Starting an outdoor teaching event in a local school district can be a great way to promote hands-on learning and connect students with nature. The first step in starting an outdoor teaching event is to develop a plan. This includes identifying the topic or theme of the event, creating lesson plans, securing a location, and obtaining the necessary permits and permissions. Organizing the event may also require recruiting volunteers or partners to help with the event and secure funding or resources to cover the costs. Depending on the scope of the event, local stakeholders and partners would include school district officials, teachers, students, community organizations, environmental groups, local businesses, and government agencies.
An outdoor teaching event can provide numerous benefits for students and educators. Those include promoting environmental awareness and education, increasing students’ engagement and interest in learning, and fostering a deeper appreciation for nature (Griffin, 2019). Deepening students’ understanding of the surrounding world is another crucial element of outdoor teaching events (SFASU, 2020; SFASU, n. d.). Additionally, outdoor teaching events can help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, encourage creativity and innovation, and promote teamwork and collaboration. Some obstacles that might be encountered include securing funding and resources, finding a suitable location, obtaining permits and permissions, and ensuring the safety of students and participants. Additionally, weather and other unforeseen circumstances may impact the event’s success.
Five initial steps that could move a school district towards an outdoor education event include:
- Identifying the topic or theme for the event (for example, exploring the symbiotic connections between plants and fungi).
- Recruiting a planning committee of educators, administrators, and community members to help organize the event.
- Securing a location for the event, such as a park or nature reserve.
- Developing lesson plans and activities for students that align with state standards and educational objectives.
- Identifying and securing funding and resources to cover the costs of the event, including supplies, equipment, and any necessary permits or permissions.
Reference
Griffin, P. (2019). Celebrating 20 years of outdoor environmental education for preservice teachers at Stephen F. Austin State University. Journal of Forestry, 117(4), 365–369. Web.
Stephen F. Austin State University [SFASU]. (2020). Wetland Adventure [Video]. SFASU. Web.
Stephen F. Austin State University [SFASU]. (n. d.). Bugs, Bees, Butterflies, & Blossoms [Video]. SFASU. Web.