| Intelligence |
Ways to use or develop this intelligence outdoors |
VERBAL
"Word smart"
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- Describe what you see, hear, smell, touch, and feel
- Look up names of plants and animals in field guides or make up your own names for them
- Keep a journal of your observations and discoveries
- Tell others about your adventures
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MATHEMATICAL
"Number/logic smart"
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- Count or measure things you see
- Sort or classify objects (leaves, shells, rocks) based on their characteristics
- Collect data: put up a rain gauge, chart temperatures, note birds at your feeder at different times of day
- Ask questions and set up experiments to answer them
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VISUAL
"Picture smart"
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- Sketch objects you find (leaves, flowers, bugs, etc.)
- Follow maps, make your own maps of favorite places
- Look for patterns, colors, and designs in nature
- Use natural objects to create sculptures or models
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KINESTHETIC
"Body smart"
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- Run, hike, jump, hop, climb, balance, swim, etc.
- Imitate animals you see: scamper like a squirrel, hop like a rabbit, soar like a bird
- Twirl and dance in the snow or rain or wind
- Learn an outdoor skill such as skiing, snowshoeing, canoeing, snorkeling, or rock climbing
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MUSICAL
"Music/rhythm smart"
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- Listen to and learn the calls of birds, frogs, and insects
- Sing familiar songs, or make up your own songs, about things you see and do outdoors
- Make drums or other musical instruments out of natural objects
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INTERPERSONAL
"People smart"
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- Collaborate with others to accomplish something, such as planting a garden or paddling a canoe
- Participate in scheduled outdoor programs with other children or families
- Take turns leading and following as you explore
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INTRAPERSONAL
"Self smart"
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- Provide choices about where to go, what activity to do, and how much time to spend there
- Encourage independent exploration when possible
- Make time for reflection after an outdoor experience, such as writing in a journal, drawing a picture, or talking about reactions, thoughts, and emotions
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NATURALISTIC
"Nature smart"
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