LEARNING OUTDOORS

In the time of COVID-19, outdoor learning can be a safe, effective way to promote students’ engagement and achievement. This short video (filmed before the pandemic) focuses on the benefits and logistics of taking students outside, and was produced by the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative. These materials were developed under a MiSTEM grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Education.

General Guidance for Educators about Organizing and Managing Outdoor Learning

Teaching Outside: Outdoor Routines
The second of three blog posts from Madison Audubon focuses on the importance of establishing in your practice and rehearsing with your students certain routines that can support outdoor learning.

Teaching Outside: Adapting to Online Learning
The third of three blog posts from Madison Audubon suggests ways to effectively combine teaching outdoors with virtual instruction, and recommends several helpful resources.

Articles and Links to Research on the Benefits of Outdoor Learning

7 Benefits of Outdoor Learning
A short article focused on documented benefits of outdoor learning

The Surprising Benefits of Teaching a Class Outside
Article from The Greater Good Magazine, noting several important benefits of outdoor learning, including the phenomenon of increased student engagement persisting beyond a single experience of outdoor instruction.

Resources that Focus on Content in Outdoor Learning

Outdoor Discovery Center Network Backyard Series
Explore ways to adapt the six-week learning series to a hybrid learning model, or choose specific lessons that suit both your school site or students’ home places.