VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS, ONLINE TOURS, AND VIDEOS

Oregon Forest Resources Institutes publications & videos
OFRI provides a myriad of publications and videos that use the forest as a context for teaching and learning specifically designed to support educators and students. The Forest is an Amazing Classroom.
https://learnforests.org/

U.S. Forest Service scientist videos
Short Description: Scientist share their curiosity and develop a testable question. The videos are about less than 6 minutes long and have prompts for students to interact.
http://www.naturalinquirer.org/Scientist-videos-v-145.html

National Park virtual tours
These interactive and dynamic tours require Google Earth system requirements. They even let you go off the path!
https://crafty.diply.com/121060/you-can-virtually-tour-a-whole-bunch-of-national-parks-from-your

Nature Lab: virtual field trips
The Virtual Field Trips produced by The Nature Conversancy include exotic places and animals as well as America’s rainforests and deserts through the lens of water. Each video is narrated, rich in vocabulary, and includes teacher resources.
https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/who-we-are/how-we-work/youth-engagement/nature-lab/virtual-field-trips/

Oregon Zoo
This page has a set of videos of Oregon Zoo animals. Each live video that are accompanied by a kid-approved activity related to the featured animal.
https://www.oregonzoo.org/discover/bringing-zoo-you


 

EXPLORE AND ENGAGE WITH NATURE

Activities for Families:
Try these activity ideas from Project Learning Tree to connect the children in your life to the outdoors and nature.
https://www.plt.org/activities-for-families/

Backyard Bingo:
This direct link is a printable Bingo card is nice for 2nd-3rd grade children that you can use right outside your door.
https://loritaylorart.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/hwPB-geek-guide-BINGO-P35-.jpg

Audubon: Get Outside and Audubon for Kids:
Do you know what a Birdist is? Did you know they have rules? There is a whole world of discovery through your local birds. The resources here will support your learning and get you outside, or at least to the window.
https://www.audubon.org/

The National Wildlife Federation:
The NWF is America’s is a conservation organization that works across the country to unite Americans from all walks of life in giving wildlife a voice. They have a plethora of educational resources for families and educators.
https://www.nwf.org/About-Us

John Muir Laws:
This website has some videos and resources for all educators who want to incorporate Nature Journaling into their adventures outside. “Nature Stewardship Through Science, Education, and Art.”
https://johnmuirlaws.com/


 

LESSONS COMPILED BY MULTIPLE GRADE LEVELS


 

SCIENCE READING & LISTENING


 

FREE NATURE APPS

  • iNaturalist
  • Leafsnap
  • TreeBook
  • AllTrails
  • Audubon Bird Guide
  • eBird
  • Outdoor Family with Plum
  • National Wildlife Federation nature guide

 

WEBSITES

Guides and Guide Resources:

Interactive:

Citizen Science: