The Natural World

262 Activities

The Natural World

Get outside and get curious! Through observation and discovery, learners explore ecosystems, animals, and environmental science. Nature becomes a classroom for inquiry, creativity, and care. This is great for adventurers and future eco-leaders!

Activities

Building a Mini Greenhouse

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Building a Mini Greenhouse

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students make a mini greenhouse and learn about how they work.

Discover Activity

Modeling DNA

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Modeling DNA

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students construct a model of half of a strand of DNA, then work with partners to complete the double-strand. This activity builds understanding of the structure and function of DNA and prepares students for a deeper understanding of molecular genetics.

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The Sponge Challenge

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

The Sponge Challenge

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Students devise a method to wet all parts of a sponge (inside and out) within 10 seconds. This activity demonstrates an important lesson in life science about cell size.

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The Ecosystem Where I Live

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

The Ecosystem Where I Live

National Wildlife Federation

3 - 8

50 Minutes

An ecosystem is where plants and animals live with and interact with nonliving elements, both natural and human-made. Ecosystems host biotic or living organisms, as well as abiotic or nonliving parts. Biotic organisms include plants and wildlife, while abiotic components of an ecosystem include rocks, temperature, and soil. Ecosystems can be very big or very small; for example, a river is a huge ecosystem, and under a rock is a tiny ecosystem.

Every aspect of an ecosystem depends upon another, either directly or indirectly. To illustrate this, imagine the amount of rainfall in a given location is a variable (other variables include temperature, sunlight, and elevation) to predict the types of plants that will grow there. All of these factors will then support wildlife who depend on these plant species and weather conditions for survival.

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Street Tree Care

The Natural World, Leadership and Teamwork

Street Tree Care

City Parks Foundation

6 - 8

1 Hour 50 Minutes

A city tree must battle many urban hazards daily- from air pollution and bicycles, to dogs and people. In addition to above ground threats, tree roots also must contend with tough below-ground conditions. A tree pit or lawn strip provides limited space for these forest giants and this soil is a tree’s only source of nutrients. Because of this, it is essential to create as nurturing a tree pit as possible.

This is activity 3 of 3 in the "Urban Forests" module from City Parks Foundation.

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How Viruses Infect Cells

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

How Viruses Infect Cells

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students present skits in which they role-play the two infectious cycles that viruses undergo to attack cells: the lytic cycle and the lysogenic cycle. This activity combines biology and drama to teach skills in both disciplines.

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Relative Sizes of Planets

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Relative Sizes of Planets

OregonASK

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students visualize the relative volumes of the eight planets and the dwarf planet Pluto in the solar system.

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Earthquakes & Tectonic Plates

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Earthquakes & Tectonic Plates

California Academy of Sciences

3 - 8

2 Hours

How can we determine the locations of tectonic plate boundaries? How can we use seismic waves to pinpoint the epicenter of an earthquake? Students will explore these and other questions using seismic data and triangulation.

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Merry Mix Jigsaw

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Merry Mix Jigsaw

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Each student receives an index card that describes a mixture, a tool, or a physical property. Their task is to match their card with 2 other cards. Taken together as a trio, the cards describe a successful way to use the tool to separate a mixture using a physical property.

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Speed of the Human Nervous System

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Speed of the Human Nervous System

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this fun activity, students measure their reaction time to a stimulus. They determine whether reaction time improves with practice and whether it is affected by distractions. Students also learn that reacting to stimuli involves coordination and communication between the eyes and brain of the nervous system and the hand muscles of the muscular system.

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Animal Homes

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Animal Homes

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

As humans, we live in homes for many of the same reasons animals live in homes, and just like animal homes, our human homes come in many different shapes and sizes, are built with a wide range of materials, and are built to withstand the climates in which we live.

A variety of factors affect the ability of wildlife to survive. An animal’s habitat must provide food, water, shelter from weather and predators, and a safe place to raise its young. Many animals, from ants and beavers to wolverines and yellow jackets, alter their surroundings to build their own homes. Children will be making observations of the animals and homes they find while outside.

