Go Play Outside!

Gather Groups of Older Kids

Older Kids and Preteens Outside

Older kids and preteens like to be in groups. Any kind of group problem-solving or scientific testing will get the best results when kids this age work in teams.

At this age, kids usually like physical activity and need a lot of it. Recreational activities such as cross-country skiing, biking, and snow-shoeing can help lead them into the outdoors.

One popular activity is called Predator/Prey. Students role-play different organisms in a giant food chain tag game. They love the running and tag but also learn a lot about food chains.

Older kids and preteens can learn to:

• Identify why living organisms make environmental adaptations.
• Describe cyclic changes.
• Distinguish between renewable and non-renewable resources.
• Identify organisms using a key.
• Use tools like thermometers and compasses.
• Identify different ecosystems.

Teenagers Outside

Teenagers like a measure of independence. They can spend a lot more time outdoors than younger kids and participate and lead outdoor adventures like backpacking, canoeing, and rock climbing.

A great project for teenagers is to look at a local environmental problem and try to come up with a solution. In this activity, not only do teens learn about their own ability to solve a problem, but they also must understand the source and cause of the problem.

Teens can learn and grow from exploring the natural world. They can:

• Identify and explain the differences among various types of soils.
• Identify and explain the importance of the major aquatic biomes.
• Describe the key features of the major kinds of terrestrial biomes.
• Identify local environmental problems, determine their causes, and describe an appropriate solution.
• Participate in and lead, depending on experience and interest, any number of outdoor adventures.