Teaching kids about fall and the four seasons might seem like old news, but fall brings so much to explore outdoors and can get kids excited about science in new ways!
Where can you begin your outdoor exploration with kids this fall? We’ve come up with a few topics to tackle outside as you learn and explore together!
1. What makes our seasons?
Do you ever think about why we have seasons? Kids sure do! Help explain to them that we have a spring and fall equinox that affects daylight hours which creates some of the seasonal changes we experience. Share that summer and winter solstices bring on daylight changes that lead to our other seasons. Take kids for early evening walks during the fall and let them point out observations about their neighborhood and neighbors. Have them compare the activities they see people doing at this time of year to those they recall neighbors doing at different times of the year.
2. Why do leaves fall?
Kids love learning about the plants and trees that make up so much of their world. Talk to children about the life cycles of trees and how deciduous trees shed their leaves each year. These include maple, oak, and elm trees. Explain that coniferous trees, such as pine trees, keep their green needles all year. Go on a scavenger hunt and have kids point out various deciduous and coniferous trees.
3. What are animals doing?
Since a lot of animals are preparing for the harsh winter, they may be spotted in the fall doing all kinds of unique behaviors. Some animals are beginning to migrate. Ask children to pay attention if they start to see less of any animals outside. Other animals are scavenging food to last the winter or eating as much as they can to get ready for hibernation. Sit outside in your yard or at a park and have kids notice the different animal behaviors that can be observed in the fall.
Make fall all about science with these fun outdoor activities to boost kids’ curiosity and love for exploring!
Bake with more warm fall flavors with our
Caramel Snickerdoodle Cookie Kit !
Find more cool kits here!
