KS1 Science outdoor learning. Summer 2020

These activities aim to help deliver KS1 Science outside the classroom this Summer term. Most of the activities can be easily adapted for KS2 as well.

As schools begin working with more children many will be looking to work outdoors. Government guidelines suggest this, social distancing is easier and infection transmission is lower outdoors.

It’s a Wonderful World have created a set of activities to help deliver parts of the Science curriculum outdoors. These activities have been designed to take place specifically during the summer term. We have other packages coming up for Autumn and Winter.

The majority of these activities can be done in any outdoor area which has some plants and ideally a number of trees or large bushes. It can be useful to consider using areas of the school or nursery grounds that may not normally be accessed by the children.

The activities have been designed to keep things as simple as possible in terms of preparation and resources. We try to use natural materials that we can find outside and reusable, recycled items that cost nothing. We are particularly fond of margarine tubs.

This package has been created around 3 themes. Plants, Animals and habitats, and Seasons. Within each theme there are a number of activities. A theme can be delivered as an entire session which would typically take around 90 mins. Alternatively, activities can be selected and delivered on a stand-alone basis. The themes and activities can be delivered in any order.