Ways to bring nature into learning
While some may typically think of the physical education and environmental and outdoor education curricula as having the closest ties to learning in the outdoors, our core subjects present many opportunities to weave nature into students’ learning experiences.
In language arts, sitting with nature can function as an inspirational writing prompt. Taking students outside and allowing them to sit in an outdoor space creates opportunity for students to observe their environment and imbue their writing with imagery.
Scientific investigations are sometimes best conducted in the outdoors! When students apply scientific observation and data collection skills in natural environments, they are witnessing science unfold in front of their eyes.
The beauty of mathematics comes to life in our natural environments. Allowing students to see relationships between mathematical concepts and natural phenomena creates a sense of connectedness to real-world contexts.
Social studies presents unique opportunities to learn from the outdoors to enhance students’ sense of environmental and social responsibility and develop understanding of our evolving relationship with the land.
Check out these nature-inspired projects shared by teachers
Find teacher resources related to nature and outdoor education.ATA Library web guides on such topics as forest school and biodiversity ATA PD workshop on First Nations, Métis and Inuit Traditional Games |
