Acknowledgments
Introduction
Connecting to Nature
Technology is the Answer, But What Was the Question?
Nature Deficit Disorder
About The Big Book of Nature Activities
Geographical Area Covered
100 Continent-wide Species to Learn
Some Key Regional Species to Learn
How to Raise a Naturalist
How Do We Get Kids Outside?
Characteristics of Kids and Nature: Ages and Stages
Adults and Nature: How Knowledge and Appreciation Enhance Our
Lives
Species Identification and Naming
Basic Skills for Connecting to Nature
Hints for Paying Attention
Engaging All of Your Senses
Leading a Walk or Hike: Some Pointers
Some "Back-pocket" Activities
Birding
Invertebrate-watching: Butterflies, Moths and Dragonflies
Botanizing: The Art of Plant Identification
Mushroom-hunting
Enjoying the Sky
Time of Year and Time of Day
Increasing Your Chances of Seeing Wildlife
Bringing Nature Inside
Sketching and Journaling
Nature Photography
Geo-caching: A Tool for Nature Appreciation
Citizen Science
Connecting with Nature in the Digital Age
Key Nature Concepts for Children to Learn
Why Do We Have Seasons?
Phenology
Climate Change
Evolution
Big History
Fall: The Cooling Season
Some Key Events in Nature in Fall
Continent-wide Overview
Fall Nature Highlights by Region
Fall Poem
Collection Challenge
Art in the Park
What's Wrong with the Scenario?
The Story of Night Cap, the Chickadee
At Your Magic Spot
Exploring Fall — Things to Do
Fall Looks Like...
Fall Sounds Like...
Fall Tastes Like...
Fall Smells Like...
Fall Feels Like...
Phenology
Evolution
Birds
Mammals
Amphibians and Reptiles
Fishes
Invertebrates
Plants
Fungi
Weather
The Sky
Honoring the Season
Winter: The Great Exhale
Some Key Events in Nature in Winter
Continent-wide Overview
Winter Nature Highlights by Region
Winter Poem
Collection Challenge
Art in the Park
What's Wrong with the Scenario?
The Story of Night Cap, the Chickadee
At Your Magic Spot
Exploring Winter — Things to Do
Winter Looks Like...
Winter Sounds Like...
Winter Tastes Like...
Winter Smells Like...
Winter Feels Like...
Phenology
Evolution
Birds
Mammals
Amphibians and Reptiles
Fishes
Invertebrates
Plants
Fungi
Weather
The Sky
Honoring the Season
Spring: The Greening Season
Some Key Events in Nature in Spring
Continent-wide Overview
Spring Nature Highlights by Region
Spring Poem
Collection Challenge
Art in the Park
What's Wrong with the Scenario?
The Story of Night Cap, the Chickadee
At Your Magic Spot
Exploring Spring — Things to Do
Spring Looks Like...
Spring Sounds Like...
Spring Tastes Like...
Spring Smells Like...
Spring Feels Like...
Phenology
Evolution
Birds
Mammals
Amphibians and Reptiles
Fishes
Invertebrates
Plants
Fungi
Weather
The Sky
Honoring the Season
Summer: The Crescendo
Some Key Events in Nature in Summer
Continent-wide Overview
Summer Nature Highlights by Region
Summer Poem
Collection Challenge
Art in the Park
What's Wrong with the Scenario?
The Story of Night Cap, the Chickadee
At Your Magic Spot
Exploring Summer — Things to Do
Summer Looks Like...
Summer Sounds Like...
Summer Tastes Like...
Summer Smells Like...
Summer Feels Like...
Phenology
Evolution
Birds
Mammals
Things to See from a Car
Amphibians and Reptiles
Fishes
Invertebrates
Plants
Fungi
Weather
The Sky
Honoring the Season
Appendix
Cards for Song Ensemble and Listen for Your Mate
Leaf Adaptations Scavenger Hunt
Adaptations to Winter Scavenger Hunt
Adaptations for Reproduction Scavenger Hunt
Fungus Scavenger Hunt
Non-identification Bird Walk Checklist
Pictures for Imagining Your Ancestors
Fall Phenology Chart
Winter Phenology Chart
Spring Phenology Chart
Summer Phenology Chart
My Adopted Tree (Fall)
My Adopted Tree (Winter)
My Adopted Tree (Spring)
My Adopted Tree (Summer)
What's Wrong with the Scenario ?— Answer Key
Artists' and Photographers' Credits
Index
About the Authors
Get out! Seasonal activities, information, stories, games and observations to foster engagement with the natural world
Jacob Rodenburg is the Executive Director of Camp Kawartha, an award winning summer camp and outdoor education centre which uses music, drama, hands-on exploration, games and activities to inspire awe and wonder for the local environment. He teaches part time at Trent University, where he spearheaded the development of an "Eco Mentor" certificate program for teacher candidates which was subsequently adopted by several other universities. As well as publishing numerous articles on children, nature and the environment, Jacob has worked in the field of outdoor education for 25 years and recently received the Ontario Society of Environmental Educators Award for "Leadership in Environmental Education". Drew Monkman is an award-winning environmental advocate, and former board member of the Camp Kawartha summer camp and outdoor education centre. A retired elementary school teacher, Drew's interest in integrating nature activities and environmental education into all areas of the curriculum led him to oversee the development of an outdoor classroom which went on to become a model for many similar projects throughout North America. In addition to writing a weekly nature column, Drew is the author of several almanac-style environmental books including Nature's Year and Nature's Year in the Kawarthas. (www.drewmonkman.com)
From the beginning of time we have been connected to nature, but for the first time in history, that connection threatens to be broken by the most of an entire generation and perhaps generations to come. When children play in nature - climb trees, build forts and dams in creeks and go exploring - here is what happens: they have less obesity, less likelihood of developing attention deficit disorder, lower rates of depression and suicide, less alcohol and drug abuse, less bullying, plus, they get higher marks. This book provides a wealth of ideas for adults to engage children and themselves in the wonders of the natural world with suggested activities for all seasons. Nature is magic. And nature is free. ---Robert Bateman, March 2016 These are the understandings humans have passed down over hundreds of generations; now we need to make a conscious effort to insure our kids can understand and enjoy the gorgeous world around them. ---Bill McKibben, author Long Distance Today's children are growing up indoors. A lack of nearby access to nature, transportation, school budget cuts, and competing priorities are among the barriers that have left an entire generation inside. The Big Book of Nature Activities will be a great resource to all of us who work with children. As a former environmental educator, I know how it feels to see a child light up inside after a first nature experience. As I embark on a new phase of life, motherhood, I look forward to using activities in this book to help me share my love for the outdoors with my son. ---Jackie Ostfeld, Nearby Nature Director, Sierra Club This is an indispensable resource book for parents, teachers, youth leaders, outdoor educators and anyone else interested in introducing young people to the wonders of nature. It is clear from the authors' enthusiasm that they not only want children to learn more about the natural environment, but to fall in love with it. They are clear that the best way for this to happen is for children to enjoy the company of a supportive, interested adult. This book will help you to be that adult. --- Paul Elliott, Professor of Education, Trent University, Ontario
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