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Hi Nacaren,
This is a great question because having your students learn outdoors not only gives them a change of scenery but also allows them to learn and appreciate the natural world around them.
Before I would begin any lesson, I would make sure that the area I am going to take my students is safe. For instance, I would make sure that there are no dangerous plants that students may come into contact with, such as poison ivy. In addition, I would set several “ground rules,” such as creating a boundary in which students have to stay in during the lesson.
I feel that a great way to begin any lesson outside is to have the students go on a nature walk where they can use their senses to explore their environment. You can have the students look up at the sky, look closely at the leaves on trees, and observe the interaction/behavior of animals and insects. This is just a fun way to get your students familiar with their surroundings.
One lesson/activity that second graders can do is to collect various rock and soil samples. Students can use their investigative skills and various tools, such as magnifying glasses to study the samples and compare various features, such as texture and color.
Another activity is having your students plant their own flower and vegetable gardens. This will teach concepts, such as the life cycle of plants as well as what they need to grow (water, sunlight, etc.). This will also improve your students’ self-esteem because they will feel a sense of ownership and responsibility for taking care of a living thing.
Students can also study weather patterns. This could be a year-long activity where students can go outside at least twice every season and observe the weather by using their senses. Students can document their findings in a journal and will be able to compare the weather throughout the year.
These are just a few examples of activities that students can do outside.
-Melanie
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