Patterns in Nature
Kelsey Chandler Bird
Frederick County Public Schools
Bybee, R. […]
Assessing Peer Influence during Outdoor Activities
Suzanne E. Hiller
Educators who have worked with adolescent students are commonly aware that peers can have a strong influence on the attitudes, behaviors, and performance of learners. Interestingly, adolescence can be classified between the ages of 10-25 due to the elongated economic dependency students have on their families in comparison to generations in the past (Steinberg, 2015).
How Close Social Groups and Citizen Science Can Bolster STEM Persistence for All
Aubrey Whitehead
Virginia Military Institute
With the specter of the pandemic finally receding, we all now embrace and appreciate the value of learning away from screens. There have been many anecdotes of parents in search of non-asynchronous learning opportunities for their previously-homebound children.
How Environment Affects Language Learning
Logan Neuman
In an attempt to improve second language acquisition by lowering learners’ anxiety, studies with a variety of interventions have been conducted (Gregersen et al., 2014; Horwitz et al., 1986; Sparks et al., 2018).
Teaching with Animal Skulls
Suzanne E. Hiller
As much as natural specimens can be part of lessons in a range of subject areas, animal skulls are an especially versatile resource for instruction.
What’s New – Spring 2023
We have had a busy spring at the Blue Swallow Farm Foundation. Here are some of the activities that we have been involved with and others that are coming up: Conducted a research study on scientific observation skills, STEM career motivation, and well-being of fifth grade students in an outdoor classroom, Presented at the Association of Psychological Science (APS) conference in March on the impact of an innovative water quality monitoring program on STEM achievement, motivation, and environmental stewardship, Presented at the European Association for Research on Leaning and Instruction (EARLI) in August on the use of the GaiaXus probe during citizen science programs to foster metacognition and STEM career motivation, Supporting public and private schools in building outdoor classrooms, Presented at the mEducation Alliance conference, Received a donation from the Bank of Clarke
Research and Design for Outdoor Classrooms
Suzanne E. Hiller
In recent years, there has been an uptick in interest for integrating outdoor classrooms or green schools (e.g., undeveloped spaces) as part of the formal curriculum.
The Benefits of Nature Journaling with Students
Kelsey Chandler Bird
Frederick County Public Schools
Nature journaling, also known as field journaling, is something that I do with students, who range from 6-9 years old, weekly to enhance their understanding of the natural environment around them, get them outside, and explore skills they do not always use within the classroom.
The Positive Impact of Outdoor Classrooms on Well-being: A Research Perspective
Research posits that aesthetic experiences, such as communing with nature, can positively impact well-being (Vessel et al., 2019). Incorporating natural setting into schools, such as an outdoor classroom, can have a positive impact on mental well-being for both students and teachers.
Harnessing the Power of Outdoor Classrooms: Unleashing the Spark of Creativity
Education is constantly evolving. The digital, fast-paced lifestyle is present in most people’s lives. Educators are seeking innovative ways to enhance learning.
