Teach Outdoors

Join us on today's episode as we delve into the fascinating world of mushrooms and fungi with our special guest, Carly Eirikson, Vice-Principal of a local school district in British Columbia, Canada.

Carly shares her incredible journey with her grade 3 students, where a simple curiosity during nature walks blossomed into a captivating inquiry into the world of mushrooms and fungi. Utilizing the Walking Curriculum as her guide, Carly and her students embarked on a remarkable exploration, observing, and investigating the diverse fungi in their surroundings.

What makes this story truly remarkable is the involvement of families, who eagerly participated in the inquiry, even extending it to weekends. From humble beginnings, the inquiry grew into an immersive learning experience, seamlessly integrating science curriculum objectives.

In this episode, Carly discusses the process of weaving the science curriculum into the fungi inquiry, reflecting on what worked well and what she would do differently next time. Her insights offer valuable lessons for educators and parents alike on nurturing curiosity and fostering authentic, inquiry-based learning experiences.

As a bonus recommendation, Carly encourages listeners to watch the documentary *Fantastic Fungi*, which further illuminates the wonders of the fungal kingdom and its profound connections to our world.

Tune in to gain inspiration from Carly's journey and discover the magic of exploring nature through the lens of fungi! 🍄✨

In this episode of Teach Outdoors with Lauren MacLean, we embark on an enthralling exploration of the insect world, inspired by E.O. Wilson's timeless quote, "Every kid has a bug period. I never grew out of mine." Join us as we delve into the captivating realm of insects and spiders, shedding light on their crucial environmental roles.

Throughout the episode, Lauren encourages listeners to foster curiosity and understanding about these tiny creatures, often overlooked yet essential to our ecosystems. Beginning with observations of common species like butterflies, ladybugs, ants, and beetles, she guides us through their habitats, diets, and the challenges they face from predators.

But it's not just about facts; Lauren emphasizes the importance of perspective, prompting listeners to consider what makes certain bugs beautiful or terrifying and fostering appreciation for their diversity. The episode also features insights from students' research on notable features of butterflies, ladybugs, and beetles, accompanied by reflections on emotions evoked by these insects.

Listeners are invited to join Lauren on various outdoor activities, from constructing bug habitats to creating an insect field guide collaboratively. The episode concludes with a reminder of the importance of understanding the distinction between beneficial and harmful bugs and fostering an appreciation for these essential creatures in the natural world.

Tune in to Teach Outdoors with Lauren MacLean to explore the enchanting world of insects and bugs, celebrating their beauty and significance in our environment.

In this episode of Teach Outdoors, join host Lauren MacLean for a cozy exploration of leaves in "Leaves Under Investigation: A Close-Up Study." Dive into the spontaneous adventures of leaf inquiries, where students jump into piles, create leaf art inspired by "Leaf Man," and delve into leafy details. Discover the vibrant colors, symmetrical patterns, and unique characteristics of leaves found in British Columbia, from the majestic Cedar to the iconic Maple. Explore leaf veins through activities like leaf rubbings and vein poetry, and even mimic the graceful descent of falling leaves in an impromptu dance performance. Plus, find inspiration in picture books like "Leaf Jumpers" and "Leaf Man" to ignite leaf inquiries in your own outdoor explorations.

As we conclude our leafy expedition, let's recognize the vital
role leaves play in our ecosystem and strengthen our bond with the natural
world. Share your leafy discoveries on Instagram @teachoutdoors.ca, and until
next time, keep wandering, keep wondering, and keep celebrating the beauty of
leaves.

Nature's Path: A Year of Monthly Sparks - Click here

Nature Classroom Podcast Series - Click here

Welcome to our podcast, where we embark on outdoor adventures driven by the winds of curiosity! Informed by Carol Thompson's captivating book, 'Wind,' we dive into a world of exploration and learning. From crafting windmills to observing the dance of maple seeds carried by the breeze, each moment unfolds as an opportunity for discovery.

In our latest episode, we share our journey through a wind inquiry inspired by Thompson's work. As students engage in activities like the Maple Seed Target Adventure and experimenting with wind catchers made from ribbons and sticks, they delve into the unpredictable yet fascinating patterns of wind power. Through reflective discussions and observations in our Sit Spot, we ponder the intricate influence of wind on our surroundings, from scattered debris to delicate petals.

Join us as we navigate the complexities of wind and weather, capturing insightful reflections and fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world. Tune in to our podcast for an enriching exploration of the unseen forces shaping our environment, one gust at a time.

Nature's Path: A Year of Monthly Sparks - Click here

Nature Classroom Podcast Series - Click here

Embark on a seasonal journey with the Teach Outdoors podcast, where we celebrate the wonders of outdoor learning. From fostering a growth mindset to overcoming challenges inherent in teaching across diverse seasons, each episode offers invaluable insights for educators and students alike. Explore our outdoor learning routine, beginning with engaging anchor books and leading into invigorating nature walks, reflective circle sessions, and hands-on activities.

Immerse yourself in the current winter season as we navigate the transition to spring through captivating explorations in our garden classroom. Witness the magic of learners as they observe and sketch the subtle signs of seasonal change, honing their observational skills while fostering a deep connection with the natural world. Join the conversation on social media at @teachoutdoors.ca and be part of the movement to inspire and elevate outdoor education. Stay warm, stay curious, and keep teaching outdoors for an enriching learning experience all year round.

