Schools Adapting Curriculum to the Outdoors

A growing number of educators and activists agree, and are working together to introduce nature-based learning for students around the country as a way to address a multitude of concerns, from childhood obesity to environmental issues to student engagement and achievement.

Educators at Learning Gate say the outdoor classrooms and lessons are a balm for many of the ills that can hinder students’ physical and mental well-being.

"We use the environment in our teaching because it is a natural vehicle for kids to learn. If you spend a little time out here, you just see it....they thrive." -Patti Girard, Principal, Learning Gate Community School.

A 2005 study in California found that students in schools that incorporated nature based curricula performed significantly better on science tests than their peers in comparison schools. Other studies have documented improvements in reading achievements at such schools.

Russ Lopez, a researcher at Boston University's school of public health, found that the Boston Schoolyard Initiative had a postive impact on participating schools. Students in participating schools did significantly better on state math tests than their counterparts in other district schools. "Instinctively, we know there are benefits," he said. "But we're beginning to see real evidence that the program helps the kids, not just in most obvious ways, but in making kids more ready to learn, more excited about going to school."

Read the entire article in Education Week by clicking here.