Nature Identification. We give time and attention to those things we care about. If we want today’s children to become adults who care about the planet, we must give them ample, intimate knowledge of nature. Go for frequent nature walks with your children. Depending on your situation and location, this might mean a ramble through a rural field or a hike in the hills. In urban areas, it might mean visiting a local park or simply strolling through the neighborhood. Use an app, such as the Audubon Bird Guide or Plant Finder, to identify the flora and fauna in your area (incorporating both science and technology). Other ways to help your child participate in nature identification? Volunteer to be a nature surveyor (documenting the animals and birds you see in your area) for a local park service, or input your observations to a database or website, such as The Great Bird Count at the Audubon Society. Any of these nature identification activities help children understand that we are all connected and that individual efforts matter.

Rock Sculptures. How about using the natural resources at hand to explore engineering concepts? Find smooth, flat stones of various sizes. Try stacking them to make sculptures. Roll acorns and pebbles down ramps made from boards and sticks. Make nature people and creatures from sticks, leaves, acorns, pebbles, shells, or other natural materials, all of which immerse your child in science, math, and engineering.