Columbia Springs
Educational ResourcesWe want to help you have fun in nature! Here are some activities that you can enjoy at home.
Videos
Science and Nature Video Activities
How to Draw a Salmon
Lesson by Environmental Educators Megan, Katie, and Shelly
2nd – 5th grade
Do you like drawing? Follow along with Columbia Springs educator Megan to learn about salmon anatomy while doing art!
This video will walk you through the external characteristics of a coho salmon and leave you with a beautiful drawing once you’re done. You may even be surprised to see some features that you didn’t know about!
Teachers: Get this as a SeeSaw activity
Salmon life cycle origami chatterbox
Video by Environmental Educator Megan
Kindergarten – 5th grade and beyond
Here’s an easy salmon craft to help you learn more about different species and life cycle stages of salmon! Download the template from NW Steelheaders… then watch the video to follow along with our Columbia Springs educator.
After you’ve completed this activity, you’ll have a beautiful origami chatterbox adorned with different species and life cycles of salmon. Watch the video for full instructions!
Teachers: Get this as a SeeSaw activity
Salmon StoryTime!
Video by Environmental Educators Katie and Shelly
Kindergarten – 5th grade and beyond
Join Columbia Springs educator Shelly for a very special storytime with our Columbia Springs salmon!
These fingerlings are almost ready to be released and are curious about life in the stream. Salmon Stream helps people and fingerlings alike learn what life is like for a salmon in the wild.
Teachers: Get this as a SeeSaw activity
Salmon life cycle yoga
Video by Environmental Educator Katie
Kindergarten – 5th grade and beyond
Join creative movement specialists Julie Sparling and Jenn Patton on a journey through the salmon life cycle! Shrink down to egg size and experience the life of a salmon from beginning to end, swimming from the river to the sea… and back again.
In under 15 minutes you’ll learn about the salmon life cycle while using your whole body. Watch the video or visit this link for full instructions!
Teachers: Get this as a SeeSaw activity
Bug Out Scavenger Hunt!
Video by Environmental Educator Megan
Kindergarten – 2nd grade
Bugs live all around us! What kinds can you find? Use this activity to explore the wild world of bugs in your own backyard, as you walk around the block or in a local green space!
Use our bug scavenger hunt to guide your exploration! No printer? Copy this on your own paper or draw your own bug scavenger hunt!
Teachers: Get this as a SeeSaw activity
Meet a Tree
Video by Environmental Educator Shelly
Kindergarten – 5th grade
Trees are amazing and provide oxygen, habitat, shade and so much more. Get to know a tree near you with this multi-sensory activity! Watch the video for directions or click here for written instructions.
Want more tree fun? Check out this website that has all sorts of tree-related activities for you to try out.
Teachers: Get this as a SeeSaw activity
Un-Nature Trail
Video by Environmental Educator Katie
Kindergarten – 5th grade
Having keen observation skills is a important scientific skill and can help you find all kinds of interesting things in nature as you explore your backyard, neighborhood or local park. Use this game for a quick and easy way to hone your observation skills to notice the unusual!
Watch the video for instructions or check out the written instructions on this website.
Teachers: Get this as a SeeSaw activity
Salmon Habitat Scavenger Hunt
Video by Environmental Educator Megan
3rd – 5th grade
What do salmon need from their habitat in order to survive? Go on a water’s edge discovery hunt and complete a scavenger hunt determine if salmon have all that they need to survive! Use this activity by any lake, stream or river near your house.
Download the scavenger hunt to use for this activity here!
Teachers: Get this as a SeeSaw activity
Sound Mapping Activity
Video by Environmental Educator Jenna
3rd grade – Adult
Listen to the world around you, what do you hear? This sensory activity is great for students of all ages! Slow down, close your eyes, listen, and soak in the sounds of the ever-active birds, plants and animals around you.
Check out written instructions for this activity here!
Teachers: Get this as a SeeSaw activity
Salmon Habitat and Life-cycle Activity
Video by Events & Communications Intern Kathryn
4th grade – Adult
Salmon are a super important part of our ecosystem. Learn about what they need and why through this demonstration of salmon charades, a stream model, and more. This activity is great for all ages.
Check out the salmon charades and stream model written instructions for a Family Nature Day at home!
Outdoor Education Resources
Here are a few quick and easy ideas for ways to connect with nature at home and in your own backyard from our education team. Download our Activity Booklet, or find one at our Nature Play Area, for offline activities in your neighborhood, backyard or favorite park!
Backyard Birdfeeder
Nature Bingo
Can you find all the items on our nature bingo boards? This all ages activity is great on your own or with a friend! You can also make your own!
Snag Scavenger Hunt
Did you know that we have nine special snags at Columbia Springs? Use this worksheet to locate all of the snags and discover why they are important!
Plant ID Activities
More Nature Activities!
Check out this resource of some of our favorite, simple activities for students to connect with nature.
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