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Nature’s Compass

Activity

Using the Sun to Find Your Way

The sun always rises in the East and sets in the West. This means that, at midday, the sun will be directly overhead in the sky. Pick a time of day to note the sun’s position. Then return an hour or two later and note the sun’s new position. Use the change in the position of the sun to determine which direction is East and which direction is West. Then use your predictions to make a compass. Check your makeshift compass’ accuracy using a real magnetic compass or compass app on a smartphone.

Science Seed

This movement of the sun is known as the sun path and was one of the ways ancient humans were able to navigate and differentiate directions before the existence of magnetic compasses. Cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) are the building blocks of navigation. By understanding these basic directions, you can orient yourself and move easily from one place to another. Whether you’re walking through your school, exploring your neighborhood, or looking at a world map, cardinal directions help you understand where things are located and how to get to them. They give us a simple way to measure distances, keep track of our route, and communicate where things are in the world. Learning to use them is an important skill that helps us navigate both local and global environments.

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earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

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join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.

This project was made possible by HEB.