School Programs
Overview: GCO is here to help teachers, administrators, school support staff and operational employees connect their students to the outdoors in a variety of ways. Outdoor education will look very different for each school, grade and classroom so we are here to help support by providing direction, resources, lesson planning support, equipment and feedback to increasing opportunities for kids outside in a safe and meaningful way.
What teachers are saying:
“It (7th grade field trip to Hanging Lake) gives them the opportunity to explore and hike with friends and classmates and build relationships with their teachers and other adult leaders. They've also learned about management of our natural resources, the impacts of fires and floods, and how mankind impacts the environment whether intentionally or unintentionally." - Nancy Hauer, 7th grade teacher at Rifle Middle School
"One of the great benefits of having the garden and outdoor learning space, is that we have the opportunity for our classroom crews to go outdoors to do all kinds of things. We can extend learning from the classroom, conduct lessons outside, build a stronger sense of community, citizenship and teamwork through the care of plants and animals in the garden, and just get out to enjoy the sun and being in nature. Students from the past two years have seen their hard work in the garden result in both harvests and lessons learned that will guide them in them to make changes for improvements. It was absolutely one of my favorite experiences seeing students plan, plant, care for, harvest and enjoy the "fruits and vegetables" of their labor. I am excited to see how students continue this learning as they continue to grow through their school years and beyond." - Jessica Strong, 2nd grade teacher at Bea Underwood Elementary
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the effects that outdoor ed. has on student success?
There is extensive research showing the positive effects of outdoor learning, outdoor ed. and connections to natural spaces. While direct correlations between outdoor education and academic success are noted, other skills and behaviors are much more attainable. Student engagement, behavior and peer collaboration are the big three behaviors and skills we observe when taking kids outside.
Please check out the graphic to the right for more info.
How can I set up a field trip for my grade or class?
The process for each school is different but overall the steps are very much the same.
Identify the reason for an outdoor field trip, how it connects to student learning and what are the learning targets or intended outcomes. Make sure to get input from your teaching team, department lead, or academic coach and identify some possible dates that do not interfere with school events, sports schedules or important dates.
Discuss with school administrators your idea, locations, anticipated times, number of students, cost and resources needed.
If approved, connect with the location to find out their availability, processes and/or requirements for brining a school group. Remember that some parks, and natural spaces require permits to use the land in advance.
Come up with a timeline that is reasonable to bring together all stakeholders together. Parent permission slips, transportation, food service, health department, school secretaries, parent chaperones, support staff, paraprofessionals and elective/specials teachers all need to be informed and considered when changing student's schedules.
If you have questions about planning a field trip for your class please reach out to Scott Partan (spartan@garfieldre2.net) at RE- orAri Philipson (aphilipson@garfield16.org) at Garfield 16.
HERE is a Garfield 16 field trip request form and permission slip template. *Please note, that this form is for G-16 schools only.
What supports are there to bring my students outside at school?
Again, each school has different structures and processes in place for taking kids outside.
Make sure to identify the goal of taking kids outside, clearly express and outline designated area and expectations for students outside. Share with the front office where you're taking your class, how long you'll be gone from the classroom and how to get in contact with the teacher if needed.
Behavior managements looks very much the same outside as it does inside the classroom. Changing the environment to the outdoors is exciting and engaging for students so make sure to provide time for them to explore, reflect or play when bringing it back to the learning.
What if I need resources, gear, ect. to take my class outside?
We are here to help teachers and school by limiting barriers to accessing outdoor learning.
Please feel free to reach out to your school district's Outdoor Ed. Coordinator (Scott Partan @ Re-2 and Ari Philipson @ G-16) if there are any materials you might need such as outdoor classroom kits with clipboards, whiteboards and camp chairs. We have explorer kits for classes to investigate their backyard ecology, camping gear, packs and some clothing so that all students have a safe and comfortable experience outside.
Please reach out if there is anything you're looking to borrow outside of what the school has available.
How can I bring the outdoors into my classroom?
We work closely with community partners to help bring the outdoor world into the classroom. Lessons, activities, and guest speakers are a positive way to engage students and make their learning meaningful. Please send an email if you're looking to bring in a guest that connects to a topic.
4th grade students during guest lesson from Nature's Educators.
