Create a Natural Toolbox
Nature Cat and his friends have observed animals using natural items as tools to help them get the things they need, such as food and shelter. They watched a gopher use a rock for digging and a bird use a piece of bark as a wedge to search for bugs. Scientists have discovered other ways some kinds of animals use tools, as well. A species of crow will turn a stick into a hook so it can find bugs hidden in the nooks and crannies of a tree. Elephants may use a leafy branch as a fly swatter or a backscratcher.
Head outside with your child and collect a variety of natural objects, using the list as a guide. Have your child think about ways these objects could be used to complete a task, and then experiment with the object to see how well it works. The bonus: This isn’t just a nature activity. It’s also an opportunity to learn about simple machines, such as levers and wedges!
Materials
Directions
Start by going on a nature walk in a nearby park or your own backyard where there are lots of different natural objects like trees, sticks, dirt, grass, and rocks. Talk to your child about how animals use tools in nature and share with them some examples. Pocket gophers use rocks to dig holes and birds use a piece of bark to lift tree bark in search of bugs to eat.
Collect natural objects of different sizes, shapes, and lengths. Look for things such as sticks for lifting rocks to see what is underneath or rocks for digging holes.
Experiment! Your child can have fun trying each object to find which ones work best as tools! If they have picked up several sticks, they can test each one to see which is sturdy enough to lift a rock.
Let your child practice using their natural tools just like our smart animal friends! What do they observe when using their tools? How does it help complete a task or solve a problem?
Want more “Nature Cat” activities? Check out the Make Leaf and Bark Rubbings activity and the Make a Wild Bee Motel craft to continue the fun!
Author: 
Science