STREAM Activity: Nature Explorer Binoculars

Are you ready to explore the outdoors?

Activity best for children age 2 and up

The great outdoors is a wonderful place! Being able to explore what is outside and what nature has to offer can be super fun! Do you know what most explorers use to make observations and look for cool, new things? Binoculars! Scientists and researchers use tools like binoculars to help learn more about the things around them. You, too, can be a Nature Explorer with your very own Nature Explorer Binoculars! Let’s explore the great outdoors with the help of our creativity!

Screen Shot 2022 04 27 At 9.12.37 AM

Materials:

2 toilet paper tubes (or 1 paper towel tube)

Scissors

Glue

Tape (optional)

Crafting materials

Coloring materials

String/lace

Guiding Questions:

What are some of your favorite things to look at or look for when you’re outside?

What are 3 things you spot with your Nature Explorer Binoculars?

Directions

Step 1

If you are using paper towel tubes, take your scissors and cut it in half to make 2 even tubes.

Using some tape, tape your tubes together.

Screen Shot 2022 04 27 At 9.14.04 AM

Step 2

Next, punch two holes on one side of each tube. This is where the lace will be tied to later.

If you don’t have a hole puncher, you can use a pencil to poke a hole.

Screen Shot 2022 04 27 At 11.07.51 AM

Step 3

Color your tube binoculars.

Screen Shot 2022 04 27 At 11.12.53 AM

Step 4

Add additional decorations to your tube binoculars. You can use tape or glue!

Screen Shot 2022 04 27 At 11.13.28 AM

Step 5

Tie your string or the lace of your choice. Make sure it is long enough to hang around your neck. You can also add decorations as well!

Screen Shot 2022 04 27 At 11.14.05 AM

Grown Ups-Are you looking for more ways to extend your child’s learning? Check out these extension activities to build upon today’s STREAM activity!

Reading Connections

A Walk in the Forest by Maria Dek

Screen Shot 2022 04 27 At 11.14.47 AM

Science Connections

Scientists and researchers often make observations with different tools: binoculars, telescopes, microscopes or maybe even with just their own two eyes!

Real-World Connections

Making observations is an important skill to have. It can help us learn more about something or even help us find the answers we need to solve a problem!