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” Overview What is outdoor education ? What are the program components and how does this work to support MCPS curricular goals ? What do I need to do so my child can participate ?

“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 Make the students’ educational programs more meaningful 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 Provide students with many direct experiences in using scientific processes including observing, measuring, classifying, hypothesizing and predicting

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

“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

“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

“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

“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 All 6 th graders in MCPS have an opportunity to participate

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

“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

“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” 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.

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Orienteering Working as a team, students will analyze watershed trends at various locations at the outdoor education site. Students utilize topographic maps, compasses and GPS units to navigate.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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

“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 Stationery and stamps Pen or pencil Watch

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” What NOT to Pack Electronic devices- no cell phones, ipods, games Aerosol Sprays Curling/ flat Irons Firearms Knives Matches Money Glass bottles Gum, candy, or food

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Forms Needed: Permission Contract

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Forms Possibly Needed: Medical Medication deadline October 8

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Want to help? We need donations of marshmallows, graham crackers, and Hershey bars We need some moms and dads to stay over night Parents to help supervise campfire or board games Sign up in the lobby, please

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

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” CABINS

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

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Bathrooms

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Dining Hall

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Planetarium

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

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Outdoor Education Lead Teacher- Ms. Rice All forms can be also found on Edline on the English class page Every sixth grader should attend Outdoor Ed!

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” All volunteers must submit paperwork prior to attending. This is required by MCPS. Volunteers