Nature Hunt Data & Graph Activity

There's something about taking a learning experience outside that always makes it extra special. That's why I love to, when possible, set a math lesson that involves nature.

This nature hunt idea is a fun way to do a lesson on data and graphs. As you can see from the image, I chose to do this with a bar graph. However, the type of graph that you wish to explore can easily be changed with this simple outdoors idea.

What you will need:

• A garden or an outdoor area where it is OK to collect nature items (may need to set rules about picking certain things such as flowers, or fruit fallen from a tree only).
• A brown paper bag
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Plain or grid paper to draw the graph.
• A timer

Step 1: ThE Hunt & Data Recording

• Distribute one paper bag and pencil (or marker) to each student. The paper bag is for students to easily carry all items they find and collect during the hunt. When the hunt is over, students pull out their items and record the data on their paper bag (as in the image ------->>>>)
• Depending how much time you have for the lesson, set your timer to keep a limit for the 'Nature Hunt' part. When the timer beeps, round up students to begin counting and recording items found on their hunt. 

Step 2: Make A Graph

• Once students record their nature hunt data, distribute a piece of paper, ruler and pencil for students to create a graph.
• Decide on the type of graph you wish your students to make. In the image, I've chosen a bar graph. 
• Instruct students to make a graph to show what they found on their nature hunt.
• I recommend making this an opportunity for students learning how to or to practice drawing a graph from scratch, but you could use a pre-made template instead. 

Step 3: Share & Reflect

At the end of a math lesson I like to take a few minutes to share and reflect. Invite students to share their nature hunt results with the class by presenting their graphs. Encourage students to ask the presenter questions such as:

• Which item did you find the most of?
• Which item did you find the least of?
• Did you find the same number of any items? If so which ones?

The student presenting must use their graph to show the class as they answer questions asked about their nature hunt. 

I hope your kids enjoy this activity. 

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Here's another fun graphs activity that you may also like . . . 

Engage and motivate your students to practice and review graph skills with this fun Math Mystery, the 'Case of The Greedy Gnome!' 
Students will be required to complete tasks involving graphs to unlock important clues that will help them solve the case. 
An optional video hook is available to set the stage to engage. 

Video Hook

Click your grade level to learn more about each resource packet. ​

Click Here

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Not sure what a math mystery is? Do you want to know more about how to use them? Check out the video below. ​​

You may also like to read this blog post
'Five Easy Ways to Use Math Mysteries in your Classroom.'

Still not sure if a math mystery is something you want? Try a full FREE math mystery available to download from my TPT Shop. The link will redirect you to where you can download the multi-grade bundle.  It is free to register if you don't have a login with TPT.

Click Here to Download a FREE Math Mystery