Activity Introduction

Did you know you, your family and your pets aren’t the only ones who spend time in your garden? It is home to many different types of animals and insects! By keeping track of what animals and insects you find in your garden, you can learn who you share your home with.

This activity is a great one to do together as a family.

Safety advice: If you are unsure about the type of insect you have found, investigate with your eyes rather than your hands.

Ideal for: Early Learning Ages 3 – 4

Themes:

  • fresh air

Time required: 15 minutes a day, over 5 days

Tips for Parents and Carers

A Nature Survey records the number of animals in a particular area over a set time, and builds awareness of the variety of life around us. By using dots or pictures to collect a tally of creatures, your kid/s will learn some key skills in scientific observation, counting, measuring and recording. 

Lesson & Curriculum Details

EYLF Learning Outcome:

  • Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
  • Outcome 4: Children are involved and confident learners

ELC-focused lesson:

Outdoor Learning – Counting on Nature – Early Learning

Resources Required

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[email protected] from Cool Australia

[email protected] resources are designed for parents and teachers to use with children in the home environment. They can be used as stand-alone activities or built into existing curriculum-aligned learning programs. Our [email protected] series includes two types of resources. The first are fun and challenging real-world activities for all ages, the second are self-directed lessons for upper primary and secondary students. These lessons support independent learning in remote or school settings.

Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.

Worksheets

Student Worksheet

A Counting Outing - Activity Instructions

Did you know you, your family and your pets aren’t the only ones who spend time in your garden? It is home to many different types of animals and insects! By keeping track of what animals and insects you find in your garden, you can learn who you share your home with.

Safety advice: If you are unsure about the type of insect you have found, investigate with your eyes rather than your hands.

Part A: Collecting Data

Step 1. Look together at the Counting on Nature Survey Sheet, and discuss the creatures listed on it. Alternatively, you may create your own survey sheet, including creatures you know are found in your area.

Step 2. Choose what time of the day to collect your data. Spend 15 minutes in your garden, looking for each of the creatures on your survey sheet. Each time you find one, add a dot to your sheet. 

Step 3. Repeat this each day for five days, or as long as you would like the activity to continue.

Part B: Using Data

Step 1. A

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