As I find myself looking for silver linings these days, the approach of spring is definitely near the top of the list. There is so much to observe in nature this time of year, and it’s becoming a bit easier to get little ones out the door (see you next year, mittens!). Now that the ground is starting to thaw, we love to peek under stones and small logs around the yard and garden.
As you explore OUTSIDE, consider:
- What are you finding? Have a container handy so you can observe creatures more closely. How do they move? How many legs do they have? If you see a silvery slime trail, look for the snail or slug that left it!
- Create a mini habitat for an earthworm or pill bug and watch it for a while. Does it crawl toward or away from light? Toward moist or dry soil? What does it do when it feels threatened?
- Compare what you see in different conditions. How might the weather, time of day, or location influence your findings?
- When you’re done exploring, remember to return your creatures to the spot where you found them, and gently replace the stone or log you lifted.
To keep exploring this theme INDOORS, try:
- Create your own “bugs” with play-dough and shells, twigs, pipe cleaners, or other loose parts.
- Work together to write or tell a story from the perspective of one of the creatures you found. What was it like living under the rock (and being found!)? What do you eat? What kinds of creatures might want to eat you?
- Rock out to Matt Loosigian’s Earthworm Dance!
- To learn more and practice identifying what you find, download this great PDF guide from the American Museum of Natural History.
Let us know what you find, or show us your play-dough creations in the comments below!
