(Inside: Try out this super simple outdoor nature science experiment the next time you are outside with your kids in the backyard or at the park.)
I can’t take Mr. C anywhere without him finding some way to create a science experiment.
We were out for a day at the park, thinking we’d maybe try an autism-friendly nature study.
And before I knew it, Mr. C had found some rocks and leaves and started this super simple outdoor nature science experiment.
It’s perfect that he comes up with these things, because I’m not naturally science-y at all!
(Image description: Boy crouches down in the dirt with rocks. Holds a leaf with one hand. Black text reads: “super simple summer science outdoor science experiment” on white overlay)
Super Simple Outdoor Nature Science Experiment
See, it all started because my kids flock to dirt wherever we go.
We could have an entire park at our disposal, and we did this day, but they headed straight for the dirt around some trees.
Mr. C and Cap’n M started playing with some of the leaves that had fallen, and it quickly turned into a contest.
“MY LEAF IS STRONGER!!!”
“NO, MINE IS WAYYYY STRONGER!!!”
Tell me my kids aren’t the only ones that can’t do anything without making it a competition.
So they set out on a mission to discover whose leaf was truly stronger with this super simple outdoor nature science experiment.
(Image description: Boy crouches down in the dirt with rocks. Picking up a rock with one hand. The boy is looking at the camera and smiling.)
What You Need for this Super Simple Outdoor Nature Science Experiment
All you need for this ridiculously simple outdoor nature science experiment is leaves and rocks.
Yep. That’s it.
(Image description: Two hands hold the ends of a leaf that has several rocks on top over dirt)
How to Do the Super Simple Outdoor Nature Science Experiment
When I say ridiculously simple, I mean ridiculously simple.
The first step is to go somewhere outside where there are leaves and rocks.
In other words, pretty much anywhere.
(Image description: Two boys crouch in the dirt holding leaves and rocks)
Next, have the kids hypothesize, or guess, how many rocks they will be able to hold with their leaves.
Then put their hypothesis to the test!
Add one leaf to the rock, and lift.
Then add another and another, checking that the leaf holds each time.
(Image description: A boy crouches in the dirt holding a leaf)
Then you can discover new things to test.
Maybe the way you stack the rocks changes the amount your leaf can hold.
What would happen if you used two leaves together instead of one?
Try out and test any crazy ideas you come up with.
(Image description: Two boys crouch in the dirt holding leaves and rocks)
Then, record your findings in a notebook.
For younger kids, this can be as simple as drawing the rocks on leaves.
Bigger kids can fill out a full scientific report!
(Image description: Boy is piling rocks onto a leaf in the dirt)
If you need any more ideas to get you and your kids started with outdoor science activities, check out my friend Colleen’s book, 100 Backyard Activities That Are the Dirtiest, Coolest, Creepy-Crawliest Ever! It’s filled with super simple activities that you can do right from your backyard!
If you loved this post, you might also enjoy…
