Outdoor Education in Montgomery County “ Nothing is real until it is experienced”

1. Outdoor Education in Montgomery County“ Nothing is real until it is experienced” “Providing opportunities for all students in Montgomery County to engage in authentic learning outside of the four walls of the classroom”

2. Overview • What is outdoor education ? • What are the program components and how does this work to support MCPS curricular goals ? • What do I need to do so my child can participate ?

3. What is Outdoor Education ? • Using the outdoors as a natural classroom to provide students with authentic learning opportunities and applications of classroom skills.

4. Major goals of the program • Make the students’ educational programs more meaningful by applying the knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom to real-life situations

5. Major goals of the program • Provide students with many direct experiences in using scientific processes including observing, measuring, classifying, hypothesizing and predicting

6. Major goals of the program • Engage students with performance-based, authentic learning opportunities and experiences

7. Major goals of the program • Begin the cultivation of students’ awareness, knowledge, appreciation, and concern for their natural environment

8. Supports and extends the enduring understandings for science Provides applications of the scientific inquiry method Uses appropriate technology ( GPS units, data bases, Automated Weather Systems ) Supports use of mathematics as a tool to solve everyday problems Residential Outdoor Education

9. Provides practice with proportions, data and statistics, measurement and geometric concepts Provides students with opportunities to address the four processes of balanced literacy program: listening, speaking, reading and writing Facilitates student collaboration Provides leadership opportunities Residential Outdoor Education (continued)

10. Outdoor Education Programs • Residential outdoor education for students at: • Lathrop E. Smith Environmental Education Center • Summit Lake Camp • Skycroft Conference Center All 6th graders in MCPS have an opportunity to participate

11. Instructional Activities These Areas of Study Are Possible at All Outdoor Education Centers

12. Watershed Study • Students explore the meaning of the watershed and learn their place in it • Collect and analyze data to determine stream health at outdoor education • Apply the techniques and knowledge to study their local stream

13. Predator/Prey • Students will research predator/prey relationships • At outdoor education students will participate in a simulation activity and collect data based on their experience • Students will analyze the data to better understand the roles of animals in the food chain

14. Confidence Course • Each center has a confidence course comprised of mentally and physically challenging events. • All activities are designed to increase confidence, promote teamwork, and improve human relations.

15. Orienteering • Working as a team, students will analyze watershed trends at various locations at the outdoor education site. • Students utilize topographic maps, compasses and GPS units to navigate.

16. Wildlife • Students will be involved in a series of outdoor activities focusing on various aspects of the wildlife community. • These might include simulation games, hikes observing evidence of wildlife, surveys, and studies of animal adaptation.

17. Forest Community • Students will increase their awareness and appreciation of the total forest community • During forest exploration the students will study unique trees, identify trees, explore leaf and soil samples.

18. Local History • Each site presents students with evidence of the past history of the area. • Observation and small group discussion give students a glimpse of past customs and ways of life.

19. Other Possible Areas of Study • Astronomy • Ecology • Geology • Field and Meadow Community • Automated Weather Service (4-Winds weather station) is available at the Smith Center

20. Outdoor Education Preparation

21. Sturdy footwear Hat Gloves or mittens (cold weather) Jacket Sweatshirts Sweaters Long pants or jeans Pajamas Shirts Socks (lots!) Underwear Waterproof raincoat or poncho Sheets and blanket or sleeping bag Pillow Toiletry items Bag lunch (no glass bottles) What to Pack

22. Shorts for rec time Binoculars Disposable (recycling) camera Compass Flashlight Lip balm, sunscreen Insect repellant (non-aerosol) Slippers Shower cap Flip-flops or sandals for shower use Stationery and stamps Pen or pencil Watch What You Might Pack

23. Electronic devices- no cell phones, ipods, games Aerosol Sprays Curling/ flat Irons Firearms Knives Matches Money Glass bottles Gum, candy, or food What NOT to Pack

24. Forms Needed:PermissionContract

25. Forms Possibly Needed:Medical Medication deadline October 8

26. Want to help? • We need donations of marshmallows, graham crackers, and Hershey bars • We need some moms and dads to stay over night • Parents to help supervise campfire or board games Sign up in the lobby, please

27. Outdoor Education at the Smith Center

28. CABINS

29. Cabin Interior Classroom Bunks

30. Bathrooms

31. Dining Hall

32. Planetarium

33. Nurse’s Office

34. Outdoor Education Lead Teacher- Ms. Rice • All forms can be also found on Edline on the English class page • Every sixth grader should attend Outdoor Ed!

35. Volunteers • All volunteers must submit paperwork prior to attending. This is required by MCPS.