Maker Projects for Kids Who Love Exploring the Outdoors
EXPLORE AND MAKE If you like adventure activity being outside teaming up with friends and making the most of your world then read on The outdoors is nature's free learning and fun zone There are endless opportunities to try new skills develop confidence with problem solving and simply enjoy the natural world If you want to stretch all your skills from math to creativity get out there and enjoy the natural world around you MAKER MOVEMENunner on The maker movement is about learning through hands on experience Get your hands dirty discover new things be inspired to create and make with the natural materials outside your front door Team up with your friends to make the most of your adventures and exploration It is a perfect way to share ideas and find solutions to difficulties and challenges Use this book to guide you in outdoor exploration Use it to inspire you There are three projects in the book but they are just suggestions When you are working on a project or have completed one discuss with your friends ways it could be improved or changed Being a maker is about trying new activities learning from them and being willing to adapt or improve things From early morning adventures to moonlit camps there is always something to do and experience
MAKERSPACES The maker movement is all about sharing ideas with others so that your projects and activities are collaborative Making the most of the outdoors and exploration is part of the maker movement A place where people can gather to share resources and knowledge and work on projects is called a makerspace SAFETY Follow these basic rules to ensure you keep yourself and your friends Safe when you are exploring Always tell a responsible adult where you are going and when you are expected home Stay together as a group Wash your hands before eating Watch out for insects and bugs that bite Never touch or eat plants unless you know it is safe to do so If you are going on a long hike take basic first aid supplies such as adhesive bandages and ointment for insect bites Take water to drink ATTITUDE The most important part of adventure and exploration is mental attitude In any challenging situation you need to think clearly and remain positive Work as a team to get the best from each person Perseverance is the key do not give up Explore the amazing outdoor world with your friends and share opportunities to create maker projects together O
THE GREAT OUTDOORS Explore outdoors anywhere in the world or anywhere outside your front door The outdoors is there to discover Investigate fields forests woodlands hills mountains rain forests ponds rivers the seashore and yes even backyards You do not need to go far to explore RESPECT NATURE Show respect for the natural environment Nature is the greatest recycler Little is left to waste Use this to inspire your projects and leave nothing to waste yourself Challenge yourself and your friends to use only those materials or objects that you find in their natural state or that you can reuse Follow these guidelines so your exploration does not upset the natural balance of the environment but works alongside it Avoid deliberately disturbing natural habitats If you pick up a bug carefully replace it where you found it Take home any trash Leave only your footprints Only use branches and twigs that have naturally broken or fallen Do not pick wildfiowers or plants as this can affect their survival Take care not to harm any creatures you find remember the outdoors is their
Be a Maker LINS Arrange to go hiking with a group of friends Leave behind all technology although one person can keep a cell phone for emergency contact if required Before you go ask parents and older relatives about the outdoor games and activities they played when they were young As a group choose some of these traditional games and activities to try Think about the differences between these games and the games you usually share with your friends Discuss with your friends if there are ways to combine some of the traditional outdoor activities with the technological games and resources you are used to See Use your imagination to come up with games for which you need only twigs leaves and a maker spirit MAKING THE MOST OF MOTHER NATURE Enjoying the outdoors brings huge physical and emotional benefits It is a fun and foolproof way to keep fit Walk cycle or jog your way in the outdoors Fresh air helps you breathe in more oxygen which you need to survive If you are stressed by Schoolwork or just want some time away from your usual routine nature is a great remedy Marvel at the mysteries of the world Take a deep breath and quietly observe Enjoy the sounds smells sights and feel of the amazing natural world around
