From Backyards to Beaches, Explore Nature This Summer
Ximena Marquez shares Nature Lab activities, virtual field trips and guides to connect young people to nature this summer—and inspire them to learn more about how they can help protect it.
By Ximena Marquez
Summer is the perfect time to take a dip in the ocean, spot butterflies at the park or pitch a tent in the backyard. Activities and virtual field trips from The Nature Conservancy’s Nature Lab will help students engage with nature no matter where they live. Accompanying learning guides offer opportunities to discover some of nature’s biggest threats and how students can take steps to protect it.
Become a Backyard Explorer
For early learners, the first step toward loving nature is spending time outside. This simple guide provides five fun and creative ways to help toddlers and preschoolers explore the nature that’s all around them, from local parks to their own front porch. Each activity is designed to engage all the senses—from sight to touch to taste—in the wonders of the natural world.
Dive into an Ocean Adventure
Even if students live far from the coastline, this virtual field trip for grades 8-12 can help them connect to the ocean and all it provides. We rely on this natural resource for everything from food to energy to transportation, but that dependence is creating pressure that threatens marine creatures and habitats. Learn about how efforts like coral reef restoration and restorative aquaculture are addressing these threats.
Meet Climate Heroes
Summer’s high temperatures and extreme weather events make it a natural time to learn about climate change. In this virtual field trip and accompanying guide created for students in grades 5-12, explore how climate change is impacting the ocean and the communities nearby. Dig into issues around climate justice and meet some amazing groups working around the world to create change, educate communities and build collective awareness.
Learn in a Living Garden
Throughout the summer, gardens are in full bloom. This interactive learning experience helps young minds understand how a garden works as a living natural system. Students map these ecological systems, compare them to the natural world, and then use a garden design tool to create their own productive mini-ecosystem!
About the Author
Ximena Marquez is associate director for education at The Nature Conservancy.
Your Summer of Learning
Looking for summer PD hours, ideas for back to school, or just ways to relax? Visit Share My Lesson's Summer of Learning page for upcoming summer webinars, teaching resources, blogs, self-care ideas and more.
The Nature Conservancy and its 550 scientists have created Nature Lab to help students learn the science behind how nature works for us and how we can help keep nature running strong. Nature Lab gives teachers, students and families everything they need to start exploring and understanding... See More
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