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Explore different viewpoints

Encourage youngsters to look at the natural world from different perspectives.

Use binoculars and magnifying glasses to help pupils explore a wood.

Credit: Michael Heffernan / WTML

What would a tree look like from a bird’s eye view? Or a bug’s eye view?

This activity is a great way to teach children about perspective. Visit a wood or a green space with lots of trees and challenge your students to explore it from more than one point of view. They can record their experiences through photography.

By completing this challenge you’ll earn two points on the Green Tree Schools Award.

Credit: Ken Whitcombe / WTML

A bird’s eye view

Climb up onto higher ground and imagine you’re a bird soaring high in the sky. Look down, what can you see? How do things look different from a higher perspective?

Credit: Emily Lee / WTML

A bug’s eye view

Lie on the floor to see how a beetle or a snail sees the world. Peer through blades of grass and around flower stems. Do you notice anything you’ve not seen before?

Credit: Phil Formby / WTML

A close-up

Use a magnifying glass to study moss, tree bark or a leaf. Are tiny details suddenly revealed? If your camera has a macro setting use it to take a close-up photo.

Credit: Richard Becker / WTML

From beneath

Have you ever looked at the underside of a leaf or flower? Try it! How is it different to the side you normally see?

How to claim your points

This challenge is worth two points on our award. To claim them, send us at least four photos each showing a different perspective of the natural world.

Email your photos to learning@woodlandtrust.org.uk with the subject line 'Different viewpoints'.

We’ll add your points to your account after we’ve received your evidence (usually within two weeks).

How we use quotes and photos

We like to use comments and photos from schools to inspire other teachers and young people about outdoor learning. With your permission, they could appear on our award materials, website, press releases and social media.

You can find out more about how we use and look after your personal information in our privacy policy.

Permissions

If you're happy for us to share your quotes and photos as outlined above, please include the following permission statements in your email:

  • We confirm we have permission from the photographer to submit these photos and use them for the purposes stated.
  • We confirm we have permission from pupils' parents/guardians to share their photos, comments and names and use them for the purposes stated.

If you'd rather we didn't share them, please include the following statement in your email:

  • We would prefer that our photos and comments are not used for the purposes stated.

More ideas for schools