Science Friday: How to Scavenger Hunt Like a Pro

Learning at home doesn’t mean being stuck inside. In fact, let’s get outside a bit today! I think we should go on an outdoor scavenger hunt. Scavenger hunts exercise both brain and body, teach teamwork, and help little ones use their observational skills. Together, you can identify colors, shapes, textures. and the number of objects. All you need for an outdoor scavenger hunt is a yard and a list of items to look for. You can shorten or lengthen the list as needed. Let’s get hunting!

Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

Materials

1. a bag for collecting items
2. scavenger hunt list (see below or make your own!)

Items to Collect

1. 5 leaves that look different
2. A stick that is longer than your hand
3. A rock with spots on it
4. A flower
5. A smooth rock
6. 10 blades of grass
7. Something you love to play with
8. A piece of trash you can recycle
9. Something that is brown
10. Something that is heavy
11. Something that is light
12. Something that needs sun to live
13. An item smaller than your thumb
14. Something that starts with “M” (or any letter you choose!)
15. Something that smells good

The Science Behind It

Observation is essential in science! Before you can begin to hypothesize about how or why things work, you have to observe them. Exploring the outdoors provides your child with the opportunity to observe and notice things they might otherwise overlook. Happy hunting!