Get ready to explore the great outdoors with a nature scavenger hunt! It's an awesome way to sharpen your observation skills and connect with the natural world around you. You'll be on the lookout for all sorts of cool things, from a smooth, gray rock and a vibrant green leaf to a feather, a specific type of flower, or even evidence of animal life. Every item you find helps you notice the small, intricate details that often go unnoticed. So, grab a checklist, head outside, and see what wonders you can discover! Use the resources at this link - Nature Scavenger Hunt - or make your own. Parents, did you or your student see an odd looking bug or flower and want to learn more? Check out this site: iNaturalist.

Want to read more about nature? Go to our Mooresville Public Library and check out a book! Find a few recommendations below:

This Caldecott-Honor winning book reminds us how important it can be to stop and appreciate nature.

Kids will love learning about the most common creatures, tracks, and trees they're likely to encounter in North America. These books will turn every trip to the park into a scavenger hunt!

Explore strange animal species that are fascinating and fun! What are these rule-breaking animals? Why do they do what they do? Be a critter detective and find out by digging into this book of fun-filled facts and vibrant photos that will prove just how unique these animals really are!

Did you know that North Carolina is home to over 475 native bird species? Did you know that a group of ducks is called a "flurry"? Birds play a BIG role in our ecosystem, and it is fun to listen to, watch, and learn about them! Here are several fun activities for you to check out and learn more about our feathered friends!

Outdoor science experiments are a fun way to learn about science by doing it yourself. When you go outside, you can see things like plants growing, how the weather changes, and the power of nature. You often don't need fancy equipment, just everyday items. These activities help you think critically, solve problems, and better appreciate the world around you. Whether you're making a solar oven or studying how capillaries work, at-home experiments turn complicated ideas into things you can touch and see, making science easier and more exciting for everyone.

Cooking offers a fantastic hands-on learning experience for children, fostering a diverse range of educational benefits. Beyond teaching basic culinary skills, it provides practical lessons in math through measuring ingredients, science through understanding chemical reactions, and reading by following recipes. Kids develop problem-solving skills when faced with unexpected outcomes, learn about nutrition and healthy eating habits. Ultimately, cooking empowers children with valuable life skills, boosting their confidence and independence in a fun and engaging way. Here are a few kid-friendly, no-stove-involved recipes that are cool and refreshing on these hot summer days!

Find more fun recipes at ChopChop Family!