1. Outdoor Education Program - Montgomery County Schools “I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. ” Providing opportunities for all students to engage in authentic, interdisciplinary learning experiences outside the four walls of a classroom.

2. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Overview What is outdoor education? What are the program components and how are MCPS curricular goals integrated? What other functions and opportunities are provided by outdoor education programs?

3. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Outdoor Education: What do you think you might see? What do you think you might hear?

4. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” And some we may not have thought of: Students working together to solve problems Quick research to find an answer

5. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” What is Outdoor Education ? It is defined broadly as “education in, about, and for the –out-of-doors.” The philosophy is to promote commitment to stewardship of the land; to strengthen the knowledge base of the interrelationships among all facets of the ecosystem; and to increase the exploration of the environment as a medium for leisure.

6. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Major Goals of the Outdoor Education Program Make students’ educational programs more meaningful by applying the knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom to real-life situations.

7. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Major Goals of the Program Provide students with first hand experiences in using scientific processes including observing, classifying, hypothesizing, predicting, measuring, and analyzing.

8. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Major goals of the program Engage students with performance- based, authentic learning opportunities and experiences.

9. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Major goals of the program Begin the cultivation of students’ awareness, knowledge, appreciation, and concern for their natural environment

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

11. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Residential 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

12. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Residential Outdoor Education (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

13. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Outdoor education learning opportunities correlate highly to performance-based learning... Outdoor Education... Is multidisciplinary Combines independent and cooperative learning Emphasizes authentic learning experiences Increases students’ background knowledge Involves prediction, application and extension of classroom knowledge Provides authentic assessment opportunities

14. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Outdoor education learning opportunities correlate highly to performance-based learning (continued) 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

15. Instructional Activities These Areas of Study Are Possible at All Outdoor Education Centers

16. “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 stream health at outdoor education Apply the techniques and knowledge to study their local stream

17. “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

18. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Orienteering 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.

19. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Forest Community Students will increase their awareness and appreciation of the total forest community During forest exploration the students will study unique trees, identify trees, explore leaf and soil samples.

20. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Wildlife Students will be involved in a series of outdoor activities focusing on various aspects of the wildlife community. These might include simulation games, hikes observing evidence of wildlife, surveys, and studies of animal adaptation.

21. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Weather Students may collect authentic weather data at a variety of locations at each outdoor education site. Students will gain experience using weather-related instruments, interpreting data, and making a weather forecast.

22. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Local History Each site presents students with evidence of the past history of the area. Observation and small group discussion give students a glimpse of past customs and ways of life.

23. “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.

24. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Other Possible Areas of Study Astronomy Ecology Geology Field and Meadow Community Automated Weather Service (4-Winds weather station) is available at the Smith Center

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

26. “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)

27. “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

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

29. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Forms Needed: Permission Medical

30. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Outdoor Education at the Smith Center

31. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” CABINS

32. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Cabin Interior Classroom Bunks

33. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Bathrooms

34. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Dining Hall

35. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Planetarium

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

37. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” “Americans have long thought that nature could take care of itself-or that, if it did not, the consequences were someone else’s problem. As we know now, that assumption was wrong, none of us is a stranger to environmental problems.” -Jimmy Carter, 39th president