EWGJH STEM PARK

The Rationale:

In the Framework for 21st Century Learning, The Partnership for 21st Century skills identifies the core subjects and 21st century themes essential to student success. Environmental literacy is one of the interdisciplinary themes used to promote an understanding of academic content at a higher level by weaving it into the core subjects.  Compelling evidence from decades of research points to the wide-ranging educational benefits of teaching and learning science through fieldwork in a natural outdoor setting. Students who are exposed to hands-on experiences in their local environment often become enthusiastic, self-motivated learners who typically outperform their academic peers who do not have these learning opportunities (Liebermann and Hoody, 1998). Children are able to pay attention to the same assignment for longer periods of time outdoors and are more focused when they return to their indoor class work (Louv, 2008).  Students who experienced outdoor instruction reported that, in general, they enjoyed  school more and felt more supported and trusted by their teacher than they had prior to the outdoor experiences (Shaw and Terrance, 1981).