Autumn is a great time to observe some of nature’s most fascinating rituals. Leaves fall, squirrels bury their nuts, and birds begin migrating. Plants and wildlife will be getting ready for winter. This is an excellent opportunity to teach students about autumn. There is much to learn about nature this time of year, so we’d recommend turning this into a science lesson for kids!
Observing Neighborhood Wildlife
The great thing about teaching students about wildlife during the fall is that there is so much they can see happening in their own neighborhoods. Assuming your students live in a residential area with some green space (grass, parks, backyards), it’s probably not too hard to find examples of plant and animal life adapting to the changing seasons. Today, we’ve compiled a list of plants and animals often found in neighborhoods as a quick guide to get you started.
Fungi – Cooler temperatures and more moisture mean that fungi (mushrooms) will start to grow. Fungi are fantastic organisms that come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny yeasts to giant mushrooms. Fungi play a crucial role in nature by breaking down dead material and recycling nutrients into the ecosystem. Plus, they can be found almost everywhere— in soil, on plants, and even in our favorite foods like bread and cheese!
An excellent place to start is by taking your students to a park because you won’t have to look too far to find fungi. To help you explore the wide world of mushrooms, the USDA created the “Field Guide to Common Macrofungi in Eastern Forests and Their Ecosystem Functions,” which breaks down everything you need to know about mushrooms. However, while exploring, please be cautious around mushrooms, as some can be very harmful despite their intriguing appearance!
Squirrels – Not only are squirrels found all over the world in abundance, but they are perhaps one of the most fascinating animals to watch during this time of year. This is because they are incredibly active during fall, as they will be busy sprinting all over the landscape, stashing nuts and acorns in trees or in the ground. This activity is essential for their survival, as the food will be retrieved later in times of scarcity, such as during winter.
Although many mammals, including ground squirrels, avoid “stashing away” food through hibernation, one of the most commonly seen squirrels, the grey squirrel, doesn’t hibernate during the winter because it can’t retain high body fat. That’s why many of the squirrels you see this time store nuts before the winter — they need a steady food supply.
Annuals and Perennials – As Mother Nature slowly fades in time for winter, now is a perfect time to teach kids the difference between annual and perennial plants. Annuals die off within a year. On the other hand, perennials tend to live for years because they have specialized structures such as bulbs or thick bark that allow them to withstand the cold.
See if you can help kids point out the different types of annual and perennial plants! For example, trees are perennial, while many gorgeous (but not all) flowering plants, such as marigolds, are annual.
Take Your Children on a Field Trip!
For students who may not have direct access to the plant and wildlife in their neighborhoods, a field trip to a place like a local, national park or reserve can be a transformative experience. This wooded area offers a safe and enjoyable environment for children to immerse themselves in nature. The park provides a hands-on learning experience with guided tours and activities, allowing children to explore the plant and animal life we’ve discussed more tangibly.
Autumn is a beautiful time to engage students with nature’s captivating changes, from observing squirrels’ bustling preparations to exploring the diverse world of fungi and understanding the lifecycle of annual and perennial plants. This season offers a unique opportunity to turn these observations into enriching science lessons, sparking curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the environment.
To support your child’s learning journey and make the most of these educational moments, consider reaching out to School is Easy for more tips, resources, and personalized tutoring solutions tailored to inspiring young minds throughout the school year and beyond.