Nature's Path: A Year of Monthly Sparks - Click here

Nature Classroom Podcast Series - Click here

Welcome to another exciting episode of Teach Outdoors, the podcast that explores the intersection of education, nature, and technology. In this episode, we are honored to have Dr. Phil, a multifaceted educator, speaker, and technology innovator, as our special guest.

Dr. Phil's diverse background, ranging from teaching to developing a technology company called Plabook, makes him a powerhouse in the education realm. Our conversation kicks off by addressing the common fear of technology among educators. Dr. Phil shares valuable insights on modeling risk-taking and fostering a growth mindset when integrating technology in the classroom. We reflect on the importance of preparing students for the future, recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age they are growing up in.

The discussion deepens as we explore the dynamic nature of education, emphasizing the need for educators to be comfortable with continuous learning, unlearning, and relearning. Dr. Phil emphasizes that it's not merely about placing students in front of devices but empowering them to use technology creatively to explore their own inquiries.

A highlight of our conversation is the innovative ways technology can be brought outdoors to enhance learning experiences. Dr. Phil introduces the concept of 1D, 2D, 3D and 4D learning, where technology and nature seamlessly integrate, engaging multiple senses. From taking photos and mapping to organizing data, technology has become a powerful tool for outdoor exploration. Dr. Phil shares insights into various apps that facilitate journaling and drawing while outdoors, enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor learning.

To learn more about Dr. Phil and his work, visit his website at www.plabookeducation.com. Join us in this episode of Teach Outdoors as we uncover the transformative potential of merging technology with nature to create immersive and dynamic learning experiences for students.

Nature's Path: A Year of Monthly Sparks - Click here

Nature Classroom Podcast Series - Click here

Welcome to Teach Outdoors, the podcast where we explore the transformative power of outdoor education. In this episode, we sit down with David Hawker-Budlovsky, a dedicated educator with 25 years of experience in the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), currently serving as the Centrally Assigned Principal supporting Outdoor Education.

In our conversation, David sheds light on why it's crucial for our education system to fully embrace outdoor learning. Discover how the TDSB has established nine outdoor education centers, including day centers hosting up to 10 classes a day and overnight centers. Learn about the support-to-schools initiative, where educators collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate outdoor learning into specific contexts, fostering a co-teaching model.

Community engagement is a key focus, with outdoor learning sites opened to parents for firsthand experiences. David emphasizes the gradual progression from low-risk opportunities to building stamina over time. Tune in to explore how students can have agency and voice over their outdoor learning experiences, creating a sense of ownership.

As winter blankets the landscape, discover the variety of activities designed to engage students, from teamwork exercises to art and mapping, as well as climate and environment inquiries. Join us as we delve into the enriching world of outdoor education, exploring ways to make learning come alive beyond the classroom walls.

Don't miss this insightful episode as we uncover the strategies, benefits, and joys of taking education outdoors with David Hawker-Budlovsky.

X: @TOES_TDSB

Website: schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/toes

Email: [email protected]

Nature's Path: A Year of Monthly Sparks - Click here

Nature Classroom Podcast Series - Click here

In this episode, we delve into the educational benefits of engaging with snow, from refining motor skills to fostering teamwork and problem-solving. Our young explorers not only learn about seasonal changes but also find the perfect balance between joy and the challenges of snow play.

Join us as we share our favourite winter activities, including creative journeys inspired by “Over and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner, building unique snow huts that promote visualization and problem-solving skills, and exploring the enchanting mysteries of snowy habitats. From circle reflections to nature detective work, we'll show you how these snowy adventures create meaningful connections between play and learning, making winter an exciting and educational journey for our students.

Nature's Path: A Year of Monthly Sparks - Click here

Nature Classroom Podcast Series - Click here

Tis the report card season which inevitably brings up questions about assessment and documentation. So today we’re diving right into the topic of what formative assessment and documentation looks like in our outdoor classroom.
We begin by talking about how and why we document. I’ll explore various methods, such as taking pictures and collecting student quotes, to capture the essence of our outdoor learning experiences. We will also discuss the significance of aligning our activities with the curriculum and how it enhances overall learning outcomes.

Here is the link to some downloadable resources on documentation.

Nature’s Path: A Year of Monthly Sparks (Find out more here)

Nature Classroom Podcast Series: (Find out more here)

In this episode of Teach Outdoors, we dive into the significance of biodiversity and its connection to the diversity of communities. As we embark on our daily nature walk, we observe and learn about both native and non-native plant species in their area. We discover the unique characteristics of native plants and discuss the impact of non-native and invasive species on the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Through this exploration, they highlight the importance of understanding the managing invasive species to preserve biodiversity.

Our group encounters a variety of native plant species along our school tail, sparking their curiosity and appreciation for the diversity they bring to the local ecosystem. They compare these native plants to non-native species that have been introduced by humans for decorative or agricultural purposes. We discuss the potential of non-native plants to outcompete native species, disrupting the balance of the ecosystem. As we come across an invasive species encroaching on the trail, we emphasize the need to identify and manage these species to protect biodiversity.

For more information, visit: 

https://bcinvasives.ca/take-action/identify/ 

We also talk extensively about the potential hazards of some plants and fungi. Please use caution and research which plants and fungi may be harmful and poisonous. 

SSISC – BC Envir’l Non-Profit on Instagram!