Overview In this meeting we will cover

Transcription

1 Overview In this meeting we will cover What outdoor education is What the program components are How the program works to support MCPS curricular goals Other functions and opportunities provided by outdoor education programs

2 What is Outdoor Education and why is it such a great experience? Everyone remembers outdoor ed The opportunity to apply knowledge from the classroom to real life outside the classroom walls. The first taste of freedom and individual responsibility.

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 Engage students with performance-based, authentic learning opportunities and experiences Begin the cultivation of students awareness, knowledge, appreciation, and concern for their natural environment

5 Major goals of the program (cont) Provide students with many direct experiences in using scientific processes including observing, measuring, classifying, hypothesizing and predicting Make the students educational programs more meaningful by applying the knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom to real-life situations

6 Outdoor education learning opportunities correlate highly to performance-based learning (continued) 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

7 Another Area of Study Possible at All Outdoor Education Centers: 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

8 Another Area of Study Possible at All Outdoor Education Centers: Amazing Race: Students will use GPS to navigate to designated locations around the Outdoor Education site where they will conduct experiments and collect data about the biotic and abiotic factors in a range of habitats. Students will use this data to identify the natural resources in the area and determine whether it is habitable for humans.

9 Another Area of Study Possible at All Outdoor Education Centers: 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.

10 Another Area of Study Possible at All Outdoor Education Centers: Student Service Learning Students participate in environmental service learning activities while at Outdoor Ed. Stewardship lessons may include habitat improvement, energy conservation, and protecting natural resources. These activities contribute to the 10 student service learning (SSL) hours earned during 6th grade.

11 Other Activities May Include: Hiking on the Appalachian Trail Historical sight-seeing: the original Washington Monument at the top of South Mountain Professional folk singer performance Night Hikes Glow-in-the-dark sports Campfire with s mores Songs, skits, and games

12 Outdoor Education Preparation

13 What to Pack Sturdy footwear Sweatshirts Long sleeve shirts Long pants or jeans Pajamas T-Shirts Socks (lots!) Underwear Waterproof raincoat or poncho Sheets and blanket or sleeping bag, pillow Toiletry items and towel Bag lunch (no glass bottles)

14 What You Might Pack Binoculars Disposable camera Compass Lip balm, sunscreen Insect repellant (nonaerosol) Slippers Shower cap Flip-flops or sandals for shower use Pen or pencil Watch

15 What NOT to Pack SHORTS! Electronic devices Aerosol Sprays Curling Irons Firearms Knives Hair dryers Matches Money Glass bottles Gum, candy, or food

16 Forms Permission Medical (if needed)

17 Outdoor Ed Payment Plans Student Name Parent Name Please check one and return with a signed and completed permission slip. Full payment included $80 due by 5/7 Please make all checks out to Westland Middle School. Please include your child's name on each check. There is a $25.00 fee for returned checks. Three payments. First of 3 payments enclosed $30 due by 4/11 Second payment of $25 due by 4/25 Third payment of $25 due by 5/7 I need a financial waiver please call me at

18 Outdoor Education at Skycroft

19 Cabins There are several dormitories of various sizes at Skycroft. Girls dorms are completely separate from boys dorms.

20 Bathrooms

21 Cabin interiors

22 Dining Hall

23 Gymnasium for Recreation or Inclement Weather Activities

24 In case of emergency Identification will be required if you need to pick up your child at Skycroft.

25 MEDICATION FOR OUTDOOR ED form (Emergency Care for Prevention of Anaphylaxis) filled out if child needs Epi pen for food or bee sting allergy. PLEASE TURN IN ALL MEDICATION AND PAPERWORK AT LEAST ONE WEEK BEFORE THE TRIP. If your child needs an inhaler or Epi pen please send a fanny pack with your child. They will be going on hikes where it isn't convenient to get to the health room. All inhalers should be in prescription boxes and it is recommended to pack a back up inhaler. Please remember there are many children with inhalers so please label and bring the box. Please notify us of any special diet concerns or health conditions. Your pediatrician should have the date of your child's most current tetanus shot.

26 MEDICATION FOR OUTDOOR ED form (Authorization to Administer Prescribed Medication) must be filled out for all meds. Prescription meds: the prescription label needs to match the with the exact doses needed for the trip. The form must be signed by the parent and doctor. Over the Counter meds: filled out by parents (Part I and II) and DOES NOT need doctor's signature. Med must be in an UNOPENED container to be accepted for trip.

27 Sample Menu Students with food allergies or dietary restrictions should indicate this on their permission slip. Food can be packed from home, warmed and served to students who are unable to eat the meals served at Skycroft. Arrangements should be made with Ms. Adler or Ms. Connolly.

28 Sample Menu

29 Sample Menu

30 Sample Schedule Students wake up at 7:00, breakfast is at 8. Instructional time begins at 9 and lasts until 3 or 4 pm (with lunch and a short break in between) SSL Activities or Rec Time before dinner, which is served at 5:30, followed by cabin time Evening Activities from 7pm-10pm, with a small snack before lights out at 10:00 pm. There is the possibility of daytime attendance for those students who are unable to stay overnight.

31 Schedule May 19 May 21 (Monday to Wednesday) Mr. Van Blargan s World Studies classes and all students in the musical May 21 May 23 (Wednesday to Friday) World studies classes of Ms. Maas, Ms. Diederich, Ms. Pelter, and Ms. Ragsdale

32 Schedule Arrive at school at 8:30 day of departure Students may NOT ride regular school bus with luggage Make arrangements for carpooling Pick up on day of return is at 1pm. Students should be picked up at school. Please arrange rides home and notify team leader

33 Volunteers We have been recruiting high school juniors and seniors to help assist with our students during Outdoor Ed. Parents interested in volunteering should pick up the Volunteer Brochure and forms and return them to Ms. Adler or Ms. Connolly.

34 For more information contact Ms. Adler or Ms. Connolly or check out the MCPS Outdoor Education website. An Outdoor Education packet with permission slips, medical forms, and packing lists will be distributed to students after Spring Break.