EEA's CoOL IdeaBook
Part 1: GETTING STARTED with OUTDOOR LEARNING
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The good news is that effective outdoor learning doesn't require a lot of supplies and equipment. Students' curiosity can be aroused by playing, exploring, and investigating the world around them. Even the most casual walk in the woods can result in a nature connection that has lifelong impact. In fact, research shows that "wild play" during childhood is the most important formative experience cited by adults who grow up to care about the environment.
Being prepared can help your class make the most of limited outdoor time and reduce reluctance or fear. Trading an indoor lesson for an outdoor learning experience takes planning and preparation as well as a few supplies that - in the hands of students - enable them to function as naturalists, scientists, and engineers. This WishBook provides ideas and inspiration for engaging students outside. It is divided into sections by topic and offers examples of activities as well as tools and materials that can enhance outdoor learning. The listings are not intended to be endorsements of vendors or products. It is preferable to make use of existing materials: to repurpose, repair, or re-use supplies that are already on hand, than to purchase new things. But when supplies, equipment, or building materials are needed, educators are urged to seek items that are made from renewable resources and that are sustainably-sourced. If you want to take students outside but are not sure where to start - or if you are writing a grant proposal for outdoor learning and aren't sure what you'll need - feel free to browse these pages for ideas. Or scroll down for buttons that lead to other sections of the IdeaBook. NOTE: None of the items or vendors included in the IdeaBook are endorsed or recommended by the Environmental Education Alliance. The examples are provided for illustrative purposes only, and include some products that have been used, recommended, or requested by GOLD Grantees. |
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Personal Gear for the Outdoor Learning Educator
One of the most important roles of an environmental educator is to model the behavior we want students to exhibit, including curiosity, a sense of adventure, empathy for living things, and scientific investigation. Being comfortable spending time outdoors in rain or shine, is largely a matter of being prepared for the weather. Here are some items that may be useful.
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Clothing with lots of Pockets
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Student Supplies
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Observation Tools
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Outdoor Logistics
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Transportation of Student Supplies
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Outdoor Communication
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Communication Devices
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The Council of Outdoor Learning (CoOL) is an EEA initiative that focuses on the design, development, use, sustainability, and longevity of outdoor learning environments at schools, nature centers, and elsewhere; and promotes research-informed practices for effective student and environmental outcomes. CoOL provides a Toolkit for creating outdoor learning spaces, hosts an annual Outdoor Learning Symposium to share resources and strategies for teaching outdoors, curates a collection of outdoor learning activities that are integrated with state standards, supports OL providers, and offers customized professional development workshops and webinars for teachers and non-formal educators.
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Environmental Education Alliance, Inc.
P.O. Box 801066 | Acworth, GA 30101 EEA does not does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in its program , activities, or employment. For more information on EEA's non-discrimination commitment click here . Grievance officer may be contacted at [email protected] |