Un-Nature Trail

You've probably heard of a nature trail, but how about an Un-Nature Trail? These activities have to do with identifying unnatural items that may not belong in the environment.

Grade Level: Pre K -12

Time: 30 - 45 minutes

Learning Standards: ESS3.C, LS2.C, MP.1, RF4

What is an "Un-Nature Trail?"

An "un-nature trail" can be any trail; the concept is to note anything that is not "natural" along the way! This can be as simple as intentionally setting out everyday items in a makeshift "trail" for very young students to explore, or having older participants walk an established trail and make note of things that do not belong or were created by humans, rather than naturally existing there. Points can be given for every correct "find." The reality is that no set-up is typically necessary - from roads to rock walls and power lines to litter and debris, evidence of humans is everywhere!

Two sample lesson plans for this activity are linked below.

What we are Learning?

Litter is everywhere even if it is unnoticeable at first
Observation skills
Data collection
Natural vs unnatural

Materials Needed

Slides
Keen eyes
Outdoor space
Household items
clipboards, paper, and writing utencils

How is it done?

The best way to do this is outdoors
Find a location that has a variety of textures and colors
Place household items around the area in a trail that participants can follow, allow for more than one trip through if time allows.
If the area has some litter already in place, include those items or only use those items depending on overall goals
This may be done in pairs or groups staggered along the "trail"

What to Expect?

This activity can foster a deeper appreciation for the environment
Students will need to hone observation skills to be successful
Encourage sharing and reflection
Expect disappointment from students who cannot locate items. Express that we see so many unnatural items in our everyday lives sometimes it is hard to distinguish.