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MindsON.earth

Field work

Try

Try something. See what happens.

Small experiments for families — and eventually larger experiments in place-based, adventure and experiential learning.

This month’s experiment

Take learning outside.

Spend an afternoon with your child somewhere you’ve never explored.

  1. 1.Don’t teach.
  2. 2.Don’t explain.
  3. 3.Follow their questions.

Afterwards, ask yourself

What did they notice that you didn’t?

Try it Share what happened
A child crouching on stream rocks with a net
exhibit A
Time
An afternoon
Ages
Any age
Where
Somewhere new

More small experiments

No kit, no curriculum. Pick one, try it this week, notice what happens. Then tell us.

  • Experiment 02

    The question jar.

    For one week, write down every question your child asks. Every single one.

    1. 1. Keep a jar and scraps of paper somewhere obvious.
    2. 2. Don’t answer straight away — write it down first.
    3. 3. At the end of the week, tip it out together and pick one to chase.

    → Which questions surprised you? Which ones did you never get round to answering?

    Time
    One week
    Ages
    3+
    Where
    Home
  • Experiment 03

    Follow the water.

    Next time it rains, go out and find out where the water goes.

    1. 1. Pick a drain, a gutter or a puddle.
    2. 2. Follow it as far as you can.
    3. 3. Draw a map of the route when you get home.

    → Where did it end up — and where do they think it goes after that?

    Time
    1–2 hours
    Ages
    4+
    Where
    Your street
  • Experiment 04

    The no-plan hour.

    One hour. No screens, no activity, no suggestions from you.

    1. 1. Say it out loud: “we have an hour with nothing planned.”
    2. 2. Wait out the boredom.
    3. 3. Notice what happens after it.

    → How long did the boredom last? What came after it?

    Time
    1 hour
    Ages
    Any age
    Where
    Anywhere
  • Experiment 05

    Fix something together.

    Find something broken in the house and try to repair it — together, as equals.

    1. 1. Let them hold the tools.
    2. 2. Look it up together when you’re stuck.
    3. 3. It’s fine if it stays broken.

    → Who led? What did they try that you wouldn’t have?

    Time
    An afternoon
    Ages
    5+
    Where
    Home
  • Experiment 06

    A screen diary.

    For three days, keep a simple log of screen time — theirs and yours.

    1. 1. Write down what, how long, and how everyone felt after.
    2. 2. No rules, no judgement. Just notice.
    3. 3. Compare notes on day four.

    → Which screen time left them brighter, and which left them flatter?

    Time
    Three days
    Ages
    6+
    Where
    Home

Come explore with us.

You don’t need to have the answers.
You just need to be curious about the questions.

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