09/06/2026
🌿❄️ Outdoor STEM Learning: Exploring Habitats Through Sensory Play ❄️🌿
As part of our emergent curriculum, Ms Chantelle, STEM Teacher at Sacred Heart Junior School, and Ms Connie, Year 2 Teacher, co-planned and co-taught an engaging outdoor learning experience that combined science, exploration, and creativity.
The lesson began with the children becoming "scientists" as they followed instructions to create fake snow using baking soda and hair conditioner. Through hands-on investigation, they observed changes in texture, described what they could see and feel, and explored the properties of the materials used.
Building on their curiosity, the children then explored the concept of habitats, discussing the different environments where plants and animals live and the resources they need to survive. Working collaboratively, they created a variety of habitats in tuff trays, including forests, deserts, and sea environments, using natural materials such as leaves, sticks, sand, and soil. They carefully selected animals for each habitat and explained their choices, demonstrating their growing understanding of living things and their environments.
This lesson embraced the multi-sensory approach discussed during our last School pd Session, allowing children to learn through touch, sight, movement, discussion, and exploration. The outdoor environment provided rich opportunities for inquiry-based learning, problem-solving, communication, and creativity. The year 1s also joined the fun in a following session.
A special thank you goes to the National STEM Community Fund for sponsoring the six tuff trays that made this hands-on learning experience possible, and to our school's PTA for sponsoring the outdoor tables where so much meaningful learning is taking place.
We are incredibly proud of our young scientists, explorers, and habitat experts for their enthusiasm, teamwork, and curiosity throughout the session! 🌍🐪🐟🌲
