Dan Kuntz

EDOE 513

2-17-2023
10 Activities to Assist in Introducing Nature in My Classroom

1. Have a collection of invertebrates/bugs that I have collected to see

them moving and exploring.This will take the “gross” factor out of

going into the school yard to find and observe the invertebrates.

2. Demonstrate the SEEK App with the bugs that have been collected

as well as the plants in the classroom.This will show them how to

use the app in the field to being their list of living things and aid in

clarifying them.

3. Install Bird Feeders near the classroom and in various habitat

around campus.The feeders near the classroom will allow them to

observe birds and begin to identify them in the classroom before

venturing outside to see a wider array of birds. It will also minimize

distractions once outside.

4. Descriptive writing in a classroom “sit spot”. This sit spot will let

them focus on details that they miss in their day-to-day activities in

the familiar classroom. They will be able to have a better experience

in the unfamiliarity of the schoolyard after practice in the classroom.

5. Notice patterns in the classroom. They can see the repeating

pattern in the cinderblock walls, ceiling tiles, rows of desks,

organizational baskets around the classroom. They can extend this

Dan Kuntz

EDOE 513

2-17-2023
to the different types of leaf types and patterns, notice ants seem to

follow an unseen trail, the wind collects leaves in certain areas of

the playground and school yard, and that there are so many

patterns in nature.

6. Use material from nature in class projects and instruction. Currently

we are studying invertebrates. I have several preserved specimens

but I can collect live specimens as well. Additionally, bark, leaves,

pine and cactus needles, rocks can be utilized in projects and day to

day activities. This will allow them to explore the natural world

without felling like they can’t pick up or touch items. It will encourage

them to get hands on when we go outside. Additionally, instead of a

nature video telling them how things feel they can experience for

themselves.

7. Growing Something. Many students do not know where food

actually comes from, it just arrives in the store. We can grow some

simple things in the classroom and during our winter in Northern

California we can grow more items outdoor in our raised beds.

8. Classroom Pet. Rattle snakes are an obvious worry in Northern

California. Many people feel that the only good snake is a dead

snake. Having a reptile as a pet can show them that snakes and
Dan Kuntz

EDOE 513

2-17-2023
lizards are safe to handle when you know what they are an how to

handle them. It shows students that not all snakes are bad and

should be allowed to live. Also, it opens up the discussion that rattle

snakes have their place in our community and that they do provide a

benefit to us. As we go into the woods for classes students may be

surprised by a snake but now will not be terrified of a snake.

9. Bring Wildlife into the classroom. I should find individuals that have

animals as rescue or rehabilitation that can bring them to the

classroom for a friendly encounter. This will remove the stigma that

all “wild” animals in nature want to hurt humans.

10. Read current books, stories, articles about students hiking,

backpacking, working with animals. Ask higher level questions about

the experience and what they think they would do in that situation.

Tell them that at the end of the school year our class goes on a

weekend backpacking trip. Ask them to infer from others

experiences what they expect their experience will be like and how

can we learn from others mistakes.