Elementary Teen tween nature Science STEAM WILD STEM

Tons of Incredible Nature STEAM Activities Index

We have had so many great adventures outside, amazing exploration experiences and many memorable encounters with wildlife taking part in the 30 days of activities. You can find a list of over 250+ nature activity ideas for your own 30 Days of “Playing in the Wild” below for inspiration. 

Tips for a Successful
Outdoor Experiences

Starting the school year outside doesn’t have to be complicated! Even if you don’t consider youself to be outdoorsy, there are ways that you can easily take learning outside. Here are a few tips:

• Choose a simple, safe space: Your schoolyard, a nearby park, or a small garden area all work beautifully.

• Set clear expectations: Discuss boundaries, safety guidelines, and respectful behavior before going outside.

• Keep it simple and connection-focused: Early activities should emphasize building relationships rather than content-heavy lessons.

• Prepare a “go bag”: Include essentials like a first aid kit, clipboards or sit-upons, sunscreen, water, and simple materials to make transitions smooth.

For people new to nature play or Wild STEAM:
Lets start with a few Nature Prompts

20 Exploration Prompts to Inspire Nature Play  For Elementary Students

A few simple exploration play prompts can kickstart your outdoor learning adventures and help students build a deeper connection with nature. These prompts work beautifully as journaling starters, group discussion questions, or observation challenges to guide your time outdoors. Add clipboards, sketchbooks, or magnifying glasses to make the experience even more engaging!

20 Exploring Nature Science Prompts 

Nature-Based Observations

1. What do you see, hear, smell, and feel right now? Make a list for each sense.

2. Find something that is growing. What clues tell you it’s alive?

3. Choose one natural object and describe it in as much detail as possible.

4. Find two things that are the same and two things that are different.

5. Watch an insect or animal for one full minute. What does it do?

Creative Thinking Prompts

1. Imagine this place 100 years ago. What might have been the same or different?

2. If you could talk to a tree/rock/cloud, what would you ask?

3. Invent a story that starts with something you found outside.

4. Pretend you’re as small as an ant. How would this place look to you?

5. Design a creature that could live in this habitat. What would it need to survive?

Science & Inquiry

1. How do you think today’s weather is affecting the plants and animals here?

2. Can you spot signs of a life cycle happening? (e.g., seeds, buds, nests)

3. What patterns do you notice in nature around you?

4. Predict what this spot will look like next season. Why do you think that?

5. Find something that changes (or has changed) over time. What might have caused it?

Math in Nature

1. How many different shapes can you find?

2. Estimate the height of a tree, or the length of a stick.

3. Find a repeating pattern in nature. Can you copy it or continue it?

4. Group items by size, color, or texture. How did you sort them?

5. Count how many steps it takes to walk across your outdoor learning space. What if your steps were half as big?

Tips for Using Prompts Successfully

• Model first: Show students how to respond thoughtfully and creatively.

• Give choice: Let students pick a prompt or respond in their own way — drawing, writing, exploring or discussing.

• Pair with tools: Clipboards, notebooks, magnifiers, and colored pencils make prompts feel more purposeful.

• Make it routine: Use a “Prompt of the Day” to start or end every outdoor lesson.

Take PlayTime Science Outside — No Extra Prep Required

Exploration prompts are a quick, low-prep way to turn everyday outdoor time into meaningful learning. Whether you’re teaching on the school field or in a nearby green space, these simple questions help students slow down, observe, and make connections that last.

Keep Reading…

• Nature Journaling With Your Students

• Simple Ways to Take Storytelling Outdoors

• Outdoor Education for Non-Outdoorsy Teachers

Stone Pendant (Red Ted Art)

Story Stones (Inner Child Fun)

Zentangle Rocks (Edventures with Kids)

Puffy Painted Rocks (Babble Dabble Do)

Painting with Rocks (Fantastic Fun and Learning)

Building Towers with Natural Materials (Nurture Store)

Bug Hotel (Red Ted Art)

Painting Leaves (Simple Fun for Kids)

Leaf Rubbing Collages (Mama.Papa.Bubba.)

Leaf Threading (Stimulating Learning with Rachael) – blog is no longer available

Leaf Printed Rocks (The Pinterested Parent)

Stick and Leaf Butterflies (Artsy Craftsy Mom)

Nature Resist Tie Dye Shirt (The Pinterested Parent)

Pictures Made with Pressed Flowers (5 Minutes for Mom)

Bookmark Craft Using PressedFlowers and Leaves (Buggy and Buddy)

Flower Mandala Design (Nurture Store)

Bark Owls (Fireflies + Mud Pies)

Bark Painting (Tinkerlab)

Pinecone Mobiles (Happy Hooligans)

Pinecone Bird Feeder (Tinkerlab)

Acorn Necklaces (Arty Crafty Kids)

Nature Weaving (True Aim Education)

Nature Impressions Crafts (Paging Fun Mums)

Nature Impressions (Arty Crafty Home)

Nature Stampers – Impressions in Playdough (Danya Banya)

Nature Ornaments (Danya Banya)

Habitat Activity Ideas