Teaching with Valor A Veteran's Perspective Podcast "Exploring Outdoor Learning and Environmental Education"

Welcome back to Teaching with Valor, the podcast where we dive into the heart of education with passion, purpose, and a dash of valor. 

I'm your host, Don J. Fessenden, and today we're stepping outside the traditional classroom walls to explore the exciting world of outdoor learning and environmental education. 

Whether you're an elementary, middle, or high school teacher, this episode is packed with ideas, strategies, and inspiration to integrate nature into your teaching. And stick around for our special bonus segment where we answer a common parent question related to this topic.

Show notes: 

To learn more checkout the following:

1. Project Learning Tree: An award-winning environmental education program that provides resources and curriculum for teachers.
2. National Wildlife Federation's Eco-Schools USA: A program that helps schools create sustainable, healthy environments.
3. Children & Nature Network: Offers resources and research on the benefits of connecting children with nature.
4. The Outdoor Classroom Project: Provides support and resources for creating outdoor learning spaces.
5. iNaturalist: A community for naturalists where students can learn about and share their observations of the natural world.
6. Google Earth Education: Offers tools and resources for educators to incorporate geography and environmental science into their curriculum.

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!

Transcript

Don: 0:08

Welcome back to Teaching with Valor, the podcast where we dive into the heart of education with passion, purpose, and a dash of valor. I'm your host, Don Fessenden, and today we're stepping outside the traditional classroom walls to explore the exciting world of outdoor learning and environmental education. Whether you're an elementary, middle, or high school teacher, this episode is packed with ideas, strategies, and inspiration to integrate nature into your teaching. And stick around for our special bonus segment where we answer a common parent question related to this topic."Now, let's take a closer look at how elementary school teachers can bring the outdoors into their daily lessons." Let's start with the basics: why is outdoor learning important? Research shows that outdoor learning not only enhances students' academic performance but also improves their mental and physical health. Imagine the benefits of fresh air, natural light, and a hands-on approach to learning. When students learn outside, they engage more of their senses, making the learning experience more memorable and impactful. The natural environment stimulates curiosity and creativity, encouraging students to ask questions and explore. For our youngest learners in elementary school, outdoor education can be as simple as a nature walk to explore local flora and fauna or a garden project to learn about plant life cycles. These activities foster curiosity, improve observation skills, and connect students to the environment. For elementary teachers, outdoor learning can transform the way young students perceive and engage with the world around them. Start with simple activities like nature scavenger hunts, where students can find and identify different types of leaves, insects, or rocks. This not only teaches them about biodiversity but also helps them develop categorization and observational skills. Creating a school garden is another fantastic way to integrate outdoor learning. Students can take responsibility for planting, watering, and observing the growth of various plants. This hands-on approach teaches them about plant biology, the importance of ecosystems, and even patience and responsibility. Additionally, outdoor reading sessions can make storytime more engaging and relaxing, allowing students to enjoy literature in a different setting."Moving on, let's explore some engaging outdoor learning strategies specifically designed for middle school students." Middle school students are ready for more structured outdoor learning experiences that challenge their critical thinking skills. One effective strategy is to incorporate field trips to local parks, nature reserves, or botanical gardens. These trips can be tied to the curriculum, such as studying ecosystems in science or local history in social studies. Another powerful approach is project-based learning. For example, students can participate in a long-term environmental project, such as monitoring water quality in a nearby river or stream. This type of project not only teaches scientific methods and data collection but also highlights the impact of human activities on natural resources. Engaging middle school students in environmental debates or role-playing scenarios can also be very effective. These activities develop their research, public speaking, and critical thinking skills while deepening their understanding of environmental issues."Next up, we will discuss how high school teachers can create meaningful outdoor learning experiences for their students." High school students can handle even more complex and sophisticated outdoor learning activities. Encourage them to undertake independent research projects or participate in citizen science initiatives. For instance, students can contribute to nationwide projects that track bird migrations, document weather patterns, or monitor pollution levels. Another effective method is to integrate service learning into the curriculum. High school students can work with local environmental organizations on conservation projects, such as habitat restoration or community cleanups. This not only enhances their learning but also instills a sense of civic responsibility and environmental stewardship. Outdoor learning can also be linked to career and technical education pathways. For example, students interested in agriculture, forestry, or environmental science can gain practical experience through internships or apprenticeships with local businesses or government agencies."Let's shift our focus to the