Explore the Outdoors with PBS KIDS
Virtual Learning Session by WXXI Education
Session Focus:
- PBS KIDS Science Learning Framework
- PBS KIDS Series That Promote Outdoor Exploration: Wild Kratts, Nature Cat, Plum Landing
- PBS KIDS Apps That Explore the Outdoors
- Resources from Our Friends: NYSDEC, SciStarter, iNaturalist
PBS KIDS Science Learning Framework
- Used to develop resources (apps, online tools, activities) and PBS KIDS series
- PBS KIDS Science and Literacy Frameworks
- Promote: problem solving, play, exploring the outdoors, literacy, STEM/STEAM, adult-child interactions
Focuses on Science & Engineering Practices within each category (Life Science, Earth & Space Science, Physical Science, and Engineering & Technology):
1.Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
2.Developing and using models
3.Planning and carrying out investigations
4.Analyzing and interpreting data
5.Using mathematics and computational thinking
6.Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)
7.Engaging in argument from evidence
8.Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
PBS KIDS Series That Promote Outdoor Exploration
Wild Kratts
Wild Kratts joins the adventures of Chris and Martin Kratt as they encounter incredible wild animals, combining science education with fun and adventure as the duo travels to animal habitats around the globe. Each adventure explores an age-appropriate science concept central to an animal's life and showcases a rarely seen wildlife moment, all wrapped up in engaging stories of adventure, mystery, rescue, and the Kratt brothers' brand of laugh-out-loud-comedy that kids love.
- 6 to 8 year olds
- Natural history and age-appropriate science
- Develop and strengthen basic skills of observation and investigation
- Build excitement in science
- Explore uniqueness of animals, habitats, ecosystems
- Share animal factoids and geography
Resources
- PBS LearningMedia Collection: Wild Kratts
Lesson Plans: Bats | Monarch Butterflies | Senses | Lizards
Printable activities:
-Flatt Kratts
-Wildlife Journal
-Creature Packet English | Spanish
-Temperature Scavenger Hunt
-Adding Up Animal Habitats
-Bird Feeder Fractions
-Animals and their Habitats
Nature Cat
Fred the house cat dreams of exploring the great outdoors. Once his family leaves for the day, Fred transforms into Nature Cat, "backyard explorer extraordinaire!"
- 6 to 8 year olds
- Natural history and age-appropriate science
- Develop and strengthen basic skills of observation and investigation
- Build excitement in science
- Explore uniqueness of animals, habitats, ecosystems
- Share animal factoids and geography
Resources
- PBS LearningMedia Collection: Nature Cat
Recycled Materials: Make a Composter | Pond Viewer | Daisy’s Garden Corner | Reusable Bag
Music: Making Instruments | Make Music with Nature
Bird: Bird Watching | Beaks as Tools | Bird Feeders
Butterfly: Wings | Butterfly Garden Seed Pods | Eat Like a Butterfly
Art: Nature Art | Nature Card | Natural Sailboat | Makin’ Tracks
Adventures in Reading
-PreK–K: Creatures of the Swamp | Who Stole the Acorn? | The Nature Cat Band
-1st – 2nd: What’s With the Wind? | Marsh Explorers! | Fun with Maps | Tracking Animals
-3rd: Windy Weather | Let’s Save the Marsh! | Let’s Explore with Maps!
Plum Landing
PLUM LANDING is an exciting multi-platform, indoor-outdoor, science exploration adventure for kids and grown-ups. Games, animations, videos, an app, a whole digital curriculum for after-school programs and summer camps, and science activities for parents and kids to do together.
- 6 to 9 year olds
- Designed to give kids an understanding of the science behind healthy ecosystems and sustainability
- Adaptation, biodiversity, cycles, habitats and ecosystems, human impact on the environment, plants and animals, practices of science, water
- Aligned to Next Generation Science Standards
- National Science Foundation-funded
- Parents: Tips for Families | Earn a Nature Badge | Do a Science Activity | Materials in Spanish
- Educators: Lead Activities with Kids | Videos and Games | Create an Outdoor Program with PLUM! | Tips for Educators | Lead Activities with Families
- PBS LearningMedia Collection: Plum Landing
- Free Apps: Outdoor Family Fun with Plum and Plum's Creaturizer
- Printable activities:
-Biodiversity Bingo: English | Spanish
-Sound Safari: English | Spanish
-Animal Fact Cards: English | Spanish
-Explorer’s Notebook: English | Spanish
-How Fast is Today’s Wind? English | Spanish
-Wind Spinner: English | Spanish
-Plan Spotting Scavenger Hunt: English | Spanish
Apps That Explore the Outdoors
PBS KIDS Outdoor Exploration Apps
Resources from Our Friends
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)
- Outdoor Observation & Journals
- Outdoor BINGO & Observation Checklists
- Seek & Find Hikes
- All About Animals
- Food Chains
- Invasive Species
- State & National Symbols
- and more!
SciStarter
Here are some of our favorites:
iNaturalist Apps
Additional Resources Curated by WXXI Education
Need help with any of these resources?
Contact WXXI Education's Cara Rager at CRager@wxxi.org