Turning the Classroom Inside Outby Christian MilNeil August 26, 2010 Topics: People Profiles
Maine Audubon has long been unique among statewide conservation organizations for its focus on delivering environmental education to Mainers of all ages and backgrounds. But in the past decade, Maine Audubon’s education department has been honing its efforts to address a large and very enthusiastic audience of learners: the students in Maine’s public schools. It may be back-to-school season, but Maine Audubon and its partners are working hard to bring Maine’s classrooms outdoors. Maine Audubon’s education centers have long been a popular venue for school field trips. Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, for instance, provides over 1,500 children from Berwick to Bowdoinham a chance to experience the state’s largest salt marsh every year. In 2003, though, Maine Audubon educators began working with teachers at Portland’s Reiche Community School to develop a sequential program that included multiple class trips to Gilsland Farm, plus classroom visits from Maine Audubon educators. The idea proved to be very effective, and the partnership has since expanded to other schools across the state. Last year in Portland, over 850 students from three of the state’s most economically and ethnically diverse schools had a chance to participate. Kristie Hewey, a kindergarten teacher at Portland’s East End Community School, is one of the educators who has participated in the collaboration. Her classroom is only three miles from the Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, but for many of her students, the first field trip is a seminal outdoor experience. Hewey believes that exploring the outdoors does more than impart basic knowledge about the natural environment. “Being able to watch patiently, observe, look for patterns - those are skills with natural connections to math, science, reading, and just learning in general,” she says. “Outside, kids become more aware of what’s around them, and they learn it’s OK to take risks. It builds self-confidence, and then they share what they learn with other kids.” The program can also provide a learning experience for the teachers. “I’ve learned new ways to take environmental education into our everyday lessons,” says Hewey. “It gives teachers the confidence and skills to take kids outside themselves.” Meanwhile, Maine Audubon is also looking at ways to integrate nature-based learning into the curriculum for all students, across the entire state. That’s one of the goals of the state’s Environmental Literacy Plan, which is currently under development in Maine’s Department of Education in partnership with Maine Audubon staff. The plan aims to prepare Maine’s students to address the environmental challenges of the future, while also giving more children the opportunity to get outside and explore the natural world around them. As with all of Maine Audubon’s education efforts, the payoff goes beyond having happier, smarter students. It’s also about cultivating a sense of stewardship for our natural resources, and preparing the next generation to work in the green economy. Think of it as a long-term investment in Maine’s future. For now, though, these programs are already paying off with students who are more excited to come to school and learn more about the world around them. “I’m a great fan,” says kindergarten teacher Hewey. “The donors who made this possible are unbelievable for funding these opportunities.” |
|||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Habitat Journal Online
Find Articles:
Find Activities: Get Involved: |
|
 |
| Home | Birds
& Science | Programs & Events
| Issues & Action | Centers
& Sanctuaries | Chapters Copyright 2009 Maine Audubon. All rights reserved. |