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Plant and Animal Observation

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Plant and Animal Observation

City Parks Foundation

6 - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

In this lesson, students will practice identifying plant and animal species, and classifying them as either native or non-native. In doing so, students will also acquire knowledge of land survey and species identification methods used by biologists to evaluate habitats.

This is activity 2 of 5 in the "Invasive Species" module from City Parks Foundation.

Discover Activity

Building a Mini Greenhouse

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Building a Mini Greenhouse

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students make a mini greenhouse and learn about how they work.

Discover Activity

Modeling DNA

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Modeling DNA

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

The Sponge Challenge

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

The Sponge Challenge

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Students devise a method to wet all parts of a sponge (inside and out) within 10 seconds. This activity demonstrates an important lesson in life science about cell size.

Discover Activity

The Ecosystem Where I Live

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

The Ecosystem Where I Live

National Wildlife Federation

3 - 8

50 Minutes

Discover Activity

Street Tree Care

The Natural World, Leadership and Teamwork

Street Tree Care

City Parks Foundation

6 - 8

1 Hour 50 Minutes

This is activity 3 of 3 in the "Urban Forests" module from City Parks Foundation.

Discover Activity

How Viruses Infect Cells

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

How Viruses Infect Cells

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Relative Sizes of Planets

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Relative Sizes of Planets

OregonASK

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students visualize the relative volumes of the eight planets and the dwarf planet Pluto in the solar system.

Discover Activity

Earthquakes & Tectonic Plates

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Earthquakes & Tectonic Plates

California Academy of Sciences

3 - 8

2 Hours

Discover Activity

Merry Mix Jigsaw

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Merry Mix Jigsaw

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Speed of the Human Nervous System

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Speed of the Human Nervous System

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Animal Homes

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Animal Homes

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

Discover Activity

Plant and Animal Observation

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Plant and Animal Observation

City Parks Foundation

6 - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

This is activity 2 of 5 in the "Invasive Species" module from City Parks Foundation.

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Collections

Invasive Species

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Belonging and Community, The Natural World

5 Activities

Invasive Species

City Parks Foundation

6 - 8

2 Hours

As our ecosystems continue to become more vulnerable through anthropogenic change, scientists are working hard to restore the resilience of green space. One of the major detractors from ecosystem resilience are invasive species. In this module, students will assess the impact of invasive species in their local ecosystems. They will work collaboratively with their peers to research effective pest management protocols, participate in field experiences to learn more about local native and invasive species, and analyze data to assess local biodiversity. This newly acquired knowledge and skills will set the foundation for a community outreach project in which students will educate their peers and community members about the importance of invasive species management.

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Weather

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

4 Activities

Weather

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

Weather has significant impacts on how we carry out our day, but do you think about how it impacts plants and wildlife? In this playlist, youth will differentiate between weather and climate, take a look at the clouds, celebrate Earth Day (everyday), and look more closely at weather impacts on plants and animals.

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Animal Adaptations

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

3 Activities

Animal Adaptations

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

Animal adaptations help species to survive. In this module youth will learn about different animal adaptations and learn how urbanization impacts wildlife adaptations.

Discover Collection

Helping My Community

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

2 Activities

Helping My Community

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

Communities play a unique role in our growth and development from children to adults. In this playlist, youth will spend time minimizing their environmental footprint and planning a garden for wildlife.

Discover Collection

Disappearing Bees

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

3 Activities

Disappearing Bees

The Nature Conservancy

6 - 8

3 Hours

Youth uncover the fascinating world of bees and the crucial role they play in our ecosystem. Youth play the role of scientists as they seek to uncover the cause(s) of the declining bee populations. Youth learn how to share their knowledge and inform others about a topic through an infographic.

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Intro to Science Notebooking

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

4 Activities

Intro to Science Notebooking

California Academy of Sciences

3 - 12

4 Hours

This collection of activities introduces students to science notebooking, and how to establish systems, organize information, and sketch like a scientist.

