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  • Create leaf rubbings

    Create Leaf Rubbings

    Different types of trees have different types of leaves. That’s one way we can tell one tree from another, and they each make a different pattern when you make a rubbing from them.

    • Oak
    • Elm
    • Fern
    • Maple
    1. Choose a leaf, then click and drag it into the box.
    2. Put a piece of paper over the leaf and click to choose your crayon color.
    3. Use your mouse to rub your crayon over the paper to reveal the leaf pattern.

    Print The Book of Stuff to Do Outside and make some with real leaves.

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  • Sing like a bird, howl like a wolf, croak like a frog

    Sing like a Bird. Howl like a Wolf. Croak like a Frog.

    Animals may not talk like humans, but they communicate by making different types of sounds.

    Click the animals to listen to their sounds. Then try to imitate them.

    • Cricket
    • Wolf
    • Whippoorwill
    • Frog
    • Turkey
    • Hawk
    • Owl
    • Bat
    • Fox
    • Moose

    Now print The Book of Stuff to Do Outside and go listen to the real sounds of nature.

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  • Learn how to use a compass

    Learn How to Use a Compass

    A compass has three main parts:

    • a needle that always points to the Earth’s magnetic north
    • a directional dial that shows the four directions: North, South, East, and West
    • a direction-of-travel indicator, which is a small plate with an arrow that the compass sits on

    Use the compass to find out which direction you need to go to get to the picnic area.

    1. click and drag the compass to the YOU ARE HERE point on the map. Notice how the needle always points north.
    2. click and turn the direction-of-travel indicator so it’s pointing to the picnic area — the direction you want to go.
    3. Now click and turn the directional dial until the red “N” lines up with the needle, which is always pointing North.

    Great, the direction-of-travel indicator is now telling you to go East to get to the picnic area. You’re on the right path!

    Print The Book of Stuff to Do Outside and learn how to find direction without a compass.

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  • Can you match the animal tracks?

    Can You Match the Animal Tracks?

    One way you can tell what kind of animals are in the forest is to know the foot, paw, and hoof prints you see on the ground. Do you know which animals live in the forest near you?

    Drag and drop the animals into the correct box to match their tracks.

    • Moose
    • Raccoon
    • Beaver
    • Cougar
    • Deer
    • Bear

    Now print The Book of Stuff to Do Outside and find some real tracks in nature.

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