Natural and Historical Education Resources for Home
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With many of Michigan's school-aged children learning from home this year, we would like to provide some fun and educational activities aimed at history and the outdoors.
We've put together an extensive list of links and materials to provide kids and their caregivers with plenty to do. Resources include videos from our state park interpreters, outdoor scavenger hunts, reading materials, free apps, websites, virtual tours and more.
We would like to give a big THANK YOU to all the individuals and organizations who shared their materials.
Nature lesson videos from the DNR
Nature Glance
Christine Steensma, interpreter at Oden State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, shares nature facts and humor from up north.
Earth Day 2020
Join educators from across the state as they celebrate Earth Week – and the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day!
Ludington Learning
Ludington State Park interpreter Alan Wernette teaches you about trees, stones, river banks and more.
Tobico Treasures
Join Bay City park interpreter Jonathan Massung as he teaches you about birds, tying knots and other outdoor skills.
Tree Detectives
Join Hartwick Pines park interpreter Craig Kasmer as he shows you how to find clues to identify Michigan trees.
Virtual Interpreters
Nature educators from our visitor centers around the state talk frogs, fish, birds, beavers and more.
Tracy's Teachings
Aquatic education coordinator Tracy Page talks about water-dwelling critters, fish skills and activities, and more.
Mammal Mania
A series of 11 videos testing your knowledge of Michigan mammals as you investigate wildlife crime scenes. Check your answers here!
60-Second Snakes
This video series will help you identify a variety of Michigan snake species you may encounter in your outdoor exploration.
Wolf Lake Hatchery Tour
Take a tour of the Wolf Lake Hatchery Visitor Center and learn how we raise millions of fish each year and why we raise them.
Nature in OUR Neighborhood
Join staff from the Outdoor Adventure Center as they show you how you can enjoy nature in your neighborhood, or your own backyard.
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Virtual field trips, online tours and videos
- Virtual dives at national marine sanctuaries (including Michigan's Thunder Bay)
- BeLEAF It or Not! forestry videos
- HOMES at Home Great Lakes video series
- Aerial tour of Michigan
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Easy ways to explore and engage with nature
- Guide to common wetland birds of southern Michigan
- Guide to insects on your hike
- Aquatic insect guide
- Guide to spring wildflower hikes (see regional guides under "More ways to explore" below)
- Guide to spring and summer birds at Hartwick Pines State Park
- Guide to birds at Oden State Fish Hatchery
- Scavenger hunt for Oden State Fish Hatchery
Indoor nature fun, experiments and projects
All ages:
MichiGame virtual trivia game (test your Great Lakes State knowledge)
Engineer a seed getaway (learn about plant life cycles)
Nature American Sign Language (learn signs for nature terms)
Grades K-2:
Michigan's great outdoors word search (grades K-2)
Detroit Public TV/PBS education resources
Grades 3-5:
Michigan's great outdoors word search (grades 3-5)
Every Tree for Itself (eastern white pine tree activity)
Tree Factory (activity to learn about parts of a tree)
Grades 6-8:
Michigan's great outdoors word search (grades 6-8)
Every Drop Counts (water conservation activity)
Build a fish from Shedd Aquarium
Grades 9-12:
Viewpoints on the Line (activity to learn about discussing controversial issues)
Webinar series about wolves (high school or college age)
Outdoor activities, investigations and scavenger hunts
All ages:
Build a nature scavenger hunt app
Foster outdoor observation skills – easy-to-use activities grades K-8
Create a garden that helps wildlife
Identify wildlife using scat:
-Scat dichotomy key (with images)
-Scat dichotomy key (text only)Grades Pre-K-2:
Sense detectives – use your senses and search the forest for the needs of real animals
Activities and videos about fish and wildlife
Grades 3-5:
Grades 6-8:
Urban ecology lesson plan and field guide
Grades 9-12:
Field investigation guide –asking questions, designing investigations, building science skills step by step.
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Lessons compiled by multiple grade levels
- DNR Turkey Time – look and listen for wild turkeys in or near your yard. Parents can register for the free curriculum - put “homeschool” in place of a school name.
- Project Learning Tree – printable activities and videos for grades K-8
- Project WILD – printable activities, STEM and career videos for grades K-12
Science reading
- Ranger Rick digital magazines and content (free access through June; see Ranger Rick educator’s guides and Ranger Rick Jr. parent reading guides)
Natural resources photos and information
- Wildlife natural history – including photos, tracks, sign and biology
- All About Birds – live cameras, games, bird identification and songs
Additional Resources
Facebook:
Twitter:
- @MichiganDNR
- @MichiganDNR_UP
- @PLT (Project Learning Tree)
- @NaturalInquirer
Free nature apps
Find these apps and more in the Apple App Store or Google Play:
- iNaturalist
- Leafsnap
- TreeBook
- VTree
- What Knot to Do
- Ready Jet Go
- Larkwire (bird songs/sounds)
- MI-MAST
- NATURE CAT
- AllTrails
- Geocaching
- Audubon Bird Guide
- Audubon Owls Guide
- EXPLORE MICHIGAN
- Outdoor Family Fun with Plum
- Michigan Wildflowers
- MISIN
- eBird
- National Wildlife Federation nature guide apps
Websites
- PLT.org (Project Learning Tree)
- MichiganPLT.org
- CleanForests.org
- ProjectWILD.org
- Kids.NationalGeographic.com
- MonarchWatch.org
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