Angela L. Weissman

Introduction “There are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot.” Aldo Leopold Educator for 13 years in the Denmark Public Schools. Participated in Earth Partnership for Schools, My goals for Action Research: Sense of community Bringing the “wild” back into the classroom with outdoor education Integrating all academics

Background Denmark Public Schools 4 buildings- ECC, Elementary, Middle, High Elementary school- 500 students Nature Center

Problem Statement How does outdoor education by use of the Nature Center affect teaching the Changes Unit? What are the effects and benefits on student learning?

Action Plan Bringing the research to the teachers Modeling good outdoor education Providing resources & materials Mentoring fellow teachers Showing the benefits Presenting positive attitudes

Lesson 1 & 2: Observing Changes in the Environment & Recording Data Outdoor education with 2 nd grade students, assisting 4 th grade buddies tie markers in their favorite spot to record changes that happen over 7 days in the Denmark Nature Center.

Reflection The effect on student learning by incorporating outdoor education is beneficial not only academically but for mental health as well. The young child needs a balanced social, emotional, and physical education. The Changes Unit also benefits by having hands-on experiences that are memorable and instill a sense of worth, ownership, and community. Students can relate to the information more easily and remember experiences because of interaction they had with nature. We, as teachers, can take the steps toward that nature-child reunion.