As we explore the natural world, learning opportunities are right outside our doors. The materials you need to study are just a matter of picking up and taking them with you. Recently we went for a nature walk and explored fall. We then conducted scientific experiments using our special findings.
Acorn Nature Walk
- acorns
- bag
- container
- water
- magnifier
We went on nature walks looking for acorns to use in our experiments. The children were very excited to “hunt” for acorns on the road and felt very proud every time they put an acorn into a paper bag.
Acorn Science Experiment
When we returned to the classroom, I poured some water into a clear plastic container and asked the children if they thought acorns would sink or float.
They were very surprised to find that some acorns floated on the water, while others sank!
Upon further inspection, we discovered that the floating acorns had small holes in them.
Moreover, some even have insects inside!
We placed the acorn with holes and worms at the center of our discovery and used a magnifying glass for further study.
We also put any acorns that had sunk into a different container into a different container to see if any worms appear next week.
Kids love this science observation—and it’s free!
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Bundles with 14 of my most popular fall resources, including math and literacy group activities! Make learning fun with these hands-on resources!
Expand your exploration
You may want to add other things to allow your child to explore the water. Add chestnuts, pecans, or other nuts. Add cranberries (it will float!). Try pumpkin seeds.
Look for more items to test in the water on your nature walks. Will the branch sink or float? Where are the leaves?
In a larger bucket of water you can add small pumpkins, pumpkins, apples, pears, pinecones. Your sink and float center can last all year long!
More science experiment ideas
