40 Nature Walks: Outdoor Science Labs On-the-Go

ScienceGrades 7–13

About This Curriculum

Print-and-go nature science labs that turn ordinary nature walks into focused, hands-on learning experiences with zero preparation required.

What makes it unique: Each single-page worksheet provides complete instructions for outdoor science exploration, requiring no teacher preparation beyond printing and bringing clipboards.

40 Nature Walks: Print-and-Go Outdoor Science Activities

40 Nature Walks: Outdoor Science Labs On-the-Go is a collection of print-and-go activity sheets that transform nature walks into focused science observations for grades 7-13. Created by Cindy West, this curriculum requires minimal preparation and provides one-page worksheets covering physical science, earth science, plants, animals, and seasonal topics through outdoor exploration.

Best for

Homeschooling families seeking low-preparation outdoor science activities to supplement a more structured science curriculum, particularly those following Charlotte Mason philosophy

Evaluation Criteria

1 strength · 3 concerns · 3 insufficient evidence

Hands On IntegrationStrength

This curriculum excels at hands-on, experiential learning through structured outdoor activities.

All activities involve direct outdoor exploration with specific observation tasks. Reviews highlight 'focused, hands-on learning experiences' and activities like specimen collection, rock analysis, and pattern identification in nature.

Knowledge RichConcern

The curriculum appears to focus more on observation skills and field work than building systematic science content knowledge.

Reviews emphasize activities like measuring, mapping, charting, and comparing rather than deep content instruction. Activities are described as 'narrowly focused' observation tasks.

Teacher TrainingConcern

Minimal teacher support beyond the activity sheets themselves, though the print-and-go format requires little preparation.

Reviews emphasize 'zero preparation required' and 'almost no preparation' with all instructions included on worksheets, but no mention of teacher background materials or professional development.

Direct InstructionConcern

The curriculum relies primarily on discovery-based activities rather than explicit instruction of science concepts.

Activities are described as self-directed worksheet completion during nature walks. Reviews emphasize student independence and observation skills rather than teacher-led instruction.

Ngss AlignmentInsufficient Evidence

The curriculum covers multiple science domains but lacks evidence of systematic NGSS alignment or three-dimensional learning.

Activities span physical science, earth science, biology, and some mathematical/language arts integration, but reviews don't mention standards alignment or scientific practices beyond observation.

Retrieval PracticeInsufficient Evidence

No evidence of systematic retrieval practice or review of previously learned content.

Reviews focus on individual activity sheets for nature walks without mentioning review exercises, cumulative assessments, or connections between activities.

Scientific VocabularyInsufficient Evidence

Limited evidence for systematic vocabulary instruction, though some scientific terminology is embedded in activities.

Reviews mention activities involving analysis of rock characteristics and biological comparisons, suggesting some scientific language, but no explicit vocabulary instruction is described.

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, cornerstoneconfessions.com