Statewide Program

Fall 2023 Outdoor School For All Training

Where might you find a school administrator balancing on one leg, laughing as she asks a teacher in mid-somersault if she would join her for afternoon tea with the Queen? How about a great, hairy Sasquatch singing songs around a campfire? You’ll find them at the seasonal Outdoor School for All Training. 
 
To break the ice at the three-day fall training in Ocean Park, October 23-27th, Cispus Learning Center facilitators led more than fifty nonformal and formal educators and school administrators interested in developing their 5th and 6th-grade outdoor school program in fun, active community-building games. These games, along with weekly “cabin meetings'' and family-style meals, fostered trust and open communication between staff from both sites and schools that resulted in stronger professional connections all week.

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FieldSTEM Resources

GIS Map Expands Access to Outdoor Learning in Tacoma Schools 

Jennifer Crump was walking around Wapato Hills Park in Tacoma when she had an epiphany. 
 
“I realized how close the park was to Edison Elementary School,” Crump explains, “and I wondered if those folks realized how close they are to this cool resource.” 
 
As the K-12 Science Instructional Facilitator for the Tacoma School District, Crump supports the district’s science curriculum and instruction needs and provides materials and guidance for educators. “I started thinking, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a map that could show all the green spaces within walking distance where teachers could take students to engage in experiential learning?’ That’s when I remembered Daniel.” 

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Special Event

Environmental & Sustainability Literacy Student Summit  

FieldSTEM Introductory Series

FieldSTEM for School Leaders

Tools & Tips for Teachers

Boost Creativity with Art Projects in Nature

Not all projects need to be taken home for prominent placement on the fridge. Creating art in nature is about connecting with your environment, being inspired by nature, and leaving it right where it was found. These activities use tools and materials found in nature to show children that anything can be art if you’re creative enough. Rocks, sticks, logs on the forest floor, even mud after a good rain can all be turned into art. 

There’s no age range on these activities, either. Adjust activities as needed to link back to existing school content and make projects a group effort where you see fit. The point is to leave the finished products behind. Photographs are fine, especially with sensitive kids who may have a tough time with that concept. 

Source: Project Learning Tree

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Upcoming Events 

  With Gratitude

Thank you to November's donors and funders!