Day 48: Leaf rubbings and a nature riddle
Outdoor activity ideas and inspiration
From mid-March to the end of May 2020, Harpswell Heritage Land Trust (HHLT) posted a simple outdoor activity idea and nature riddle for kids every weekday. Some days we also posted other resources, like downloadable chapters of the Junior Ranger Activity Book.
Created to support parents who found themselves homeschooling during the COVID-19 pandemic, these activity ideas are a great jumping off point for any outdoor adventure. Click here for a list with links to all 50 activity ideas.
Nature riddle
There is a name for a big group of animals based on a very important job they do. Many of us think of bees and hummingbirds as important to this group, but there are many others species too. There are hundreds of different bees and wasps, plus ants and other crawling insects. Bee flies and hoverflies make the list, along with flower beetles and various moths. Bats, honeyeaters, sunbirds and even creatures like monkeys, possums and rodents can play a role. And, of course, butterflies of all shapes, sizes and colors. What do these animals have in common? What do we call them? Click here to read more.
Leaf rubbings
I find it magical to see the intricate details uncovered with leaf rubbings, similar to how I feel about colors and flower pounding.
This is a simple activity, which I’m sure many of you have already done.
- Collect leaves or other natural materials. You can use feathers, flowers or bark too. It’s a little easier if the materials are flat.
- Lay out your natural objects in a pattern on a flat and hard surface.
- Gently place a piece of paper on top of your natural objects and hold it securely in place with one hand.
- Rub a crayon across the paper. It works well to peel off the paper wrapper and use the side of the crayon. You will see the details of the leaves and other objects appear on the page.
- Do it again!
