Scavenger Hunt – Nature

Skill: counting, observation, matching/sorting, shape

Resources: pencil(s), hunt list, clipboard or book (optional), clock

Activity: this cross-curricular fun activity celebrates BIODIVERSITY DAY. It is great way to get children excited about maths and nature. Children will have to look for certain materials found in nature, count them, record their results and communicate their mathematical thinking. By bringing maths into everyday experiences, like exploring in the garden, children can practice their mathematical skills in a meaningful way. This type of activity will deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts as well contribute positively to their wellbeing: spending time in nature has a very positive effect on our mental and physical health.

1. Once you have devised a list, take note of the time on the clock, and then head outside.
2. Begin by looking for the first object on your list. Count how many of those items you see. For example, there are 3 trees in the back garden
3. Write down that number. Or if there are lots of those items it may be a good
   idea to keep a tally instead (just put marks on a piece of paper but the 5^th mark is drawn across the previous 4 marks (see below)
   
4. You may wish to collect some of the natural items for further analysis later (between 10 and 20 items) e.g. sticks, round pebbles, fallen leaves, blades of grass, flower petals, shells)
5. Continue through the list, searching for each of the items. Record how many of each kind you find. Take some sketches, tree rubbings or photographs.
6. Don’t forget to take your time and look around – you may see some other interesting items that weren’t on your list. What other maths can you see around you?
7. When you’re done, look at the results. Which natural item did you find the most of? The least? Which stick is the longest/shortest/thickest/thinnest etc.
8. Record the time on the clock again. How long did you spend scavenging?

Search for as many of the following items as possible