Take science outdoors!

May 11, 2015 | Benjamin Carrara, Responsable des ateliers de mathématiques, sciences et robotique

It took awhile, but spring is here at last… better late than never! Now is the time for young explorers to venture outside and make new discoveries in a brand new classroom that’s spacious, bright and airy. What could be better than studying science in the field (literally), or simply enjoying the sunshine and fresh air while you try out new approaches to learning? Here are four science activities you can do outdoors:

Observing
Go on a playground safari and discover the wildlife that lives around your school! See if you can capture and identify some of the six-legged, eight-legged, and too-many-to-count-legged creatures around you. Using the two-way microscope (2180222), you can observe insects and other arthropods from above and below. Don’t forget to set them free when you’ve finished!

Orienteering
For keen adventurers, how about learning the four points of the compass by doing some orienteering or going on a scavenger hunt? Equipped with your compass and activity guide (2335818), you’re all set for a journey of discovery.

Discovering
Do your students sometimes seem “spaced out”? We can work with that! Using our giant inflatable solar system (2220473), children learn the names of the planets and recreate their orbits. On a sunny day, you can demonstrate a lunar eclipse by placing the Earth in the shadow of the Moon. If time allows, try illustrating the distance between the Earth and the Moon (to scale). It’s a fun way to convey the vastness of our universe.

Programming
The techies in your group will be happy to know that LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3 robots (2495562) can now be programmed wirelessly using an iPad—you don’t need a computer lab or a USB connection to activate your creations. The programming possibilities are endless: build an all-terrain robot or an explorer robot, or automate the school garden!

Have fun!