Your backyard is a great place for your child to get outside and play.  In addition to swimming and other outdoor sports, your child can also use your backyard for science projects. If you are interested in helping them achieve this, you may want to familiarize yourself with some popular backyard activities, especially those that have a focus on nature and science.

Exploring the outdoors is not only a fun activity, but it can also provide many educational science projects. Whether you live in a rural, suburban, or even urban area, there are a tremendous number of living things – plants and animals – to be found in your yard and neighborhood. Most children love exploring nature, especially with your encouragement and help. This is especially true for kids in pre-school and elementary school. Your kids may need your help, so pick things you are also interested in.

One of the many ways that you can incorporate science is by studying the plants that can be found in your backyard and neighborhood. If you look closely, most backyards have many different kinds of plants and flowers. The most interesting environments may be found in wooded, bushy and unmowed areas.

You can find many habitats for the different animals and birds in your backyard. See how many different species you can identify. This is a good time for your child to practice patience as they wait and watch quietly. Can you discover what they eat? Can you find their homes? Bird watching is a popular hobby, and even amateur bird watchers often contribute to real science projects. Don’t be surprised if you child decides they would like a new pet bird.

You can also find many different kinds of insects in your yard. Like plants and flowers, your child may enjoy examining these bugs. It is both fun and educational to study the types of insects that are in your yard.

Encourage your child to study the impact of the weather on the environment for the plants and animals in your yard. Backyard conditions change as the weather changes. Study your backyard after a heavy rain, and have your child look for all the changes they can find. Weather plays a big role in the lives of the plants and animals living in your backyard.

Providing your child with some basic scientific supplies can reinforce their learning experience. These supplies may include, but should not be limited to containers, butterfly catching nets, magnifying glasses, picture books, and resource guides. If your child is planning on capturing a few insects, a small cage or breathable container may be just what they need. You can buy these supplies at many stores, such as toy stores, department stores, or sometimes even dollar stores. Or find what you need by searching online.

Science and nature guide books may be useful for you and your child. Many books and guides have a specific focus on insects, birds, plants, or flowers. Use the pictures and information in the books to identify the plant and animal species you find. Your local library or book store will have many good science and nature books available.

.It may be helpful and fun to document what you see as you explore the plants, animals and insects in your backyard. This can easily be done with a notebook or a camera. By taking pictures, your child will always be able to remember their exploration adventures. You can use the pictures for other science projects and crafts. You can turn the photos into memories by using them in a scrapbook or collage project.

Whether you plan the activity or it simply happens, your child will certainly find something to interest them. Backyard science provides a unique opportunity for adventure and sharing nature. And who knows, it could even lead to a career in science.

Tagged with: • • •

Filed under: tote diaper bag

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!