Winter
Seasons and Senses

Kindergarten units

revised April 4, 2008

   

Unit goals

It will be evident to students in their second visit to River Bend that nature changes with the seasons. During this visit the students will use their senses to explore the Winter season at River Bend, revisiting their special spots to witness nature’s change of seasons for themselves. They will also visit some of River Bend’s most popular sites, recognize the importance of non-living things in nature, learn the ways we stay safe and respectful on the trail, and gain confidence in their ability to learn in a “wild” outdoor setting.

 
This unit is specifically designed to meet appropriate AAAS Project 2061 benchmarks as well as address Kindergarten Minnesota Academic Science Standards III and IV. E-mail here for more information.

-- Summary Box --

Before your visit, please review with your students ...

  • Last fall's visit, what nature looked like in the fall and how it may be different in the winter.
  • The five senses
  • The four seasons
  • The importance of non-living things in nature (air, water, sunlight, rocks, etc.)
  • A photo tour, either the one below or the full tour
  • Behavior expectations

At River Bend ...

  • During the introduction we will review the above material.
  • We will divide each class in half with a maximum of 4 groups; assuming normal size classes. Classes of less than 15 will generally not be divided.
  • If this is a return visit, assign the students in groups to the same special spot they visitied in the fall and remember for spring. Groups and class pairs should stay the same each season.
  • Each group will proceed onto the trails, where they will use their senses to first explore their special Kinderspot noting changes from the fall and then spending some time at the other various locations.
  • The students may participate in a mini-game or activity of the leader's choice.
  • In the closing we will ...
    • inquire about discoveries on the trail
    • encourage continued sensory exploration of the natural world
    • remind the students of their next visit
    • talk of upcoming events at River Bend
    • invite the students to return on their own with family and friends

Back in the classroom ...

  • Have students record their observations with an art piece depicting the kinderspot they just visited to compare with subsequent visits and observe change over time.
  • Encourage the students to share their experiences, especially their kinderspots, through words or art.
  • Monitor this web page for the kinderspot photo updates posted each month. Print and post the photos so the students can monitor their kinderspot between visits.
  • Select a kinderspot of your own near the school to observe as well; submit photos back to River Bend for posting.
 

What can we use to help us explore nature?

People have five senses that can be used to explore the world around them. We can use these to learn about nature.

  1. Our eyes to see - We can use our eyes to see color, shape, movement, size
  2. Our ears to hear - We can use our ears to hear bird songs, animal noises (frogs, squirrels, insects, etc.) leaves crunching under our feet, wind in the trees.
  3. Our nose to smell - We can use our noses to smell things. Everything has its own smell, including flowers, seeds, leaves, dirt, wood, and skunks.
  4. Our hands to touch - We can touch with our hands, but also with our cheeks, elbows, feet, noses, etc. Some things feel soft, smooth, hard, or prickly.
  5. Our mouth to taste - We can use our mouths to taste things that an adult says is safe to taste. Some things taste good, such as berries and fruits. Others may not taste good to us, such as tree bark.

Is everything in nature alive?

Everything that lives will eventually die, but there are also many things in nature that are never alive but are still very important.

  • Air: for plant and animals to breathe, also to carry flying animals, seeds, dirt, sand, and other things to new places.
  • Water: for plants and animals to drink, also to carry swimming animals, floating plants, small rocks, sand, mud and other things to new places.
  • Sunlight: provides warmth and energy for things to grow; heat and cold can break up rocks and other materials into smaller pieces.
  • Rocks: Help provide homes for animals and smaller pieces help plants and animals to grow.

What will we see at River Bend?

You'll first visit the Interpretive Center

There are many displays to see

Look out the windows at wildlife

You may also see the Trailside Center

Class might start in the Big Woods Amphitheater

You will explore along trails in the woods

You might even see the River

Several of our ponds have floating docks

Are you ready to explore? See you here!

What do we need to remember when we visit River Bend?

  1. Be quiet.
  2. Wear a name tag to help us get to know you.
  3. Listen to your leader.
  4. Raise your hand if you have something to say.
  5. Do not pick anything unless given permission.
  6. Stay with your group and on the trail.
  7. Be nice to nature - and to each other!

Kinderspot photos for 2007-2008

(click to enlarge)

    Butterfly Alley Fuzzy Bunny Boulevard Raccoon Hollow Spider Web Square
(click to enlarge)
August
September
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
May        

Photos from the classrooms!

(teachers, submit photos of your own to be posted here. Graphics files only, please)

    Jefferson(a) Jefferson(b)
Roosevelt
 Lincoln (available)
(click to enlarge)
 
September
October
November
 
December
January N/A    
February
March
April
May

 

See how your spots might change!

 

 

 

Some suggested pre- or post-visit activities

Along with monitoring the area above for seasonal photos and other ideas described above, here are a few more suggestions. Send us your ideas here!

  • Have your students take a "blind walk." Partners take turns blindfolding each other and leading them to different areas to explore without the use of sight. Or, put a blindfold on every student and lead them through different areas as they hold onto a rope. In either case, ask the students to relate what they experienced.
  • Make "feely bags" by placing various objects in a bag or box. Have the students reach their hand in and by their sense of touch try and figure out what it is. Can also be done as "smelly bags."
  • If desired, ask your school librarian for related resource materials. The following materials are recommended:
    • Is it Alive?
    • The Four Seasons
    • See, Hear, Touch, Smell
   

(c) River Bend Nature Center
Faribault MN USA
www.rbnc.org
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