Outdoor Education

Lakelands Park MS6A: January 18-20 (A – Lom)

6B: January 25-27 (Lop - Z)

A look at our exciting sixth grade program!

What is Outdoor Education?Teaching/learning that occurs

outdoors

Outcomes:Cultivate awareness/knowledge of the

natural environment and the effect of people’s actions on it.

Provide students with experiences using science as inquiry, such as identifying a problem, collecting/analyzing data, and

creating action plans.

Help students learn to live democratically and responsibly for the welfare of the total

group.

Promotes students physical fitness.

Outdoor education learning opportunities correlate highly to performance-based learning

Performance based learning ... Integrates all disciplines:

reading, writing, science, math and social studies

Combines independent and cooperative activities

Emphasizes authentic problem solving and solutions

Provides content and assesses student skills and critical thinking

Activities in all classes help us to focus on our environment, our own ecosystem--the Chesapeake Bay--and how WE affect ALL of the things that live here! Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Skycroft Conference Center

Hike-In

• 7:30AM Wake Up• 8:00AM Breakfast• 9:00AM Journal Entry• 9:30AM Class #1• 12:00PM Lunch• 1:00PM Journal Entry• 1:30PM Class #2• 4:00PM PE/Recreation• 5:30PM Dinner• 6:30PM Journal Entry• 7:00PM Evening

Activity• 9:00PM Cabin Time• 10:00PM Lights Out

Sample Day

Parent Volunteers

We rely on parent volunteers to make Outdoor Education a success!

Responsibilities include chaperoning students while in their cabins, joining them at meals, and attending instructional activities

If you are interested in attending, please fill out a form and return it with your other paperwork

Meals…

Instructional Activities

Classes?

Outdoors?!

YES!!!!!

Rain or Shine!

We go outside, no matter what the weather!

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.

Confidence Course

Exploring the Watershed Using Map & Compass

Working as a team, students will find orienteering poles located at various places at the outdoor education site.

Students utilize topographic maps, compasses and GPS units to navigate.

GPS Tree Identification

Predator/Prey

Now, here’s a food web in the making--

carnivores, herbivores and

omnivores!

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

Predator/Prey

Local History

Each site has its own unique history to be explored.

Observation and small group discussion may give you a glimpse of past customs and ways of life.

Journal Writing

Time for... …

reflection

REC Activities

A glimpse of elementary school recess with a

twist!

Evening Activities

Group Activities Bring Out the Best in All of

Us!

Campfire

S’Mores, Singin’, and Stars!

Scales and TalesDepartment

of Natural Resources Program

Animals shown have been injured and cannot return to the wild.

Cabins

Cabin Interiors

Dining Hall

Buffet-Style, 8 to a table. Everyone gets a chance at Kitchen Patrol!

Recommended Packing List

Sturdy footwear Hat Gloves or mittens 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 NOT to Pack

Electronic devices (including cell phones, iPods, etc.)

Aerosol Sprays Curling Irons Firearms Knives

Hair dryers Matches Money Glass bottles Gum, candy, or food

Medical IssuesFull-Time RN on duty during the

daySkycroft Conference

Center9621 Frostown RoadMiddletown, MD 21769301-293-3649

Night Nurse (LPMS staff member) on duty throughout the night

LPMS school nurse will coordinate medication/allergy needs

Business ItemsOutdoor Education fees

$76.00 - Set by the Board of Education

“For students whose families are in financial need, funds are available for them to participate in the Outdoor Education program at a lower fee.”

$5.00 materials fee (separate check to LPMS)

Business continued…

Behavior expectations: Safety 1st!

Packets coming home on Friday 11/18: Signed permission form: 12/9/11 Dietary restriction info: 12/9/11 Medication Authorization forms:

12/9/11 Payments/Payment plan balance:

12/9/11

We are sad... …when it’s time to

go.

…but we leave as Happy Campers!

MCPS Outdoor Education Website

http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/curriculum/outdoored/

The End

Questions?

Contact the Outdoor Education

Coordinators:

Lesley Lane

Mark Eisenhower

301-670-1400