Middle School Club Takes Education Into the Woods

Studies show outdoor education has many benefits.

Blogger's Note: Some of the following was provided by the Pottstown School District.

Pottstown Middle School students received some first hand (and foot) education about the environment recently.

Thirty-five members of the Environmental Science Club, along with their sponsor, Ginger Angelo, explored various ecosystems on a 5-mile hike through Green Lane Park.

Students stopped along the trail to make notes about their observations and will use them during classroom discussions.

Pottstown students explore Green Lane Park.

Angelo said Taking the classroom to the outdoors brings life to our lessons and helps grow an appreciation for the environment.

According to findings published by the University of Wisconsin, "Research has documented increased standardized test scores, enhanced attitude about school, improved in-school behavior, improved attendance and overall enhanced student achievement when students learn in and about nature. In addition, outdoor education effectively employs a greater range of children’s intelligences."

"Access to nature has also been shown to decrease the symptoms of ADHD. Outdoor learning and access to nature also decrease stress levels of students and teachers," according to the research.

"Studies have shown that students who learn outdoors develop: a sense of self, independence, confidence, creativity, decision-making and problem-solving skills, empathy towards others, motor skills, self-discipline and initiative," the Wisconsin research found.

"Outdoor experiences help students increase their understanding of their natural and human communities which leads to a sense of place. Through connection to place, students develop stronger environmental attitudes and civic behaviors. Outdoors learning experiences are the foundation of raising the next generation of active citizens who take care of their natural and human communities," the research concluded.