Activity Introduction
Quick summary: Students use their observation skills in a structured way to explore our environment. Your class will explore some of the amazing colours, shapes, patterns and textures that can be found in nature, especially in trees. The class will take a nature walk around the school or a nearby park, spotting as many colours as they can, observing the different shapes and patterns found along the walk, and feeling the different textures of a variety of objects along the walk.
Following this lesson is an ideal way for students to participate in Planet Ark’s Schools Tree Day – the largest nature-care event in Australian schools. You and your students will join thousands of amazing teachers in making a difference, fostering a child’s love of nature and creating positive environmental change. So, get growing! It only takes a minute to register for Schools Tree Day.
Learning goals:
- Students use observation skills and the senses
- Students describe, compare and sort colours, shapes, textures and pattern of natural objects
- Students connect with nature and be inspired to increase the biodiversity of the local area.
General capabilities: Critical and creative thinking, Numeracy.
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.2.
Australian Curriculum content descriptors:
Foundation Science
- Living things have basic needs, including food and water (ACSSU002)
Foundation Mathematics
- Sort and classify familiar objects and explain the basis for these classifications. Copy, continue and create patterns with objects and drawings (ACMNA005)
Syllabus Outcomes: STe-8NE, MAe‑1WM, MAe‑2WM, MAe‑3WM, MAe‑8NA.
Topic: Schools Tree Day, Biodiversity.
Time required: 60 mins
Resources required: One average size shopping bag, Student Worksheet – one copy per student OR computers/tablets to access the online worksheet.
Digital technology opportunities: Digital sharing capabilities.
Homework and extension opportunities: None.
Keywords: See, think, hear, feel, senses, nature, biodiversity.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
This activity is adapted from Sharing Nature with Children.*