Nature's Numbers: Fun with Outdoor Math!

Math Grades 1st Grade 1:44 Video
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Lesson Description

Let's explore math outside! Learn to make numbers using things you find in nature like sticks and stones. This lesson helps you practice forming numbers in a fun, hands-on way.

Video Resource

Nature Numbers: Fun Number Formation Practice!

The Eagle's Nest - Our Online Classroom

Duration: 1:44
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Number recognition
  • Number formation
  • Counting
  • Using nature as manipulatives

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to form numbers 0-9 using natural materials.
  • Students will be able to count and represent quantities using objects found in nature.
  • Students will be able to relate written numerals to the quantities they represent.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by watching the 'Nature Numbers' video. Pay attention to how the person in the video makes the numbers using things from outside.
  • Outdoor Exploration (15 mins)
    Go outside and collect natural materials like sticks, stones, leaves, and shells. Make sure you have a grown-up with you!
  • Number Formation (20 mins)
    Use your collected materials to form the numbers 0 through 9. Try to make each number as clearly as possible. Say the name of the number as you make it.
  • Counting Challenge (10 mins)
    Pick a number between 1 and 20. Gather that many of one type of natural material (e.g., 12 stones). Practice counting them carefully.

Interactive Exercises

  • Number Hunt
    Have a grown-up call out a number. Quickly find that many of a natural object and arrange them in the shape of the number.
  • Nature Math Stories
    Create a simple math story using nature. For example: 'I found 5 leaves and then 3 more. How many leaves do I have in all?' Use your nature numbers to help you solve the problem.

Discussion Questions

  • What was your favorite number to make using nature?
  • What was the hardest number to make? Why?
  • How else can we use things from nature to learn about math?

Skills Developed

  • Number sense
  • Fine motor skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Creativity

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What can you use to make numbers outside?

Correct Answer: Rocks

Question 2:

Which number looks like a circle?

Correct Answer: 0

Question 3:

If you find 3 sticks and then 2 more, how many sticks do you have?

Correct Answer: 5

Question 4:

Which number comes after 6?

Correct Answer: 7

Question 5:

Which of these can you find outside to use for math?

Correct Answer: Stones

Question 6:

The number 8 looks like two what on top of each other?

Correct Answer: Circles

Question 7:

Which number is the smallest?

Correct Answer: 1

Question 8:

How many fingers do you have on one hand?

Correct Answer: 5

Question 9:

Which number is the biggest?

Correct Answer: 8

Question 10:

A group of ten is called a what?

Correct Answer: Ten

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The number that comes after 4 is ____.

Correct Answer: 5

Question 2:

You can use ____ and sticks to make numbers outside.

Correct Answer: stones

Question 3:

The number that looks like a snake is ____.

Correct Answer: 3

Question 4:

If you have 2 leaves and find 2 more, you have ____ leaves.

Correct Answer: 4

Question 5:

The number that is one more than 8 is ____.

Correct Answer: 9

Question 6:

The first number is ____.

Correct Answer: 1

Question 7:

The biggest number here is ____: 3, 9, 1

Correct Answer: 9

Question 8:

If you have 7 apples and give away 2, you have ____ apples left.

Correct Answer: 5

Question 9:

The number of days in a week is ____.

Correct Answer: 7

Question 10:

You can find ____ outside.

Correct Answer: leaves

Educational Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.1.NBT.A.1:Count to 120, starting at any number less than 120. In this range, read and write numerals and represent a number of objects with a written numeral. CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.A.1:Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.

Teaching Materials

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