{"id":226,"date":"2025-10-14T15:55:24","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T21:55:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.ucalgaryblogs.ca\/werklundexperientiallearning\/?p=226"},"modified":"2026-03-02T12:13:46","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T19:13:46","slug":"6-ways-to-add-nature-to-your-teaching-practice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.ucalgaryblogs.ca\/werklundexperientiallearning\/2025\/10\/14\/6-ways-to-add-nature-to-your-teaching-practice\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Ways to Add Nature to Your Teaching Practice"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Kailey Setter, Experiential Education Manager, Canadian Wildlife Federation<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t require a woodland classroom or a major shift in curriculum. In fact, bringing nature into your teaching can be simple, flexible, and incredibly effective\u2014because it\u2019s not just about nature; it\u2019s about good pedagogy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2014and best of all, it\u2019s accessible right outside your door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To help you get started check out these six practical ways you can weave nature into your everyday teaching practice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Nature Journaling<\/strong> – 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\u2019s blog<\/a> for some tips on how to get started!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Citizen Science<\/strong> – Citizen science involves public participation in scientific research. Students can collect real-world data and contribute to meaningful environmental studies. Platforms like iNaturalist.ca<\/a> 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\u2019s Citizen Science Portal<\/a> for a comprehensive list of projects and platforms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3.  Experiments & Field Investigations<\/strong> – Experiments and field investigations both engage students in hands-on scientific inquiry but differ in setting and approach.\n