensory and play-based learning. Older children will explore their local environment through role playing and gain a deeper understanding of their place and their connections to it.
This activity has been created in partnership with WWF-Australia. Earth Hour is the world’s largest community-driven climate change campaign. At the centre of Earth Hour is switching off lights to show a commitment to taking action. Thousands of educators use Earth Hour’s education program to enrich their curriculum and provide pathways for young people to create change in their world.
For the most up to date Earth Hour dates, times, and events, check here.
EYLF Learning Outcome |
Elaborations |
Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity |
2. Children develop their emerging autonomy, interdependence, resilience and sense of agency |
Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world |
3. Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment |
Outcome 4: Children are involved and confident learners |
1. Children develop dispositions for learning, such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity 2. Children develop a range of skills and processes such as problem solving, enquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating 3. Children resource their own learning through connecting with people, place, technologies, and natural and processed materials |
Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators |
1. Children interact verbally and non verbally with others for a range of purposes 3. Children express ideas and make meaning using a range of media 5. Children use information and communication technologies to access information, investigate ideas and represent their thinking |
Please note: This activity is designed to take place in a local park, bushland area or wild space (beach, forest, creek, or bush).
Resources Required:
- Hats, water and snacks if you are taking children out of the centre for a long period of time.
- A camera to take photos of the children in nature.
Supporting resources:
- Cool Australia Digital Library Clean Up Australia Day
- Cool Australia Digital Library Schools Tree Day
- Cool Australia Digital Library Nature of Mindfulness
- Cool Australia Digital Library Biodiversity
Cool Australia Presents … Biodiversity from Cool Australia on Vimeo: (https://vimeo.com/77933476)
Other resources:
- Video: ABC TV – Catalyst Program – Nature Play
- Video: Nature Play WA
- Video: Nature Play Department of Sport & Recreation WA
- Website: The Children and Nature Network
- Website: Kidsafe Victoria Road Safety Program and Resources
- Website: Daniel Morcombe Foundation
The team at Cool Australia continually reviews and refines our Early Learning resources in line with expert advice and current educational practices.