Discover Collection

Sustainable Cities

Belonging and Community, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

3 Activities

Sustainable Cities

City Parks Foundation

6 - 8

2 Hours

With the effects of anthropogenic climate change becoming more evident in our day to day lives, those in urban areas are at high risk of detrimental damage from extreme flooding events. Everywhere you look in urban areas, you are faced with impervious surfaces which presents a challenge when it comes to avoiding floods. And in cities that use combined sewer systems, these floods open the gates of contaminated wastewater filled with everything from human waste to toxic chemicals entering our groundwater and surface water supply which are detrimental to all living organisms that rely on it, including humans.

In this module, students will learn the parameters for and conduct water quality testing on local water bodies, assess the role of local green space in mitigating damage from flooding events, and construct sub-irrigated planters as an example of water saving green infrastructure.

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Catalyze STEM Learning with Kayla Ambesi

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

12 Activities

Catalyze STEM Learning with Kayla Ambesi

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 12

From robots and rockets to quicksand, plants, weather, and wildlife, this playlist ignites curiosity in STEM, inspiring the joy of discovery. Youth will design and test a kite in flight (learning about wind and weight); make rock candy crystals (discovering supersaturation), record and sketch nature (learning about climate and weather); and craft a protective device for a falling egg (exploring momentum and energy).

"By engaging in STEM activities that go beyond textbooks and lectures, youth can explore their interests, develop critical thinking skills, and gain practical knowledge that transcends traditional education. Investing in these experiences empowers them to become well-rounded individuals equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving world." — Kayla Ambesi

Kayla Ambesi is the Supervisor of Community Schools at Schenectady City School District in New York. With a passion for education and engagement, she oversees six community schools and leads districtwide STEAM Camps, K-12 summer enrichment, and a "STEM Saturdays" collaboration with Union College. Kayla is the devoted mother of four children and holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the esteemed College of Saint Rose.

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Things to Know Before You Grow

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Belonging and Community, The Natural World

4 Activities

Things to Know Before You Grow

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

4 Hours 55 Minutes

The Ultimate Garden Planning Toolkit for Curious Kids & Inspired Educators

Before you plant your first seed, there are a few essential things every gardener should know—and this module delivers them in the most hands-on, kid-friendly way possible. In “Things to Know Before You Grow,” students explore the fundamentals of garden success: how to read a plant hardiness zone map, understand frost dates, calculate seed starting schedules, and document their observations like real scientists. This four-lesson collection is packed with interactive worksheets, educator-friendly slides, and real-life garden planning tools that help youth think critically and connect deeply with the rhythms of nature.

Designed by Farmer Steph and the team at Farm to Table Kids, this module brings the garden to life in your classroom or afterschool program. It also features exclusive “how-to” videos from Farmer Steph, offering step-by-step support and encouragement straight from the garden. These videos give learners a direct connection to the seasonal cycles they’re studying—setting the stage for confident, climate-smart planting.

Once you've soaked up all the "Things to Know Before You Grow," don’t stop there! Continue the adventure with our partner collection: “How to Grow Dahlias”—a joyful, flower-filled deep dive into one of the most beloved and magical plants in the garden.

Discover Collection

Invasive Species

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Belonging and Community, The Natural World

5 Activities

Invasive Species

City Parks Foundation

6 - 8

2 Hours

Discover Collection

Weather

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

4 Activities

Weather

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

Discover Collection

Animal Adaptations

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

3 Activities

Animal Adaptations

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

Animal adaptations help species to survive. In this module youth will learn about different animal adaptations and learn how urbanization impacts wildlife adaptations.

Discover Collection

Helping My Community

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

2 Activities

Helping My Community

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

Discover Collection

Disappearing Bees

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

3 Activities

Disappearing Bees

The Nature Conservancy

6 - 8

3 Hours

Discover Collection

Intro to Science Notebooking

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

4 Activities

Intro to Science Notebooking

California Academy of Sciences

3 - 12

4 Hours

This collection of activities introduces students to science notebooking, and how to establish systems, organize information, and sketch like a scientist.

Discover Collection

Sustainable Cities

Belonging and Community, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

3 Activities

Sustainable Cities

City Parks Foundation

6 - 8

2 Hours

Discover Collection

Catalyze STEM Learning with Kayla Ambesi

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

12 Activities