Outdoor Education in
Interdisciplinary learning

Why Interdisciplinary Learning?

Outdoor education is used as a powerful tool for interdisciplinary learning and at UWC Thailand it is utilised by providing a real-world context for students to apply knowledge and skills across multiple subject areas. When used within a Inquiry-based learning approach Outdoor Education provides students with opportunities to explore and investigate the natural world allowing students to ask questions, make observations, and gather data across multiple subject areas. It is also particularly powerful when creating project-based learning where students work collaboratively to address real-world enviromental challenges.

By engaging with the outside world and across subject areas, students can develop a holistic understanding of complex issues and build essential skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Primary School

Grade 3: Enriching a Unit of Inquiry with OE & Mindfulness

As an integral component of their 'Who We Are' unit of inquiry, the Grade 3 students were presented with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in nature by taking a walk through the Khao Phraew Thaeo National Park. The purpose of this excursion was to enable the students to gain a deeper understanding of the impact that being in the great outdoors can have on our overall wellbeing.

Prior to embarking on the excursion, the students were encouraged to reflect on the relationship between spending time in nature and one's physical and emotional state. They were encouraged to consider the ways in which being outdoors in a natural setting can positively impact their overall sense of wellbeing.

Following their visit to the park, the students were asked to reflect once again on their experience, paying close attention to their emotional responses and the connections they made to the natural world around them. This exercise enabled them to gain a greater appreciation for the value of spending time in nature and the numerous benefits that it can provide for both mind and body. By reflecting on their experience, the students were able to deepen their understanding of the ways in which being outdoors can positively impact one's overall sense of wellbeing.

Grade 5: Understanding Types of Energy

Incorporating kayaking as an outdoor education activity can greatly enhance a PYP unit of inquiry in this case the unit centered around the various concepts of energy. By engaging in this physical activity, students can witness firsthand the transfer and transformation of energy as they propel themselves through the water. They can observe how the energy from their bodies is transferred to the paddle and ultimately transformed into motion.

Through this experience, students can gain a deeper understanding of the different types of energy, including kinetic, potential, and thermal energy, as well as the various ways in which energy can be transferred and transformed. Being on the water also aids in the facilitation of the different ways in which we can use the power of water in creating energy for a more sustainable future.

Secondary School

Grade 8: 'Lord of the Flies'

The school has established an innovative interdisciplinary unit that brings together four subjects - English literature, Individuals and Societies, Design and Technology, and Outdoor Education. The purpose of this unit is to offer students a comprehensive and immersive learning experience that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills.

To begin, students read William Golding's classic novel, Lord of the Flies, in their English literature class. They explore themes such as leadership and decision-making in groups, analyzing and interpreting the characters and their actions. This provides a foundation for the students to understand the complexities of group dynamics, which they then delve deeper into during their Individuals and Societies class.

Next, in Design and Technology, students undertake a project to build shelter models. They conduct research and interview experts to develop a working design concept, which they then use to construct their models. This not only teaches them practical skills in design and construction, but also hones their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

The final and most exciting component of the unit is the Outdoor Education aspect. Here, Grade 8 students work in teams of five to construct a shelter in the jungle. To add an element of challenge, they are paired with Grade 1 students who assume the roles of the "little uns" from the book. The Grade 8 students must work collaboratively, communicate effectively, and utilize their theoretical knowledge and practical skills to construct a sturdy shelter that can withstand structural testing.

This interdisciplinary unit fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, in an engaging learning experience for students, providing them with an opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.

Grade 12: Environmental Systems and Societies

Outdoor education facilitates hands-on, experiential learning that enables students to deepen their understanding of the natural world and develop practical skills. In the context of the grade 12 Environemental Systems and Societies field trip, visiting several locations along the river allowed students to collect data on a range of factors present in the river, which facilitated the following real scientific inquiry. Having students collect data on the different factors present in the river, students were able learn about the principles of scientific research. They were able to develop their environmental awareness by being outdoors in nature and studying the river ecosystem first hand, it helped students to appreciate the interconnectedness of the environment.

Page updated

Report abuse

Outdoor Education in Interdisciplinary learning