Getting Kids Outside: These 5 Apps Can Help

Advertisement

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, May/June 2021 Issue

Spring has finally arrived, and with it, the opportunity to head outdoors. After a long winter cooped up inside, it’s more important than ever to make sure students are getting plenty of fresh air and exercise now that the weather is warmer. Here are some apps that can be used in the classroom, by students alone, or shared with parents and families to encourage kids to play outside and explore the natural world around them.

Audubon Bird Guide
(Free – iOS, Android, Website)

Help students develop wildlife observation skills with this birdwatching app. Developed by the non-profit environmental organization Audubon, this guide contains information on 800+ species of North American birds. Students can use features like size, colour, habitat, and voice to identify any birds they find. The app also contains a Sightings journal where users can record the species and location of all the birds they’ve seen—and even upload their best photos to share with fellow birders.

Charity Miles
(Free – iOS, Android)

Charity Miles empowers students to help others, just by being active! For every mile they log on the app—whether through indoor or outdoor walks, bikes, or runs—users can earn money for a charity of their choice. There are over 40 charities to select from, including: Habitat for Humanity, Save the Children, the World Food Programme, and the World Wildlife Federation. Students can accumulate miles on their own or as part of a team.

Geocaching
(Free – iOS, Android)

By downloading the Geocaching app, students gain access to the location of millions of geocaches across the world. The modern-day version of treasure hunting, caches are smaller, waterproof containers that typically contain a logbook and other items. These caches are placed at specific locations, marked by coordinates. Using the app, students can navigate towards caches in their area.

Outdoor Family Fun with Plum
(Free – iOS, Android, Website)

This app was created by PBS Kids to encourage young children and their families to spend time outdoors. Kids can choose from over 150+ unique missions, such as taking selfies with trees, counting different groups of animals, or finding shapes in the clouds. Each day the app provides 5 suggested missions, but users can also browse the full mission list at any time. By completing missions, kids can unlock new ones, while also earning achievement badges. (Note that the website also contains additional resources for educators.)

Project Noah
(Free – Website)

Students can become citizen scientists by joining the Project Noah community. Designed to help people connect with nature and learn about wildlife, this platform allows its members to document their own wildlife sightings, participate in global missions to photograph wildlife, and create their own nature journals. Members can learn to identify wildlife species through the help of experts, Rangers, and the broad Noah community. The website also includes lesson plans and nature-focused activities for Grades 2–6.

Kelsey McCallum is an Associate Editor for TEACH Magazine. She holds a BSc from the University of Guelph and a Graduate Certificate from Centennial College. She currently lives in Toronto, ON, with her partner and their cat.

Education News

Reading Engagement Insights Added to Beanstack’s AI-Powered Benny

Beanstack expands its responsible use of AI to measure students’ positive experience with reading.

National Principals of the Year Announced

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) have named the 2025–26 National Principals of the Year.

Is Your Child’s Literacy on Vacation? How Parents Can Beat the Summer Slide

Did you know students can lose up to two months of learning progress over summer break? Here's how to tackle the “summer slide” and keep kids engaged.

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

Kelsey McCallum
Kelsey McCallum
Kelsey McCallum is an Associate Editor for TEACH Magazine. She holds a BSc from the University of Guelph and a Graduate Certificate from Centennial College. She currently lives in Toronto, ON, with her partner and their cat.

Advertisement

Read More

Reading Engagement Insights Added to Beanstack’s AI-Powered Benny

Beanstack expands its responsible use of AI to measure students’ positive experience with reading.

National Principals of the Year Announced

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) have named the 2025–26 National Principals of the Year.

Guardians of the Coast: Building Kids’ Confidence Through Art

I was recently involved with an art exhibition in the Thanet District of Kent, England, that helped students see themselves as artists, advocates, and changemakers.

Is Your Child’s Literacy on Vacation? How Parents Can Beat the Summer Slide

Did you know students can lose up to two months of learning progress over summer break? Here's how to tackle the “summer slide” and keep kids engaged.

The Power of Music and Melody: Using Songs to Engage Young Learners

By harnessing the power of music, teachers can create a lively and dynamic atmosphere that also improves concentration, focus, and retention.

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.
live casino | rocky mountain slots | 7 vien ngoc | slot trong liên quân là gì | bets com casino | penthouses cuộc chiến thượng lưu phần 2 tập 7 | dow zalo | lô gan bình dương | casino la vida | vegas diamonds slot | y8 2 người | xem bói bài tây | fortune slots | aspers casino logo | casino online uy tín 10nhacai | wc deur slot | lịch thi đấu play off lck | slotted metal | jun88.casino | câu hỏi rung chuông vàng | ho tram casino jobs | đăng ký jun88 jun88.casino | royal casino online | oude slot heemstede | wyandotte nation casino | online casino zahlt nicht aus | thrills casino review | roma đấu với feyenoord | xoiac | thong ke giai dac biet theo nam | casino virtual dinero real | xsmy | kq futsal world cup 2021 | ku casino app | đăng nhập ku casino | slot toto | dai chien kame | 777 casino login | white label casino | 200 deposit bonus slots | danh sách các casino ở việt nam | sweet alchemy slot | casino bonus games | winner casino online | 5 free slots | wap soicauxoso | casino x отзывы | casino fre |