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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COUNCIL OF OUTDOOR LEARNING
CoOL Toolkit: COVID-19 

What is CoOL?

The Council of Outdoor Learning (CoOL) is an EEA initiative that focuses on the design, development, use, and sustainability of outdoor learning environments on school campuses. CoOL provides tips and techniques for those who want to create outdoor classrooms or learning stations, hosts an annual symposium to share resources and strategies for teaching outdoors, curates a collection of outdoor learning activities that are integrated with state standards, and provides professional learning workshops, resources and webinars for teachers and non-formal educators.

Outdoor Learning in the time of COVID

Originally presented by EEA board member Korri Ellis and EEA executive director Karan Wood at a Georgia Science Teachers Association mini-conference,  this slideshow provides an overview of options that outdoor learning offers for schools seeking safe solutions for re-opening.  

Outdoor Learning as a Key Strategy for Reopening Schools Safely 

EEA was one of several statewide environmental education organizations that collaborated on a document to highlight the value of outdoor learning as a strategy that can reduce the spread of COVID-19, while enhancing opportunities for more-equitable face-to-face instruction. As school districts reopen, we encourage administrators and teachers to explore ways to engage students in learning outdoors. 

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Toolkit for EE Providers on Partnering with Schools for Reopening 

EEA prepared this toolkit to help environmental education providers and non-profit organizations, including nature centers; parks; zoos; aquaria; and local, state or federal agencies, in re-imagining how they can partner with school districts to help reopen schools safely and equitably.

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Toolkit for Schools on Implementing Outdoor Learning 

EEA created this resource for schools and districts interested in exploring outdoor learning as a way to reduce risks and increase engagement in re-opened schools observing distancing and sanitation protocols that limit hands-on activities in a classroom setting. 

​Green Schoolyard Report on Outdoor Learning in the Time of COVID-19

This report by BEETLES, Ten Strands, Lawrence Hall of Science, Green Schoolyards, and the Children and Nature Network is highlights strategies by which environmental education providers can partner with  districts to reopen schools safely.

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Back to the CoOL Outdoor Learning Toolkit Table of Contents

The Council of Outdoor Learning (CoOL) is an EEA initiative focusing on the design, development, use, and sustainability of outdoor learning environments on school campuses. CoOL provides resources for those who want to create outdoor classrooms or learning stations, hosts an annual symposium to share resources and strategies for teaching outdoors, curates a collection of outdoor learning activities that are integrated with state standards, and provides professional development workshops and webinars for teachers and non-formal educators.