Over the past fifteen years, I have integrated outdoor learning into my high school biology and field ecology courses, a process that has given students opportunities for authentic learning, collaboration, and reflection. More importantly, I’ve found it has helped rekindle and nurture a sense of wonder and curiosity that will empower students to be lifelong learners. Outdoor learning has fostered my students’ science skills, reflection, and improved mental health. Simply being outside engages all the senses—as well as the practices of science!
For students to fully engage in these outdoor learning experiences, they must feel safe, so it is important to agree on expectations for behavior and learning while outside, as well as understand safety concerns that may be present. Acknowledging potential dangers such as ticks, insects, road traffic, poisonous plants, venomous snakes, and skunks, as well as providing advice for avoiding them, can help students more fully engage in...
University of California Press