STEAM-powered prompts for Writing Outside

“The sun, with all those planets revolving around it and dependent on it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as if it had nothing else in the universe to do.” -Galileo Galilei

This collection, originally curated for Write Out 2022, brings together a range of writing prompts, or “sparks,” to encourage writing outside and in public spaces in your community. With a focus on S.T.E.A.M. topics each resource includes a variety of links meant to support an exploration of these topics, while the “spark” itself is intended to engage interests and make connections.

From geology and tree masting to the stories that fossils and nature in built environments can tell, these prompts have been created by Rangers of the National Park Service, educators from sites of the National Writing Project, as well as partner educators, writers and artists. We invite you to experiment with the resources and remix them to support your local context and setting.

Image source: Cuyahoga Valley National Park