1. 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”

2. How much do you know about Outdoor Education?
Outdoor What?
I have heard some
I could take over for one of the teachers!

3. Do you know when your child is going on Outdoor Education- with the Explorers on November 15th or with the Navigators on November 17th
Yes No

4. Have you had children in the past go to Outdoor Education?
Yes No

5. How does Outdoor Education fit in with academic learning?
It ties into the MCPS curriculum
It ties into the MCPS curriculum and MYP
It is a field trip- the students go and have fun

6. about sending your child on the Outdoor Education field trip?
Are you nervous
about sending your child
on the Outdoor Education
field trip?
Yes, I am very nervous
I’m a little nervous
I am not nervous at all

7. What are you most nervous about?
Having your child sleep over night
The weather during Outdoor Education
Having the students outside of a typical school environment.

8. 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 ?

9. 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

10. While these occur, they are not the major focus of the program...

11. What is Outdoor Education ?
Using the outdoors as a natural classroom to provide students with authentic learning opportunities and applications of classroom skills.

12. Major goals of the program
Enhance the students’ educational programs by applying the knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom to real-life situations

13. Major goals of the program
Provide students with many direct experiences in using scientific processes including observing, measuring, classifying, hypothesizing and predicting

14. Major goals of the program
Engage students with performance-based, authentic learning opportunities and experiences

15. Major goals of the program
Begin the cultivation of students’ awareness, knowledge, appreciation, and concern for their natural environment

16. Outdoor Education Programs
Residential outdoor education for students at:
Lathrop E. Smith Environmental Education Center
Summit Lake Camp
Skycroft Conference Center

17. Curriculum Connections to Outdoor Education
Supports and extends the enduring understandings for science
Provides applications of the scientific inquiry method
Uses appropriate technology ( GPS units, data bases, Automated Weather Systems )
Supports use of mathematics as a tool to solve everyday problems

18. Curriculum Connections(continued)
Provides practice with proportions, data and statistics, measurement and geometric concepts
Provides students with opportunities to address the four processes of balanced literacy program: listening, speaking, reading and writing
Facilitates student collaboration
Provides leadership opportunities

19. Outdoor education learning opportunities correlate highly to performance-based learning
Integrates all disciplines: reading, writing, science, math and social studies
Combines independent and cooperative activities
Emphasizes authentic problem solving and solutions
Provides content and assesses student skills and critical thinking

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

21. 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

22. 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

23. Geo-Caching
Working as a team, students will find orienteering poles located at various places at the outdoor education site.
Students utilize topographic maps, compasses and GPS units to navigate.

24. 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.

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

26. Outdoor Education Preparation

27. 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)

28. 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

29. What NOT to Pack Electronic devices Aerosol Sprays Curling Irons
Firearms
Knives
Hair dryers
Matches
Money
Glass bottles
Gum, candy, or food

30. Forms Needed: Permission Medical
Expectations
Anaphylaxis (Epi-Pen) if needed
$76 Course Fee

31. Outdoor Education at the Smith Center

32. CABINS

33. Cabin Interior
Classroom
Bunks

34. Bathrooms

35. Planetarium

36. Dining Hall

37. Nurse’s Office

39. Questions
All