Elementary Classroom Materials for Hands-On Nature Investigations

Ask families to collect/donate:

styrofoam egg cartons

baby food jars (or bug boxes)

old socks
bandanas/blindfolds

toothpicks

plastic knives

film canisters

shoe boxes

styrofoam pieces

clean empty cans

cloth scraps

cardboard tubes

plastic containers w/lids

canvas bags or drawstring bags (for collecting)

Pick up at a discount store:
pipe cleaners
index cards

chalk

straight pins

balloons

straws

plastic dishpan

strainer

paper lunch bags

twine

paper or plastic cups

rubber bands

thread

Order from catalog/online:

hand lenses

binoculars

thermometers

clipboards
nets
microscopes
animal print stencils
trowels

Obtain on the trail:
feathers
animal skulls
deer skull, hoof, hair, antlers
native wildlife photos



Print, draw or purchase:
maps of the school grounds, local, national, and world