challenges of outdoor learning and how to overcome them with effective planning and flexibility." Of course, integrating outdoor learning comes with its own set of challenges weather, safety concerns, and logistical issues, to name a few. But with careful planning and flexibility, these obstacles can be overcome. Start small with manageable activities and gradually build up to more ambitious projects. Always have a backup plan for indoor activities if the weather doesn't cooperate. And most importantly, ensure that all outdoor activities comply with safety guidelines and school policies. For safety, establish clear rules and procedures for outdoor activities, such as staying within designated areas and using the buddy system. Additionally, involve parents and guardians by informing them about the benefits and objectives of outdoor learning and addressing any concerns they might have. Now, let's address a common parent question:"How can teachers incorporate environmental education without sacrificing core subjects?" This is a great question, and the answer lies in integration. Environmental education doesn't have to be a separate subject. It can be woven into math, science, language arts, and even social studies. For example, math lessons can include calculating the growth rate of plants, science can involve studying ecosystems, and language arts can feature writing assignments about nature. By integrating environmental topics into core subjects, teachers can enrich the curriculum while fostering a deeper understanding of the world around us. Now, lets look at some Real-World Applications and Community Involvement. One of the most powerful aspects of outdoor learning and environmental education is its ability to connect students with their communities and the real world. Consider involving local experts, such as environmental scientists, park rangers, or wildlife rehabilitators, in your lessons. Guest speakers can provide valuable insights and inspire students with real-world applications of their learning. Organizing community events, such as tree planting days or neighborhood cleanups, can also be incredibly impactful. These activities not only teach students about environmental stewardship but also foster a sense of community and shared responsibility. Students learn that their actions can make a tangible difference, which can be incredibly empowering. Let's dive into the importance of Utilizing Technology in Outdoor Learning. In today's digital age, technology can enhance outdoor learning experiences in exciting ways. Mobile apps and online platforms can help students identify plants and animals, record observations, and share their findings with a wider audience. Tools like iNaturalist or Google Earth can turn a simple nature walk into an interactive, tech-savvy adventure. Encourage students to use digital cameras or smartphones to document their outdoor learning experiences. They can create digital portfolios or blogs to reflect on their learning and share their discoveries with classmates and family. This not only reinforces their understanding but also develops their digital literacy skills."Evaluation and reflection are key components of outdoor learning; let's discuss some effective methods." To truly maximize the benefits of outdoor learning and environmental education, it's essential to include regular evaluation and reflection. Encourage students to keep journals where they can record their observations, thoughts, and feelings about their outdoor experiences. This practice helps them process their learning and make meaningful connections. Assessment can also be done through projects, presentations, and discussions. For example, students can present their findings from a field study or create posters to educate others about environmental issues. These assessments should focus on both the content knowledge and the skills developed through outdoor learning, such as critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving."I’d like to share a touching story that perfectly illustrates the profound impact of outdoor learning." At a school in Norwalk, Connecticut, a group of fifth graders started a butterfly garden as part of their science curriculum. They planted milkweed and other native plants to attract monarch butterflies. Over the months, they observed the butterflies' life cycle, from eggs to caterpillars to chrysalises and finally to adult butterflies. The project not only taught them about biology and ecology but also instilled a sense of wonder and responsibility for the environment. One student, who had struggled with traditional classroom learning, blossomed into a confident and enthusiastic young scientist. This transformation was a testament to the power of hands-on, experiential learning."As we conclude, let's review some valuable resources and references to support your journey into outdoor learning and environmental education." Project Learning Tree: An award-winning environmental education program that provides resources and curriculum for teachers. National Wildlife Federation's Eco-Schools U-S-A: A program that helps schools create sustainable, healthy environments. Children Nature Network: Offers resources and research on the benefits of connecting children with nature. The Outdoor Classroom Project: Provides support and resources for creating outdoor learning spaces. iNaturalist: A community for naturalists where students can learn about and share their observations of the natural world. Google Earth Education: Offers tools and resources for educators to incorporate geography and environmental science into their curriculum. Remember, the key to successful outdoor learning is to be creative, flexible, and enthusiastic. The world outside the classroom is full of endless possibilities for learning and growth. That’s all for today’s episode of Teaching with Valor. I hope you’re inspired to take your teaching beyond the classroom walls and into the great outdoors. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Until next time, always place students first, and stay valiant!