{"id":1786,"date":"2018-03-25T15:42:34","date_gmt":"2018-03-25T20:42:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.learningtostem.com\/?p=1786"},"modified":"2018-03-25T16:44:10","modified_gmt":"2018-03-25T21:44:10","slug":"turn-walk-early-learning-stem-journey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.learningtostem.com\/turn-walk-early-learning-stem-journey\/","title":{"rendered":"Turn a Walk into an Early Learning STEM Journey!"},"content":{"rendered":"

During this time of year, so many families are thinking of ditching the heavy coats and wool hats and getting outside after a long winter. The days are longer, temperatures are milder, and the world just seems fresher and more inviting.<\/br>
\nJust getting outside and taking a walk around the neighborhood can feel amazing once spring arrives. But did you know that spending time outside isn\u2019t just refreshing, but can also teach young children essential STEM concepts?<\/br>
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\nThe North American Association for Environmental Education<\/a> states that while there are hundreds, if not thousands, of early childhood STEM learning opportunities, none is simpler than taking kids outside to experience nature. And this doesn\u2019t always have to take place by going to a nature preserve or park. STEM learning can take place just by stepping outside your door and taking a walk around your neighborhood with your young child.<\/br>
\nSTEM learning concepts can be reinforced on a simple neighborhood walk in several ways.<\/br>
\nWhen young children explore, describe, collect, or sort items in nature that they encounter in their neighborhood (like rocks, seashells, acorns, or leaves), they are gaining math skills and are also learning about similarities, differences, and classification. Further, this boosts children\u2019s inquiry skills as they explore texture, color, and other details of these natural objects.<\/br>
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\nChildren can also study earth science<\/a> on a stroll by noticing how the breeze moves the leaves on the trees or how shadows are created on a sunny day.<\/br>
\nKids can explore technology by taking a plastic magnifying glass along to investigate their natural surroundings.<\/br>
\nThey can study engineering by attempting to create figures from sticks or stack rocks like building blocks.<\/br>
\nThe possibilities for STEM learning opportunities are nearly endless on a simple walk through your neighborhood\u2026it just takes noticing the rich opportunities for exploration that are all around.<\/br>
\nTo help guide adults in turning a simple walk into a STEM learning journey, I’ve included this printable packet: STEM Neighborhood Walk Activities and Journal<\/a><\/br>
\nThe packet contains simple and fun games, scavenger hunts, and journaling sheets to get young children exploring the environment right outside their doors, including:<\/p>\n