What’s That Scent? Nature Play Activity & Free Printable

In this activity, students test each other to identify the scent of an unidentified natural item and try to match it on a scent hunt.

What’s That Scent? Activity

This activity can be conducted in a park, bush or garden area.

Before starting, divide students into pair and have each group select one person to be the picker and the other to be the sniffer.

Pick a Scent
Start by having the sniffer stand still, with their eyes closed and facing away from the natural area where the picker will be selecting an object.

The picker will now search for a piece of nature with a distinct smell. This may be a leaf, flower petal, gum nut, herb or stick. Remind students that natural items should only be collected from the ground. Please do not pick from living plants.

Sniff it!
The picker then returns to the sniffer. Being sure that the sniffer’s eyes are closed, the picker holds their selected item to the sniffer’s nose so they can take a good sniff. The picker may need to squish the item to release its scent.

The picker asks the sniffer for their impressions, using questions like “What can you smell?” and records their observations on the activity sheet.

Scent Hunt
The picker then needs to hide the secret item is out of view. Then ask the sniffer to open their eyes and explore the natural area with their nose! The sniffer will need to try and find a scent match by sniffing bushes, flowers, trees and other loose items on the ground.

Reflection
At the end of the activity, groups can report back by reflecting upon how they went. They can then try another round by swapping roles. At the end of round two, discussion can also extend to discussing which role students prefer – being the picker or the sniffer?