Nature word search

Step outside with words for the land and water around us: forest, meadow, canyon, glacier, waterfall and prairie, the parts of a tree from root to branch, and familiar trees such as the oak, maple, willow and redwood.

Coast redwoods in California are the tallest trees on Earth; the tallest one measured is more than 380 feet high. The highest waterfall in the world, Angel Falls in Venezuela, drops about 3,200 feet. Moss is a small marvel too: it has no true roots and takes in water through its leaves, which is why it grows so well in damp, shady places.

Nature words are perfect to print before a hike, a camping trip or a walk in the park. Bring the sheet and a pencil, and let children check off each word when they see the real thing. In class, the list fits lessons on landforms, habitats and the water cycle.

Play tip: nature words are mostly short and made of common letters, so they blend into the filler. Pick out the less common ones: the K in CREEK, BARK, LAKE and TRUNK, the W in WOODS, WILLOW and MEADOW, or the V in VALLEY, RIVER and VINE.