Action Research Project:The Benefits of Integrating

Outdoor Education with Elementary Science Curriculum

Angela L. Weissman

Introduction “There are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot.” Aldo Leopold

Educator for 13 years in the Denmark Public Schools.

Participated in Earth Partnership for Schools, 2011-2012

My goals for Action Research:Sense of communityBringing the “wild” back into the

classroom with outdoor educationIntegrating all academics

BackgroundDenmark Public Schools

4 buildings- ECC, Elementary, Middle, HighElementary school- 500 students

Nature Centerhttp://

animoto.com/play/fmNt6Cbdf3mOuFuWC9Z83A

Problem StatementHow does outdoor education by use of

the Nature Center affect teaching the Changes Unit?

What are the effects and benefits on student learning?

Action PlanBringing the research to the teachersModeling good outdoor educationProviding resources & materialsMentoring fellow teachersShowing the benefitsPresenting positive attitudes

Lesson 1 & 2: Observing Changes in the Environment & Recording DataOutdoor education with 2nd grade students, assisting 4th grade buddies tie markers in their favorite spot to record changes that happen over 7 days in the Denmark Nature Center.

Student marker for observations

Reflection The effect on student learning by incorporating outdoor

education is beneficial not only academically but for mental health as well. The young child needs a balanced social, emotional, and physical education. The Changes Unit also benefits by having hands-on experiences that are memorable and instill a sense of worth, ownership, and community. Students can relate to the information more easily and remember experiences because of interaction they had with nature. We, as teachers, can take the steps toward that nature-child reunion.