Backyard Science Activities and Ideas for Families
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Superheroes TurfMutt & the Outdoor Powers teach kids and families backyard science, including how to take better care of the green spaces around them and the importance of living landscapes. With the activities in this hands-on science program, you can help them save the planet one yard at a time.

Read TurfMutt’s True Story >

Help your kids be BACKYARD HEROES! Check out these resources on Living Landscapes to help you and your child care for green spaces sustainably.

GRADES K–2

GRADES 3–5

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Green Ranger

Green Ranger is a miniature and masked patch of grass, the foot soldier of the Outdoor Powers.

SUPERPOWERS: In a flash, Green Ranger waves and spreads, trapping carbon dioxide, reducing storm water runoff, and sharing oxygen while using his roots to prevent soil erosion and help create larger green spaces—in backyards, public parks, and more.

Professor Botany

PROFESSOR BOTANY is the bushy-tailed brains of the Outdoor Powers, with a college degree in master growing.

SUPERPOWERS: Professor Botany busies herself on the back end—she maps out complicated greening plans for the Outdoor Powers and teaches kids about plants from the comfort of her lofty tree nest.

Big Rooty

Big Rooty is the muscle guy of the Outdoor Powers.

SUPERPOWERS: Big Rooty uses all of his might to prevent soil erosion, trapping rainwater deep in the ground with his ripplin’ roots, while his big bushy top counters heat islands (built-up cities heat up like crazy as opposed to the countryside) with shade.

Water Warrior

Water Warrior, made up of precious water, is the aquatic avenger.

SUPERPOWERS: H-2-Oh-NO-you-don’t. Water Warrior might be damp and drop-size but he’s an irrigating force, diving deep into the soil to mount a hydrating force to help plants grow.

The Oxygenator

The Oxygenator is the one-man wind farm of the Outdoor Powers.

SUPERPOWERS: The Oxygenator harnesses his power for pollination and brings fresh air in big gusts to plants and people everywhere.

Videos: Tips to Go Green

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© 2016 brought to you by OPEI. Photos: superhero kid, © Dean Mitchell/Getty Images;
family walking, © Klaus Tiedge/Blend Images/Getty Images.

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