6 fun and educational outdoor activities for young children

August 31, 2019

Posted by Lake Erie Nature and Science Center

We can all agree that exposure to nature provides one of the most reliable boosts to mental and physical well-being, but do you know the great effects nature has on young children?

Our natural environment fosters children’s inherent need to move, touch and learn. Specifically, outdoor play is shown to enhance children’s sensory and social development, improve cooperation, reduce aggression, increase happiness and much more.

The Center’s preschool staff shares their favorite activities below to improve your child’s outdoor literacy while enjoying the remaining days of summer. Not only will being outside boost your child’s mood but yours too!

Take a hike

In the forest, in your neighborhood or even in your own backyard, go for a slow and mindful walk. Show your child every little thing that catches your eye and notice everything that catches theirs. You don’t need to teach or talk too much, just be present and notice. The lesson will teach itself.

Go on a scavenger hunt

Take along paint chip samples for a color hunt, go on a backyard alphabet hunt or download a free printable nature scavenger hunt online. Kids love finding treasures in nature!

Explore nature at night

Cuddle up around a bonfire, enjoy a round of s’mores and observe the sights and sounds around you. Listening for owls, catching lightning bugs and learning how to identify constellations makes for a perfect summer night.

Zoom in

Change your child’s perspective by focusing in on a small patch of grass. You can define a small space with a hula hoop or whatever you have on hand. A simple magnifying glass is all you need to discover what is hidden below.

Read outside

Grab a few books, bring a blanket to sit on, find a tree to lean up against or build an outdoor fort. Read together or allow your child time to read to him or herself – whichever feels appropriate.

Catch a bug

An inexpensive bug box and a keen eye is all you will need for bug observation. Pick up an insect field guide from the library as a fun tool to take along. Remember to release your critter after you have taken a good look!

Topic: Preschool

Eyes to the sky

August 1, 2019

Posted by Lake Erie Nature and Science Center

Look up! The Perseid Meteor Shower, one of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year, will peak the evening of Monday, August 12, 2019.

In preparation for this cosmic event, the Center’s planetarium staff explains what a meteor shower is and provides tips for seeing shooting stars this August.

What is a meteor shower?

Comets are large, icy Solar System bodies. As a comet passes closer to the Sun, its ice warms and begins to release particles of dust and rock into the atmosphere, which can result in a glowing trail of vapor.

Meteor showers occur when meteoroids, the rocks, and debris left behind by a comet, enter the Earth’s atmosphere. Meteoroids are almost always small enough to quickly burn up in our atmosphere, so there is little chance they will strike Earth’s surface. A meteorite is any part of the meteoroid that survives and lands on Earth.

Meteors, also known as “shooting stars,” are the streaks of light produced in the night sky when a meteoroid burns up in the Earth’s atmosphere.

How can I view the meteor shower?

Each year, Earth passes through the dust trail of Comet Swift-Tuttle, resulting in visible meteor showers. The Perseid Meteor Shower will peak the evening of August 12, 2019, and is one of the best opportunities to view shooting stars this year.

Meteor showers are named after the constellation where the meteors appear from. Look toward the constellation Perseus in the Northeastern sky between 9:30 p.m. and 5 a.m. to view shooting stars. During the peak, observers can expect to see 60-70 meteors per hour.

The key to seeing the Perseid Meteor Shower? Head to a dark area in the suburbs or countryside, lay down a blanket, bring some snacks and enjoy the celestial show. It takes 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark, so the longer you wait, the more you will see!

Topic: Astronomy