Kailey Setter, Experiential Education Manager, Canadian Wildlife Federation
When you think of nature-based education, you might picture forest schools, muddy boots, and days spent entirely outdoors. While those immersive experiences are powerful, making nature part of your teaching practice doesn’t require a woodland classroom or a major shift in curriculum. In fact, bringing nature into your teaching can be simple, flexible, and incredibly effective—because it’s not just about nature; it’s about good pedagogy.
Whether you’re teaching in an urban classroom or a rural setting, there are countless ways to connect your students with the natural world in meaningful, manageable ways. Nature fosters curiosity, supports wellbeing, and encourages deeper learning—and best of all, it’s accessible right outside your door.
To help you get started check out these six practical ways you can weave nature into your everyday teaching practice!
- Nature Journaling – Nature journaling is the practice of observing and recording the natural world through writing, drawing, and data collection. As an interdisciplinary tool, it supports science, art, and language learning while fostering curiosity, mindfulness, and a deeper connection to the environment. Check out the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s blog for some tips on how to get started!
- Citizen Science – Citizen science involves public participation in scientific research. Students can collect real-world data and contribute to meaningful environmental studies. Platforms like iNaturalist.ca make it easy for learners to observe and document biodiversity in their communities, resulting in learning that is engaging, authentic, and impactful. Check out the Government of Canada’s Citizen Science Portal for a comprehensive list of projects and platforms.
- Experiments & Field Investigations – Experiments and field investigations both engage students in hands-on scientific inquiry but differ in setting and approach.
- Experiments involve testing hypotheses in controlled conditions—like growing plants in different soil types to measure growth rates—blending science, math, and critical thinking.
- Field investigations occur in uncontrolled natural environments where variables can’t be isolated, such as setting up plots or transects to record species diversity.
- Looking for an example? Check out this downloadable activity detailing how to make a pop bottle water filter!
- Games & Simulations – Games and simulations bring complex concepts to life in a fun, interactive way, encouraging students to explore cause and effect through trial, error, and reflection. Simulating the factors at play in a watershed, or using a tag game to mimic echolocation inspires critical thinking by showing there isn’t always a “right” answer—just thoughtful consideration of how changing variables affect outcomes. This is experiential learning in action!
- Role-playing & Debates – Role playing and debates engage students in exploring multiple perspectives on environmental issues, encouraging them to understand the complexities and trade-offs involved. By stepping into different roles or arguing diverse viewpoints, learners develop empathy, critical thinking, and communication skills while deepening their awareness of real-world challenges and solutions. For an example, check out this free activity where students explore the impact of climate change by role-playing a diverse group of community members that have paused for lunch in the same café.
- Service-Learning – Service-learning combines hands-on community projects with academic learning, empowering students to take meaningful action that benefits both the environment and their communities. Projects like organizing local park clean-ups or creating pollinator gardens help students build civic engagement, develop a sense of responsibility, and see the real-world impact of their efforts. To learn more about service-learning, check out our WILD Outside program that engages youth aged 15-18 in community-based conservation!
Want to go deeper?
Check out the Werklund’s Student Opportunities page for more information on the Canadian Wildlife Federations’ Workshop Series, featuring upcoming professional learning opportunities for students that are designed to help build confidence and creativity in making nature part of your teaching practice!