Understanding the world

• enable learners to understand some important processes and changes in the natural world around them by dam building with puddles or in a water play area
• plant cress heads as an introduction to growing food – this could also be introduced as an enquiry by changing the amount of water or sunlight each cress head receives
• worm charming is for learners who feel confident in nature, encouraging them to search for worms in different locations around the site – best completed with a small group of learners who are particularly interested in life underground
• camouflage caterpillars: this activity introduces the concept of a food chain to learners in a fun and exploratory way. Once played with an adult, children can be encouraged to play independently.  

Nature Park highlight

• water permeability: this activity allows learners to compare different surfaces in their outdoor space, and how they can contribute to reducing flooding. By exploring their site and experimenting with water, learners will notice how water interacts with each surface – does the water disappear? Does it pool and go somewhere else?

It is important for young learners to be supported to explore the seasons. Most setting will observe the weather and seasons as part of their daily routine, but these observations can be extended to include more enquiry. For example, you could place a bucket outside and measure the amount of rainwater collected each week – this could be captured on a collective bar chart or pictogram. After the measurement is complete, children can be encouraged to use the collected water to water a plant or tree. Weather can also be investigated in other ways, such as wind chimes or a sundial.