Outdoor classrooms are becoming popular within school settings to promote authentic learning experiences. These spaces can be created in many types of locations (urban, suburban, and rural areas) and are applicable in all subject areas including art, science, global languages, and keyboarding, as some examples. We encourage article submissions to encourage outdoor classroom practices in a variety of ways, such as methods for designing spaces, instructional activities, and ways to support students’ overall well-being. Submissions can be sent to submissions@blueswallowfarmfoundation.org.
Keister Elementary’s Enchanted Forest
Keister Elementary’s Enchanted Forest
Brooke Imber
Harrisonburg City Public Schools, Virginia
One of the best things about being an elementary school art teacher is getting to dream big about all sorts of ideas with our littlest learners. As Keister Elementary School’s Art […]
Science in the Subarctic
Science in the Subarctic
Jacqueline Monteith – Frontier School Division
We all have a relationship with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). This relationship builds as we explore the world around us through experiences, interests, and exposure to new ideas. Fostering these […]
Seeds of Change in Ethiopia
Seeds of Change in Ethiopia
Nicolo Di Marzo – Link Education
Taking private action for public good to support government and non-governmental (NGOs) work is exactly what the community around Tomtome Primary School is doing by growing a lush cornfield surrounding the school’s […]
Aspirantes in the Forest-Outdoor Learning in a Suburban Setting
Aspirantes in the Forest-Outdoor Learning in a Suburban Setting
Garth Stubbolo
Las Americas ASPIRA Academy High School is a bilingual charter high school located in Newark, Delaware. It is on a 14.6-acre suburban campus, 5.6 acres is forested with approximately 1000 ft. of Persimmon Run, a tributary of the West […]
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.
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.
