Stephaine Calender

THIRD THURSDAY Nature Walk at The Santa Rosa Plateau. Meet at the SANTA ROSA PLATEAU VISITORS CENTER

Lesson Plan: Fall Season Celebration in the Park

Hosted by Wings of Change for Lighthouse Learning Academy

Grade Level: Elementary (Grades K–5)
Duration: 60–90 minutes
Setting: Live Oak Park or my home

Learning Objectives

• Understand why leaves change color and fall.
• Explore how shorter days affect plants, animals, and the earth.
• Recognize the interconnectedness of all living things.
• Develop observation and reflection skills through nature-based activities.

Materials Needed

• Clipboards or notebooks
• Colored pencils or crayons
• Magnifying glasses
• Buckets or baskets for leaf collection
• Chart paper and markers
• Seasonal nature guide (optional)

Introduction (10 minutes)

Gather students in a circle under a tree. Begin with a short discussion:

• What changes do you notice in nature during fall?
• Why do you think leaves change color and drop?
• How do animals and plants get ready for winter?

Explain that the group will explore how the earth slows down in fall and how everything in nature is connected.

Activity 1: Leaf Detectives (20 minutes)

Objective: Observe and identify different types of leaves.

1. Divide students into small groups.
2. Have each group collect 3–5 leaves of different shapes and colors.
3. Use magnifying glasses to look closely at leaf veins, edges, and colors.
4. Discuss what might cause the color changes and why trees let go of their leaves.

Key Concept: Trees drop leaves to conserve energy and protect themselves during colder months.

Activity 2: The Sun’s Shorter Days (15 minutes)

Objective: Understand how daylight changes affect nature.

1. Use a globe or ball to demonstrate how the earth tilts away from the sun in fall.
2. Have students notice the shadows around them—are they longer than in summer?
3. Discuss how shorter days mean less sunlight for plants, leading to slower growth.

Key Concept: The earth’s tilt changes the amount of sunlight we receive, influencing temperature, plant growth, and animal behavior.

Activity 3: Nature Connection Walk (20 minutes)

Objective: Discover how plants, animals, and people are connected.

1. Walk quietly through the park, encouraging students to use their senses—what do they see, hear, and smell?
2. Stop at a few points to discuss:
   • How do fallen leaves help the soil?
   • What animals might use leaves or seeds for food or shelter?
   • How do people depend on trees and plants?

Key Concept: Everything in nature supports something else—plants, animals, soil, and humans are all part of one system.

Activity 4: Art and Reflection (15–20 minutes)

Objective: Express understanding through creativity.

1. Have students create a “Fall Connection” drawing or collage using collected leaves and natural materials.
2. Ask them to include something that shows how they are connected to nature.
3. Share artwork in a closing circle.

Closing Discussion (10 minutes)

Gather students and reflect:

• What did you learn about how the earth changes in fall?
• How do these changes help plants and animals?
• How can people take care of nature during this season?

End with the message:
“As the days grow shorter, the whole earth slows down. Fall reminds us that rest and renewal are part of nature’s rhythm—and we are part of that rhythm too.”

Extension Ideas:

• Create a class “Season Journal” to track changes in the park over time.
• Plant native seeds that will sprout in spring.
• Invite families for a seasonal nature walk.

Learn more about Wings of Change at wingsofchange.us.