Earth’s Memory

Our "Earth’s Memory" activity is specially designed for children aged 6–10. This activity helps children learn how to track without leaving a "trace" in nature, observe ecosystems closely, and develop environmental awareness through storytelling. It is designed to encourage children to understand the value of nature and the environment, protect it, and make positive changes in their own surroundings. This provides a fun and educational way for children to improve their environmental awareness.

Purpose of the Activity:

leaf Develop awareness of moving in nature without leaving a trace.

leaf Understand how ecosystems work by observing them.

leaf Recognize the human impact on nature.

leaf Build environmental awareness through storytelling skills.

leaf Understand how beings in nature interact with each other and with their surroundings.

leaf Become aware of the importance of loving and protecting nature.

First the Story

Tako and Ruka were spending their holiday in their grandfather’s village. Every day, they had a different adventure, spending time in the forest and nearby areas. One day, while walking in the forest, they decided to follow some strange tracks they came across.

"Hey Ruka, look at these tracks! What could they be?"

"Hmm, I’m not sure, Tako. Could they be an animal’s tracks?"

"Yes, maybe they are. If we follow these tracks, we might find out which animal they belong to."

"Ooo, this sounds exciting. But what if the tracks suddenly disappear?"

"Hmm, then we can look for other tracks. But remember, while following tracks, we must not harm nature."

"You’re right, Tako. We should track without harming nature. So, what will we do once we find the tracks?"

"Based on the tracks we find, we can imagine what might have happened to that creature and make up a story. What do you think?"

"That’s a great idea, Tako! Let’s start right away."

Materials

Toprak

Activity

The first step is to encourage children to go on a nature walk. Have them observe the tracks they find on the ground, on trees, or on plants in the forest, park, or garden. These tracks could be footprints, broken branches, animal tracks, stone arrangements, or plants leaning toward the sun. Ensure that children observe these tracks quietly and without harming nature.

The second step is to have the child choose one track and, based on it, imagine what might have happened to that creature or object, creating a story. This encourages children to use their imagination while also understanding the living beings and objects that are part of nature.

The final step is for the child to illustrate and write their story, then add it to their “Nature Journal.” This allows children to express their observations and thoughts while also increasing environmental awareness. As a result, this activity helps children gain a deeper understanding of nature, develop their observation skills, and raise their environmental awareness. For the Nature Journal activity, click here.

Children tracking in nature

Attention!

Children should not touch their mouths or eyes while playing with soil during the activity. This is important to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.

Hands should be thoroughly washed after the activity. This is important to ensure that bacteria and microbes in the soil do not pose a health risk to children.

Soil can sometimes contain harmful substances. Therefore, before the activity, make sure the soil is clean.

Children should be encouraged to observe tracks without harming nature.

Children should be allowed to use their creativity and imagination.

Evaluation Questions

leaf What was the most interesting track you saw during the nature walk? Why did you choose this track?

leaf What kind of story did you create about the track you observed? Can you briefly tell it?

leaf Based on this track, which creature or element in nature did you get to know?

leaf Why do you think it is important to track quietly and without causing harm in nature?

leaf How did writing and illustrating your story make you feel?

leaf Would you like to share the story you added to your “Nature Journal” with your friends? Why?

leaf Has this activity changed the way you observe nature? How?

leaf If you could observe another track in nature, what type of track would you choose? Why?