In September 2013, Voyagers’ launched the Outdoor Education Program, for Middle School 7th and 8th graders. In keeping with Voyagers’ vision and philosophy, the program was created to facilitate students’ learning experience, as well as their personal growth and development.
By introducing innovative new opportunities to educate, students are able to gain a unique and valuable perspective on the environment around them. Participants spend up to 12 hours per week in different area parks close to the school. They become involved in a wide variety of activities, some of these include nature walks and hikes, kayaking and canoeing, fishing, orienteering, and pond, stream and swamp studies.
The program serves to help students complete their Science, Global Studies and portions of their Literacy Studies requirements, all while outside the school building. In class, the Science curriculum supplements what students have learned outdoors through “in lab” lessons. By encouraging students to venture outside of their comfort zone, they’re able to witness firsthand how the local environment is constantly changing and impacting the community in significant ways. Using a scientific and hands-on approach, students learn how the human connection to the outdoors has changed throughout history.
Creating a learning environment that enables children to excel academically and intellectually, allows students to grow socially and emotionally. In fact, the purpose of the program is multi-faceted. Research shows that encouraging learning outside of the classroom, through skilled teaching and facilitation, provides a more direct and motivating experience. Outdoor learning becomes a stimulating source for active thinking and problem-solving, as well as cooperative interaction.
Outdoor learning is real learning. While providing a dramatic contrast to traditional indoor classroom settings, it allows students to become directly engaged in the learning process. Whether experimenting through sight, sound, smell or touch, learning in a natural environment allows students to gather data in real-time, capturing real results. These opportunities enable them to respond to challenges and responsibilities in ways not possible in the classroom.
By broadening their horizons and stimulating new interests, students frequently discover their potential in the abilities of themselves and others. Inspiring students to cross traditional boundaries, and then learn from those personal experiences, is what Voyagers’ Community School is all about.
For examples of the projects, lessons and videos of the Voyagers' Outdoor Program, see below:
By introducing innovative new opportunities to educate, students are able to gain a unique and valuable perspective on the environment around them. Participants spend up to 12 hours per week in different area parks close to the school. They become involved in a wide variety of activities, some of these include nature walks and hikes, kayaking and canoeing, fishing, orienteering, and pond, stream and swamp studies.
The program serves to help students complete their Science, Global Studies and portions of their Literacy Studies requirements, all while outside the school building. In class, the Science curriculum supplements what students have learned outdoors through “in lab” lessons. By encouraging students to venture outside of their comfort zone, they’re able to witness firsthand how the local environment is constantly changing and impacting the community in significant ways. Using a scientific and hands-on approach, students learn how the human connection to the outdoors has changed throughout history.
Creating a learning environment that enables children to excel academically and intellectually, allows students to grow socially and emotionally. In fact, the purpose of the program is multi-faceted. Research shows that encouraging learning outside of the classroom, through skilled teaching and facilitation, provides a more direct and motivating experience. Outdoor learning becomes a stimulating source for active thinking and problem-solving, as well as cooperative interaction.
Outdoor learning is real learning. While providing a dramatic contrast to traditional indoor classroom settings, it allows students to become directly engaged in the learning process. Whether experimenting through sight, sound, smell or touch, learning in a natural environment allows students to gather data in real-time, capturing real results. These opportunities enable them to respond to challenges and responsibilities in ways not possible in the classroom.
By broadening their horizons and stimulating new interests, students frequently discover their potential in the abilities of themselves and others. Inspiring students to cross traditional boundaries, and then learn from those personal experiences, is what Voyagers’ Community School is all about.
For examples of the projects, lessons and videos of the Voyagers' Outdoor Program, see below:
videos
The Voyagers' Outdoor Program, 2014
The Photosynthesis Relay Race
prezi presentations
Following the Water: Water Quality
http://prezi.com/y47k5iz3fysw/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
Following the Water: Watershed Ecology
http://prezi.com/rqc2p2p4nkcz/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
http://prezi.com/y47k5iz3fysw/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
Following the Water: Watershed Ecology
http://prezi.com/rqc2p2p4nkcz/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy