A lot of kids and homeschool parents dread math lessons. It's one of those subjects that is hard to teach without a lot of worksheets and textbooks. And if we're being honest, worksheets and textbooks tend to be boring, and it's hard to keep kids engaged in boring activities. That's why I'm always on the hunt for fun and hands-on ways to practice math skills. In this post I share all of my favorite nature-based math activities, perfect for all the little nature lovers out there!
Tree measurements
Use a tape measure to measure and record a tree's circumference, height, and crown spread.
How to measure circumference: Arborist typically measure circumference at a height of 4.5 feet. Measure 4.5 feet up the tree, starting from the ground. Then at that height, use the tape measure to measure all the way around the trunk. That measurement is the circumference.
How to calculate a tree's height: You can calculate a tree's height using basic trigonometry. Stand a distance away from the tree you want to measure. Measure the distance you are away from the tree with a tape measure. Use a clinometer to measure the angle from your position to the highest part of the tree. Plug your numbers into the following equation: height = Tan(angle) x distance
Check out this video from TabletClass Math: How Tall is the Tree? Trigonometry in Action
How to measure and calculate crown spread: To calculate the crown spread of a tree, measure across the widest part of the crown. Record that measurement. Then measure across the crown along an axis perpendicular to your first measurement. Average these two numbers.
Calculate the area and volume of a pond
To calculate the approximate area of a rectangular pond, measure the length and width and multiply them together.
Area = Length × Width
To calculate the volume of a rectangular pond, you will first have to get a depth measurement. To do this, measure the depth at several different parts of the pond. Average these numbers and use this as your depth in the following equation:
Volume = Length × Width × Depth
To calculate the area of a circular pond, you will need to start by measuring the pond's circumference. The circumference is the distance around the outside of the pond. After you measure the circumference, square it, and then divide by 4×pi.
To calculate the volume of a circular pond, you will first have to get a depth measurement. To do this, measure the depth at several different parts of the pond. Average these numbers and use this as your depth in the following equation:
Volume = Area × Average Depth
Track plant growth
If you're growing a garden, encourage your kids to track the growth of some of your plants. Just measure daily with a tape measure or a yard stick, then record your measurements. Sunflowers work especially well for this!
Calculate the temperature using cricket chirps
Did you know that you can calculate the temperature by counting cricket chirps? Just count the number of chirps that occur in 14 seconds and add 40! It works because crickets are exothermic (cold blooded) which means that their temperature changes with the environment. The biologic process that produces cricket chirps relies on temperature sensitive chemical reactions. The colder it is, the slower a cricket chirps. The warmer it is, the quicker it chirps.
Calculate the distance of lightning strikes
Calculating the distance of lightning strikes is simple. When you see a flash, count the number of seconds until you hear the thunder. Divide by 5, and that's how many miles away the strike was.
Why it works: sound travels much slower than light. Light travels so fast that we see lightning strikes pretty much instantaneously (even from many miles away), while it takes approximately 5 seconds for sound to travel 1 mile.
Find the average distance a dandelion seed travels
Blow a dandelion seed head. Watch and mark where some of the seeds land. Measure the distance they traveled with a tape measure. Calculate the average distance traveled using your measurements.
Calculate monthly average temperatures
Have your kids record the high and low temperatures each day. At the end of the month calculate the average high and the average low for the month.
Make a rain guage and record rainfall totals
Make or buy a rain guage (I have instructions for a simple diy one here). Have your kids record daily and monthly rainfall totals.
I have a free printable tracking sheet you can download here.
Learn about symmetry
Talk about symmetry and asymmetry and then take a nature walk. Look for examples of symmetry and asymmetry in nature.
Choose a symmetrically shaped leaf. Carefully cut it in half along the center vein. Tape one half to a piece of paper. Challenge your child to sketch the missing half.
Learn to use the sun to tell time
To tell time with the sun, find a location where you have a clear view of the sky without any obstructions and without any tall objects nearby. Hold one of your hands out in front of you with your fingers outstretched but together. Line your index finger up with the bottom of the sun. Count how many fingers it takes to reach the horizon. If you run out of fingers, hold your second hand, fingers out, under the first hand. Each finger represents a quarter of an hour.
Make a fall leaf bar graph
Collect fall leaves. Have your child sort them by species or color or shape. Count the amount of leaves in each group. Make a bar graph to represent your data.
If you enjoyed this post, check out:
Math Without Textbooks: Hands-on and Creative Math Activities
Backyard Math: Activities Using Nature Items as Manipulatives
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