Educator Resources: COMING SOON
Lesson Materials
Games and Team Building
Online Resources
Curriculum Integration:
Strategies to increase student engagement:
Engaging students in outdoor education involves creating experiences that are not only educational but also exciting and meaningful. Here are some effective strategies for fostering student engagement in outdoor education:
1. **Hands-On Learning:**
- Emphasize experiential learning by involving students in hands-on activities.
- Allow them to explore, experiment, and discover concepts in a natural environment.
2. **Peer collaboration:**
- Encourage students with proficient and past experience to help and teach others with less experience.
- Assign roles that promote collaboration and encourage students to learn from one another before going to the teacher for help.
3. **Project-Based Learning:**
- Design projects that require students to solve real-world problems or conduct investigations outdoors.
- Encourage collaboration and creativity in project development.
4. **Nature Journaling:**
- Integrate journaling into outdoor activities, allowing students to record observations, thoughts, and reflections.
- Use journals as a tool for assessment and self-expression.
5. **Outdoor Challenges:**
- Incorporate team-building challenges and activities that require problem-solving.
- Challenge students physically and mentally to overcome obstacles.
6. **Storytelling and Narratives:**
- Share stories related to the outdoor environment, local history, or cultural connections.
- Encourage students to create and share their own stories inspired by outdoor experiences.
7. **Technology Integration:**
- Use technology such as tablets, smartphones, or cameras to document outdoor experiences.
- Incorporate apps or online tools that enhance learning through multimedia.
8. **Citizen Science Projects:**
- Engage students in citizen science initiatives that involve data collection and analysis related to the environment.
- Connect classroom learning to real-world environmental issues.
9. **Survival Skills and Outdoor Living:**
- Teach practical outdoor skills like navigation, fire building, and shelter construction.
- Create scenarios that require students to apply these skills in a controlled environment.
10. **Art and Creativity:**
- Integrate art and creative activities into outdoor lessons, such as nature-inspired drawing, painting, or sculpture.
- Foster an appreciation for the aesthetic aspects of the natural world.
11. **Games and Simulations:**
- Develop educational games or simulations that reinforce concepts in an outdoor setting.
- Gamify learning to make it more engaging and enjoyable.
12. **Reflection and Discussion:**
- Facilitate group discussions and reflections after outdoor activities.
- Encourage students to share their thoughts, feelings, and insights about the experience.
13. **Community Involvement:**
- Connect outdoor education to local community projects or environmental initiatives.
- Show students the impact they can have on their community and environment.
14. **Seasonal and Weather-Dependent Activities:**
- Tailor outdoor lessons to the changing seasons and weather conditions.
- Explore how nature responds to different environmental factors.
Remember that student engagement in outdoor education is often enhanced when activities are relevant, interactive, and tied to their interests and curiosity. It's also crucial to foster a positive and supportive learning environment that encourages exploration and inquiry.
Risk managements strategies:
When engaging students in outdoor activities, it's crucial to prioritize safety and implement effective risk management strategies. Here are five key risk management strategies for students outdoors:
1. **Thorough Planning and Preparation:**
- Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment before the outdoor activity. Identify potential hazards and assess their likelihood and severity.
- Develop a detailed plan that includes emergency procedures, communication protocols, and a list of participants with any relevant medical information.
2. **Supervision:**
- Based on the activity and potential risk, make sure that there is sufficient adult to student ratios. Always a good idea to have students buddy up to enhance accountability.
- Supervisors should be familiar with the chosen location, make sure to scout out new locations to identify any potential hazards and bring a basic first aid.
3. **Clear Communication Protocols:**
- Establish clear communication channels among participants, supervisors, and any external emergency services.
- Provide participants with clear instructions, including meeting points, emergency contact information, and communication devices if necessary.
4. **Adaptability and Flexibility:**
- Be prepared to modify plans based on changing weather conditions, unexpected events, or participants' needs.
- Have alternative activities or routes in case the original plan needs to be adjusted to ensure safety.
5. **Equipment and Gear Safety:**
- Regularly inspect and maintain all equipment used during outdoor activities.
- Ensure that participants are provided with appropriate safety gear, such as helmets, life jackets, or other protective equipment, depending on the nature of the activity.
Remember that effective risk management is an ongoing process that requires constant attention and adaptation to the specific circumstances of each outdoor activity. It's important to stay informed about the local environment, weather conditions, and any relevant regulations. Additionally, having a well-defined risk management plan and conducting pre-activity briefings with participants can contribute to a safer and more enjoyable outdoor learning experience.