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I See, I Think, I Wonder

Activity

Asking Big Questions About Nature’s Details

Play the “I see, I think, I wonder” game for an object you find in nature on a walk or in your backyard. Pick up a natural object and spend 2 minutes observing your object. After the 2 minutes is up, write or tell someone these 3 things: 1) I see… 2) I think… and 3) I wonder…If there are multiple people you can answer “I See” and then pass your object to the next person. Then the next round you will all say what you think, then what the object makes you wonder on the 3rd time around.

Science Seed

Observing nature closely helps us learn how living and non-living things are connected in an ecosystem. This activity builds your ecology skills by encouraging you to slow down and notice the details of a natural object, its colors, textures, patterns, and shapes, without jumping to conclusions. When you describe what you see, think, and wonder, you are practicing how scientists make observations and form questions about the natural world. Try not to name the object right away; focusing on its features helps you notice things you might normally miss. This kind of deep observation can reveal clues about how the object fits into the ecosystem around it.

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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).

Explore Perez Elementary School

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.

Perez Elementary School is named in honor of Lance Cpl. Nicholas S. Perez, who gave his life in service to his country. Perez is a supportive learning community with a focus on service. At Perez, we believe effort creates ability and all students will learn at high standards if they are given clear expectations, taught using best practices adapted to their unique needs and provided extra time and resources as needed. Perez students have numerous opportunities to serve their school, community and environment. They receive powerful instruction in the core curriculum areas, as well as in technology, art, music, physical education, and health.

This project was made possible by The Powell Foundation.