British Science Week 2025 is here, and this year’s theme – Change and Adapt – is a perfect fit for outdoor learning! Science isn’t just something that happens in a classroom; it’s all around us. Taking science outdoors allows children to see real-world changes, investigate adaptations in nature, and explore how materials react to the environment.
Here are five engaging outdoor science activities that will inspire curiosity and hands-on learning!
1. Explore How Nature Changes
Take a seasonal spotting walk and observe the subtle changes happening in nature. Are trees beginning to bud? Can you see more insects emerging as the weather warms? Encourage children to keep a nature journal to track these changes over time.
2. Animal Adaptation Scavenger Hunt
Nature is full of fascinating adaptations! From camouflage in insects to beak shapes in birds, children can hunt for clues about how animals have evolved to survive in their environment. How does a snail’s shell help it? Why are some feathers waterproof?
3. Changing States: Melting & Freezing
Experiment with how different materials change in response to temperature. Place ice cubes, chocolate, and butter in various outdoor locations and predict which will melt first. Can children think of ways animals use insulation to stay warm in winter?
4. Build a Miniature Shelter
Challenge children to design and build a shelter for a small toy animal using only natural materials. Will it protect from wind, rain, or sun? This is a great way to explore how humans and animals adapt their homes based on their environment.
5. Growing Plants in Different Conditions
Test how plants adapt to their surroundings by growing seeds in different conditions – some in sunlight, some in shade, some with limited water. Discuss how plants like cacti or water lilies have evolved to survive in extreme environments.
🌿✨ Which activity will you try first? Let us know how your outdoor science adventure goes!
