If I were a photographer, I would travel the world taking pictures of all the wonderful sites in Nature. Head outside and see what your “camera” captures!

For this one you’ll need a friend, buddy, parent or sibling.
Materials: Nothing just you and your buddy
Time: About ten minuets
Directions: Ok, here’s what you do. Head outside to a grassy area such as a field or school ground. You are going to act as a photographer on a safari and your partner will act as your camera. Once you get to an area have your partner close his or her eyes. You then lead them to a unique feature in nature. (A flower, leaf cutter pattern or wood line) Make sure that it’s not a feature that moves such as a bird. Position your “camera” to take a “picture” by posing their head arms and legs. Tap your “camera” (gently on the shoulder) to have him open his “shutter”(eyes). They may look only at what is in front of them and only for ten seconds. Once time is up they must close their “shutter” again and are led away by the photographer. Once finished, see if the camera can find his/her “picture” in nature again.

In order for flowers to spread their seeds they need to move about. No, not the flowers, the seeds! But, how? I have never seen a flower fling a seed, nor have I ever seen one carry it off to a new location and lovingly plant it with care. I have seen some seeds floating by on wispy clouds of puff from a milkweed, and I have seen a few hitch a ride on an animal’s fur or on my pant leg as I tromp in the field. So, you got it Uplanders, I feel a Challenge coming on!

Here’s what you’ll need….

Materials: 1-2 large Beans (this will act as your seed). Odds and ends from around your house (straws, rubber bands, bits of foil, tissue, Popsicle sticks etc…anything you can find) With permission of course. You’ll also probably need scissors, some tape and glue.
Time: 30 mins (20mins to construct, 10 to test)
Directions: I want you to act as if you were a flower and figure out how you’re going to spread your seeds around. You have 20 minutes to construct some sort of device to make your seed travel the farthest. Here’s the catch, you cannot throw your seed you may only two finger drop it. Your device must do the work, as flowers do not have arms to throw. Once you go into testing mode your feet are “rooted” and cannot move!

Think about how seeds travel now. (Spinners, burrs, floaters, flyers)

What methods are most effective?

How can you incorporate that into your design?

Which of your designs worked the best, and traveled the farthest?

Ok get to work, and let me know how it goes!

Here is a great way to explore nature around you. For all of you with little brothers and sisters, this is a great trail game to play when you are hiking with your family.

Materials Needed: 1 empty egg carton
Time: as long as you need
Directions: On your way out the door throw an old empty egg carton in your backpack. As you hike observe the different shapes and textures around you. In your egg carton begin gathering small pieces of things that may be bumpy, slimy, prickly, soft, smooth, or anything else. Share these with smaller siblings. You will be surprised at how many textures nature provides. See if you can find a texture in modern day that nature hasn’t already provided you!

** Remember to return all your “touches” to nature especially if your touch is a slimy snail!