Big Book of Nature Activities

Jacob Rodenburg is the Executive Director of Camp Kawartha, an award winning summer camp and outdoor education centre which uses music, drama, hands-on exploration, games and activities to inspire awe and wonder for the local environment. He teaches part time at Trent University, where he spearheaded the development of an "Eco Mentor" certificate program for teacher candidates which was subsequently adopted by several other universities. As well as publishing numerous articles on children, nature and the environment, Jacob has worked in the field of outdoor education for 25 years and recently received the Ontario Society of Environmental Educators Award for "Leadership in Environmental Education". Drew Monkman is an award-winning environmental advocate, and former board member of the Camp Kawartha summer camp and outdoor education centre. A retired elementary school teacher, Drew's interest in integrating nature activities and environmental education into all areas of the curriculum led him to oversee the development of an outdoor classroom which went on to become a model for many similar projects throughout North America. In addition to writing a weekly nature column, Drew is the author of several almanac-style environmental books including Nature's Year and Nature's Year in the Kawarthas. (www.drewmonkman.com)

• Acknowledgments Introduction Connecting to Nature Technology is the Answer, But What Was the Question? Nature Deficit Disorder About The Big Book of Nature Activities Geographical Area Covered 100 Continent-wide Species to Learn Some Key Regional Species to Learn How to Raise a Naturalist How Do We Get Kids Outside? Characteristics of Kids and Nature: Ages and Stages Adults and Nature: How Knowledge and Appreciation Enhance Our Lives Species Identification and Naming Basic Skills for Connecting to Nature Hints for Paying Attention Engaging All of Your Senses Leading a Walk or Hike: Some Pointers Some "Back-pocket" Activities Birding Invertebrate-watching: Butterflies, Moths and Dragonflies Botanizing: The Art of Plant Identification Mushroom-hunting Enjoying the Sky Time of Year and Time of Day Increasing Your Chances of Seeing Wildlife Bringing Nature Inside Sketching and Journaling Nature Photography Geo-caching: A Tool for Nature Appreciation Citizen Science Connecting with Nature in the Digital Age Key Nature Concepts for Children to Learn Why Do We Have Seasons? Phenology Climate Change Evolution Big History Fall: The Cooling Season Some Key Events in Nature in Fall Continent-wide Overview Fall Nature Highlights by Region Fall Poem Collection Challenge Art in the Park What's Wrong with the Scenario? The Story of Night Cap, the Chickadee At Your Magic Spot Exploring Fall — Things to Do Fall Looks Like... Fall Sounds Like... Fall Tastes Like... Fall Smells Like... Fall Feels Like... Phenology Evolution Birds Mammals Amphibians and Reptiles Fishes Invertebrates Plants Fungi Weather The Sky Honoring the Season Winter: The Great Exhale Some Key Events in Nature in Winter Continent-wide Overview Winter Nature Highlights by Region Winter Poem Collection Challenge Art in the Park What's Wrong with the Scenario? The Story of Night Cap, the Chickadee At Your Magic Spot Exploring Winter — Things to Do Winter Looks Like... Winter Sounds Like... Winter Tastes Like... Winter Smells Like... Winter Feels Like... Phenology Evolution Birds Mammals Amphibians and Reptiles Fishes Invertebrates Plants Fungi Weather The Sky Honoring the Season Spring: The Greening Season Some Key Events in Nature in Spring Continent-wide Overview Spring Nature Highlights by Region Spring Poem Collection Challenge Art in the Park What's Wrong with the Scenario? The Story of Night Cap, the Chickadee At Your Magic Spot Exploring Spring — Things to Do Spring Looks Like... Spring Sounds Like... Spring Tastes Like... Spring Smells Like... Spring Feels Like... Phenology Evolution Birds Mammals Amphibians and Reptiles Fishes Invertebrates Plants Fungi Weather The Sky Honoring the Season Summer: The Crescendo Some Key Events in Nature in Summer Continent-wide Overview Summer Nature Highlights by Region Summer Poem Collection Challenge Art in the Park What's Wrong with the Scenario? The Story of Night Cap, the Chickadee At Your Magic Spot Exploring Summer — Things to Do Summer Looks Like... Summer Sounds Like... Summer Tastes Like... Summer Smells Like... Summer Feels Like... Phenology Evolution Birds Mammals Things to See from a Car Amphibians and Reptiles Fishes Invertebrates Plants Fungi Weather The Sky Honoring the Season Appendix Cards for Song Ensemble and Listen for Your Mate Leaf Adaptations Scavenger Hunt Adaptations to Winter Scavenger Hunt Adaptations for Reproduction Scavenger Hunt Fungus Scavenger Hunt Non-identification Bird Walk Checklist Pictures for Imagining Your Ancestors Fall Phenology Chart Winter Phenology Chart Spring Phenology Chart Summer Phenology Chart My Adopted Tree (Fall) My Adopted Tree (Winter) My Adopted Tree (Spring) My Adopted Tree (Summer) What's Wrong with the Scenario ?— Answer Key Artists' and Photographers' Credits Index About the Authors

From the beginning of time we have been connected to nature, but for the first time in history, that connection threatens to be broken by the most of an entire generation and perhaps generations to come. When children play in nature - climb trees, build forts and dams in creeks and go exploring - here is what happens: they have less obesity, less likelihood of developing attention deficit disorder, lower rates of depression and suicide, less alcohol and drug abuse, less bullying, plus, they get higher marks. This book provides a wealth of ideas for adults to engage children and themselves in the wonders of the natural world with suggested activities for all seasons. Nature is magic. And nature is free. ---Robert Bateman, March 2016 These are the understandings humans have passed down over hundreds of generations; now we need to make a conscious effort to insure our kids can understand and enjoy the gorgeous world around them. ---Bill McKibben, author Long Distance Today's children are growing up indoors. A lack of nearby access to nature, transportation, school budget cuts, and competing priorities are among the barriers that have left an entire generation inside. The Big Book of Nature Activities will be a great resource to all of us who work with children. As a former environmental educator, I know how it feels to see a child light up inside after a first nature experience. As I embark on a new phase of life, motherhood, I look forward to using activities in this book to help me share my love for the outdoors with my son. ---Jackie Ostfeld, Nearby Nature Director, Sierra Club This is an indispensable resource book for parents, teachers, youth leaders, outdoor educators and anyone else interested in introducing young people to the wonders of nature. It is clear from the authors' enthusiasm that they not only want children to learn more about the natural environment, but to fall in love with it. They are clear that the best way for this to happen is for children to enjoy the company of a supportive, interested adult. This book will help you to be that adult. --- Paul Elliott, Professor of Education, Trent University, Ontario