Exploring Under Logs Nature Activity for Kids

This Exploring Under Logs Nature Activity is a great way to get kids outdoors. They will love using a magnifying glass and taking an up close look at what is living under old, rotting logs. Give this science experiment a go and see what you and your little ones can find!

Nature can be pretty fascinating. If you know where to look, you might even find some hidden things that can’t be seen without a little exploring! Kids especially find exploring these inner workings of nature exciting, so this Exploring Under Logs Nature Activity is a fun one to do with them.

Younger kids will like seeing what they can find under certain places. Older kids can do this as a science activity where they identify the insects found and behavior. This is a good activity to try if you can go to a couple of locations. If you have areas near you that have wetlands and areas with more dryer conditions, the bugs you find will be different in each. Older kids can record their findings in a Nature Journal. If younger children want to use a nature journal like their older siblings, encourage them to draw what they see rather than take notes.

Additionally, you could use this as a learning activity with younger children to teach about the letter ‘L’ for Looking Under Logs. You can have them collect sticks while you are out to make uppercase L and lowercase l.

Exploring Under Logs Nature Activity for Kids

Materials Needed:

magnifying glass
paper plate
small clear plastic container
plastic spoon

You will also need to find an area where logs or rocks have been sitting for a while.

Directions:

1. Find an old log or rock. We had some near our outside fire pit. Move the log and investigate what is under it. We found ANTS! LOTS of ANTS! We learned the white egg-like items were baby ants or larvae!

2. Use a magnifying glass to investigate what is under the rock or log.

3. Scoop insects and findings onto a paper plate to look more carefully at them. Place into the small clear container to inspect. Return to the insect’s natural habitat and be careful not to destroy it while scooping the insects up.