Vision

The Wonder Wagon project began with a simple question: “How can we explore and take care of nature?” From that spark, the students in our Purple Kindergarten class began dreaming up tools and ideas that would help them observe, explore, and learn in their outdoor environment. Many of our youngest learners had never heard of climate change or global warming—but they had an intuitive sense that the Earth needs care, and that they could help.
We recognized a gap in both climate literacy and our outdoor learning resources for our learners. We wanted to create something tangible, hands-on, and inclusive-a way for all students to build curiosity and environmental responsibility. This was an opportunity to empower our students to see themselves as caretakers of the Earth. The Wonder Wagon was our way of turning that vision into action.

Action

The students helped shape every stage of the Wonder Wagon-from starting with an idea, to planning, unpacking the supplies and exploring the natural world around them. They brainstormed the tools they would need to track weather, observe animals, collect natural treasures, and ask big questions about the world. They helped choose materials like bug catchers, clipboards, outdoor inquiry cards, and “treasure tubes,” and they excitedly unpacked and organized the wagon when the supplies arrived.

Once outside, the children led the learning. They used magnifying glasses to observe ants, binoculars to watch birds-they saw a Robin catch a worm in the grass after the rain, and created a tally chart to count garbage in the yard. One child excitedly announced, “I collected an ant and it has a lot of legs,” while another declared, “Everything looks so big and small in these glasses,” peering through a pair of binoculars. On a scavenger hunt, a student called out, “I found yellow flowers!” with pride.

The children started to incorporate environmental responsibility into their play. They built pretend garbage cans from wood chips and engaged in recycling/garbage role play activities. Without adult prompts, they began collecting litter and creating play around protecting the Earth.

Students across three Kindergarten classes and two specialized program classes participated in their own ways. The Wonder Wagon’s inclusive design supported learners with a variety of needs, allowing everyone to access nature on their own terms. Educators noted a clear shift-not only in student behavior, but in educator confidence around outdoor learning. Through hands-on, joyful inquiry, our youngest learners led the way in building a climate aware classroom culture.

Reflection & Celebration

At the beginning of this project, none of the students knew what climate change was and only one had even heard the word! Throughout this project, they were asking thoughtful questions, taking initiative outdoors, and proudly declaring, “We’re Earth helpers!” or “We can make the Earth shine!”

The Wonder Wagon sparked a visible shift in how students explored the world. Similar to the story we purchased (and read) for the Wonder Wagon, “The World Needs the Wonder You See,” our students, noticed more, asked more, and acted more. As educators, we observed increased curiosity, deeper engagement, and more frequent play that reflected care for nature and the environment. Even students with exceptionalities led their own learning through sensory-friendly tools and open-ended play invitations.

What we’re most proud of is the ownership and excitement the students brought to the project. They didn’t just participate, they led. Their energy inspired other classes, encouraged educator growth, and created ripples. The Wonder Wagon will continue to roll out each season, welcoming new learners and new discoveries. It’s just the beginning, but it’s already making a difference.