The Impact of Outdoor Classrooms on Early Science Education

Education is evolving, and so are the classrooms. Imagine a school where the traditional four walls are replaced by lush greenery and the vibrant outdoors serve as the backdrop for valuable lessons. This isn’t a utopian dream but a growing reality in elementary schools across the country. The movement to incorporate outdoor classrooms is gaining momentum, particularly in the realm of science education.

Embracing the Outdoors for Enhanced Learning
According to the 2018 National Survey of Science and Mathematics Education, only 17 percent of early elementary classes are dedicated most days of the week to science lessons. Recognizing the need for a shift, educational advocates are championing the cause of integrating outdoor classrooms into elementary education. Out Teach, a national nonprofit, is at the forefront of this movement, collaborating with schools to establish outdoor learning labs.

Jeanne McCarty, CEO of Out Teach, emphasizes the significance of real-world-based science education. The aim is not only to provide foundational knowledge but also to inspire young minds to envision themselves as scientists with promising futures in the field. These outdoor learning labs come equipped with garden beds, weather stations, earth science stations, and informative signs, tailored to the local environment.

Teaching Beyond Science: A Holistic Approach
The outdoor classrooms are not just about teaching science; they serve as versatile spaces where science instruction seamlessly integrates with other subjects. Teachers receive coaching on utilizing this unique setting to enhance overall learning experiences. The hope is that these dynamic lessons will kindle a passion for science at an early age, laying the groundwork for future STEM careers.

Research supports the idea that exposure to outdoor activities positively influences interest in STEM fields. A 2017 study revealed that, after an innate interest in science, women in STEM-related fields often attributed their initial curiosity to playing or spending time outdoors during their early years. This underscores the importance of early exposure and engagement in shaping STEM identities.

Despite the challenges posed by limited instructional time, embedding science instruction into other subjects has proven successful. Many states lack accountability measures tied to science, unlike reading and math. However, innovative approaches, such as integrating science into language arts, have shown promising results. The NextGenScience project, a multi-state initiative, aims to establish common teaching standards for science from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Nurturing STEM Identities
Jenny Sarna, Director of the NextGenScience project at WestEd, highlights the correlation between positive science identities and future pursuits in STEM careers. Students who perceive themselves as “science people” are more likely to pursue STEM fields. A study focusing on first-grade students utilizing a curriculum that seamlessly blended science into language arts reported higher performance in science tests without compromising reading achievements.

In essence, these outdoor classrooms serve as catalysts for cultivating curiosity and fostering positive science identities. By providing an immersive and hands-on learning experience, they not only enrich scientific knowledge but also pave the way for a generation of enthusiastic learners eager to explore the wonders of the natural world.

As we witness the transformation of traditional classrooms into vibrant outdoor hubs, it becomes evident that the future of education lies beyond conventional boundaries. The incorporation of outdoor classrooms symbolizes a commitment to nurturing inquisitive minds and preparing students for a world where the classroom is not confined to four walls but extends to the boundless wonders of nature. Through this innovative approach, education becomes a journey of exploration, curiosity, and lifelong learning.