Outdoor Education in Montgomery County “ Nothing is real until it is experienced” “Providing opportunities for all students in Montgomery County to engage in authentic learning outside of the four walls of the classroom”

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Outdoor Education at September 30 – October 4, 2013

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Overview What is Outdoor Education ? What are the program components and how does this work to support MCPS curricular goals ? What other functions and opportunities do the outdoor education programs provide ?

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” When you hear Outdoor Education, what do you think of ? The word “camp” Campfires, games and singing Kids sharing meals, doing k-p, crafts, etc. Kids having fun Recreational activities

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” While these occur, they are not the major focus of the program...

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” What is Outdoor Education ? Using the outdoors as a natural classroom to provide students with authentic learning opportunities and applications of classroom skills.

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Major goals of the program Enhance the students’ educational programs by applying the knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom to real-life situations

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Major goals of the program As part of sixth grade science curriculum, it provides students with many direct experiences in using scientific processes including observing, measuring, classifying, hypothesizing and predicting

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Outdoor Education Programs Residential outdoor education for students at: Lathrop E. Smith Environmental Education Center Skycroft Conference Center Summit Lake Camp

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Here is a view of Outdoor Education in ACTION! m/watch?v=SSmcG3ah v00

Instructional Activities These Are the Areas of Study Students will Participate in at Outdoor Education

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Watershed Study Students explore the meaning of the watershed and learn their place in it Collect and analyze data to determine pond health at outdoor education Apply the techniques and knowledge to study their local stream

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Predator/Prey Students will research predator/prey relationships At outdoor education students will participate in a simulation activity and collect data based on their experience Students will analyze the data to better understand the roles of animals in the food chain

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Survivor: Earth Students investigate a new area searching for enough water to be able to survive. Students use GPS units for navigation and testing equipment to study the water availability.

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Confidence Course Each center has a confidence course comprised of mentally and physically challenging events. All activities are designed to increase confidence, promote teamwork, and improve human relations.

Night Time Activities Campfire Night Hike Recreation Time Journal Writing Campfire Night Hike Recreation Time Journal Writing

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Outdoor Education Preparation

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” What to Pack Sturdy footwear Hat Gloves or mittens (cold weather) Jacket Sweatshirts Sweaters Long pants or jeans Pajamas Shirts Socks (lots!) Underwear Waterproof raincoat or poncho Sheets and blanket or sleeping bag, pillow Toiletry items Bag lunch (no glass bottles)

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” What You Might Pack Shorts for rec time Binoculars Disposable (recycling) camera Compass Flashlight Lip balm, sunscreen Insect repellant (non- aerosol) Slippers Shower cap Flip-flops or sandals for shower use Stationary and stamps Pen or pencil Watch

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” What NOT to Pack Cell Phones Electronic devices Aerosol Sprays Curling Irons Firearms Knives Hair dryers Matches Money Glass bottles Gum, candy, or food

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Forms Needed: Permission Medical Anaphylaxis (Epi-Pen) if needed $86 Course Fee – payment schedules offered; scholarships available on a need basis Medications must be delivered to school by an adult before departure.

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Outdoor Education at September 30 – October 4, 2013

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” CABINS

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Dining

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Bathrooms

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Nurse’s Office

“Nothing is real until it is experienced”