Outdoor Curriculum Resources – Bring Learning Outside the Classroom

Activities for Active Learning Outdoors

Nature-Based Maths 

Create a maths trail where children solve problems involving counting, measuring, and estimating using natural objects like leaves, sticks, or stones. For example, measure the height of a tree using shadows or estimate the number of steps around the playground. Make a clock face using chalk to draw the face on the play area and use sticks as the ‘hands’ to practice telling the time.

Storytelling in the Wild

Hold a storytelling session in a shaded area or under a tree. Encourage children to use natural objects to create characters, settings, or props for their own stories, fostering creativity and language skills.

Outdoor Science Investigations

Explore habitats by observing insects, birds, and plants. Investigate topics like minibeast classification, life cycles, or plant growth. You could even conduct experiments like testing soil pH or observing weather patterns.

Art with Nature

Encourage creativity by using natural materials for art projects. Make nature paintbrushes using sticks and leaves, leaf rubbings, mandalas from twigs and flowers, sculptures using mud and clay. Discuss environmental sustainability while working.

Environmental Stewardship Projects

Engage children in activities like planting trees, creating a wildlife garden, or maintaining a compost area. These projects teach responsibility and sustainability while connecting children to nature.

Physical Geography Exploration

Teach mapping skills by having students create maps of the school grounds, including features like trees, benches, and paths. Introduce compass use and simple orienteering for a hands-on geography lesson.