Outdoor Education ideas and lessons for educators

Here’s a list of tools and resources we’ve pulled from other areas on our website. all here on one page at your fingertips.

Many of these activities are things you can build into your daily or weekly outdoor education routine. For more on building and creating routines, check out this blog post.

Send us an email if you have questions about how to adjust these ideas to your classroom situation: virtual, in-person, synchronous or asynchronous. We’re here for you!

Bird Names for Birds

Birds should have names that describe the bird, not names that honor humans. Learn about how our word choices matter, and how changing some bird names can make the world a more welcoming place for many People of Color. Ideal for grades 4-8, adjustable for all ages.

This lesson plan includes:

• a Google Slides presentation for you to use virtually or in-person

• lesson notes to help educators teach successfully

• suggestions for adjusting the lesson to fit your age group

• more activities to continue the lesson!

Thanks to the folks at Bird Names for Birds for the inspiring research they’ve compiled!

Connecting with Nature & Building Routines

Connecting with Nature: nature walks, sit spots, and more.

Nature Journals: They help you to pause, observe, and really immerse yourself in the world around you. Most importantly, they give you space to breathe deep and focus on something peaceful.

Scavenger Hunts & Nature Baskets: Whether you’re looking out a window, crawling around in your backyard, or taking a walk around your neighborhood, wildlife is everywhere.

Nature Art: Art is a wonderful way to “pause” life for a while. It gives you (and kids!) the space to be creative, meditate a little, be silly, or quiet. Here are some nature-inspired art projects to brighten your day.

The right tools make learning funner. That’s right, funner.

Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance (formerly Madison Audubon) Bird Guide for Kids: Learning to identify birds is fun and challenging! This guide is specially designed for kids’ brains and hands. Download the computer-viewing or print-at-home version.

Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance (formerly Madison Audubon) Field Guide for Kids: The booklet includes a small selection of mammals, insects, herps, and plants to get you started in your field identification fun.

Exploring Plants: Games, activities, and the handouts that go with them. These are great via zoom too!

Insect Guide: Learn about broad categories of insects

Urban Mammal Track & Scat ID: Footprints and poop. What could be better? Let’s explore!