Games, nature and experiments
third through eighth grade lessons
lessons can be modified or completed with the help of a teacher or parent for students younger than third grade.
This unit was developed with Social Emotional Learning competencies, 21st Century Skills and Next Generation Science Standards in mind. The activities in this unit provide unique opportunities for students to explore the world around them, complete homemade science experiments, and play bonding games with peers and family members.
These activities are listed in their recommended order categorized by subject. Most activities are designed to stand on their own, with the exception of the Leave No Trace Principles activities. These activities are meant to be completed in order, as listed below. Students may utilized family members or close-by peers to participate in the activities that require more than one person.
Download Games, Nature and Experiments Teacher’s Guide with suggestions for differentiation of lessons and additional notes. If you are using Google Classroom, consider using kamiapp.com to easily integrate activity pages which are created as PDF Fillable Forms.
NEVADA RANGELAND
Watch this 1:25 minute video about Nevada’s rangelands and then use the activity guide to learn more about the Great Basin’s grasslands and native species.
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Games
Microwave or Toaster Game
Students will play a word game to try to guess a mystery item. No materials are needed to play this game.
Download Microwave or Toaster Game Activity Page
Spanish Microwave or Toaster Game Activity Page
The Paper Game
Students will play a writing and drawing game that encourages collaboration, creativity and communication skills.
Download The Paper Game Activity Page
Spanish The Paper Game Activity Page
In Grandma's AttiC
Play a quick word game using the letters of the alphabet. No materials are needed to play this game.
Download In Grandma’s Attic Activity Page
Spanish In Grandma’s Attic Activity Page
Rock, Paper, Scissors, Split!
No materials needed! Students may play this game adapted from Rock Paper Scissors that encourages critical thinking, communication, and social skill development.
Download Rock, Paper, Scissors, Split! Activity Page
Spanish Rock, Paper, Scissors, Split! Activity Page
Game of Things
Students will play a fun game to see how well they know their friends and family members by identifying the "things" they each have chosen.
Download Game of Things Activity Page
Spanish Game of Things Activity Page
Beast Master
No materials needed! Students will play this game, which is similar to Rock Paper Scissors, to see if they have what it takes to become the next “Beast Master.” In the 4:44-minute video, you’ll learn step-by-step who to play this game.
Download Beast Master Activity Page
Spanish Beast Master Activity Page
Utter Ridiculousness
Students will play this game to tests their reflexes and speed. No materials are needed for this game.
Download Utter Ridiculousness Activity Page
Spanish Utter Ridiculousness Activity Page
Coyote Snake
Play a game to test reflexes and speed. No materials are needed for this game.
Download Coyote Snake Activity Page
Spanish Coyote Snake Activity Page
Five in Ten
In this challenge students have ten seconds to list up to five items within a designated category.
Download Five in Ten Activity Page
Spanish Five in Ten Activity Page
Manic Math
Students will play a math game that tests their reflexes and builds social skills.
Download Manic Math Activity Page
Spanish Manic Math Activity Page
Bottle to Boot
Bottle to Boot focuses on teamwork and communication. The 3:38-minute animated video will walk you through how to play this game.
Download Bottle to Boot Activity Page
Spanish Bottle to Boot Activity Page
Fish Bowl
This game of charades builds camaraderie and communication skills.
Download Fish Bowl Activity Page
Spanish Fish Bowl Activity Page
Nature-Based Activities
Shark Drawing
Learn about great white sharks, following the steps to create your own shark drawing.
Download Shark Drawing Activity Page
Spanish Shark Drawing Activity Page
Leave No Trace Principle 1 - Plan Ahead and Prepare
Students will learn about the first leave no trace principle for planning ahead by completing an activity to demonstrate their new knowledge.
Plan Ahead and Prepare Activity Page
Spanish Plan Ahead and Prepare Activity Page
Leave No Trace Principle 2 - Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Learn about what surfaces are durable and can stand repeated foot traffic by hikers and ways to minimize impact to the wilderness. Also included in this lesson, is “The Floor Is Vegetation” game.
Download Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Activity Page
Spanish Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Activity Page
Leave No Trace Principle 3 - Dispose of Waste Properly
Learn about the “pack it in, pack it out” practices and other examples of how to properly dispose of waste while camping.
Download Dispose of Waste Properly Activity Page
Spanish Dispose of Waste Properly Activity Page
Leave No Trace Principle 4 - Leave What You Find
Learn about "leave no trace” principle and the importance of leaving the environment how you found it when arriving on your camping or hiking trip.
Download Leave What You Find Activity Page
Spanish Leave What You Find Activity Page
Leave No Trace Principle 5 - Minimize Campfire Impacts
In this lesson, you’ll learn how to minimize the impacts from campfires and even some alternatives to stay warm. Also included is an activity to build an indoor campfire.
Download Minimize Campfire Impacts Activity Page
Spanish Minimize Campfire Impacts Activity Page
Leave No Trace Principle 6 - Respect wildlife
Learn how to safely observe animals in their natural habitat and learn the guidelines for giving animals space while watching them from a distance. Also, complete the Wildlife Scavenger Hunt included in the activity page.
Download Respect Wildlife Activity Page
Spanish Respect Wildlife Activity Page
Leave No Trace Principle 7 - Be Considerate to Others
Students read different scenarios and think about the impact of the actions have on others.The guidelines will ensure that every outdoor enthusiast has an enjoyable experience outdoors.
Download Be Considerate to Others Activity Page
Spanish Be Considerate to Others Activity Page
Be Considerate to Others Answer Key
Leave No Trace - What's Wrong with this Picture?
Review a series of images and determine which of the Leave No Trace principals is not being followed.
Download What’s Wrong With This Picture Activity Page
Spanish What’s Wrong With This Picture Activity Page
What’s Wrong With This Picture Answer Key
Leave No Trace jeopardy
Students will learn about recycling, why it matters, and how they can recycle at home by playing an online version of the popular Jeopardy game.
Download Leave No Trace Jeopardy Activity Page
Spanish Leave No Trace Jeopardy Activity Page
Leave No Trace Sort,Recycle, Repeat
Learn about recycling, why it matters, and how you can recycle at home.
Download Sort, Recycle, Repeat Activity Page
Spanish Sort, Recycle, Repeat Activity Page
Experiments
Inflating Balloon
Use the scientific method to study the chemical interaction between baking soda and vinegar.
Download Inflating Balloon Activity Page
Spanish Inflating Balloon Activity Page
Tie-Dye Milk
Using the scientific method, students will study the chemical interaction between soap and milk molecules. Watch the 4:20-minute video to see Tie-Dye Milk experiment in action.
Download Tie-Dye Milk Activity Page
Spanish Tie-Dye Milk Activity Page
Water Mixture
Discover how temperature affects water molecule interactions by using the scientific method.
Download Water Mixture Activity Page
Spanish Water Mixture Activity Page
Homemade Instruments
Students will create their own homemade instruments from scratch, modifying them to make different sounds.
Download Homemade Instruments Activity Page
Spanish Homemade Instruments Activity Page
Pots and Pans Ping Pong
Students will experiment with the placement and angle of pots and pans to be able to bounce a ping-pong ball inside of a cup.
Download Pots and Pans Ping Pong Activity Page
Spanish Pots and Pans Ping Pong Activity Page
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