Log Rolling
Rolling a decomposing log can be fun and educational experience that you can do anywhere!
Tips for a Safe Log Investigation Learning Experience
Find a log that has fallen onto the ground.
Check the area for poison ivy, poison sumac, etc. and if found- select a different log!
*It is best to wear closed-toe shoes when log rolling!
2. Take a photo or create an observational drawing of the surface of the log
Observe and record what living creatures and plants are found on the surface of the log. Observational drawings are a way of recording your findings during observation through drawing and writing. Observational drawings can be done by any age group and is helpful in the development of early literacy for young learners. It takes patience, focus, and cognitive skills for a child to observe and draw what they see.
Use our Log Roll Observational Drawing PDF to record your findings along the way. Subscribe to gain access to all of our PDFs for FREE!
3. Roll the Log!
Now it’s time to what is beneath the log. Be sure you are all standing on the same side of the log and gently roll the log towards your body. (This will allow any critters underneath the log to head away from your feet!)
4. Take a close look at the area exposed on the underside of the log!
Make note of the critters you find. Many of these critters are hard at work decomposing the log. Record your observations on your Log Roll Observational Drawing PDF.
Use your senses!
Be sure to use your senses and notice the smell of the decomposing wood and gently feel the texture of the crumbling wood in comparison to rough bark.
(Children better understand how logs decompose- the process of rotting wood becoming soil after feeling this soft crumbly log bits)
Look inside the log
Look for holes, tunnels, eggs, and critters inside the log. Think about how each critter is using the log: shelter, food, and/or reproduction.
7. The critters call this log home, so be sure to put it back just the way you found it!
Log Rolls are wonderful learning tools to help children practice literacy skills through observational drawings and practice math skills like adding, subtracting, and even pre-algebra statistics (finding the mean, median, mode, & range) Subscribe to gain access to our FREE downloadable PDFs.
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