“nothing is real until it is experienced” 2010. outdoor education in montgomery county “...

“Nothing is real until it is experienced”

2010

Outdoor Education in Montgomery County“ Nothing is real until it is experienced”

“Providing opportunities

for all students in Montgomery

County to engage in authentic

learning outside of the four

walls of the classroom”


Overview • What is outdoor

education ?

• What will I be doing when I’m there?

• What will I see when I’m there ?


When you hear Outdoor Education, what do you think of ?

• Campfires, games and singing

• Kids sharing meals, doing k-p, crafts, etc.

• Kids having fun

• Recreational activities


It’s a fun way to learn in the out of doors...

…you may not realize how much you’re

learning!


Residential Outdoor Education

• You will be staying at one of three sites for 3 days and two nights.

• You will be participating in outdoor activities whatever the weather.

• Whether you go in spring, winter or fall…be prepared!

Instructional Activities

You will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities.

You will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities.


Watershed Study

• You may explore the watershed and learn your place in it.

• You may collect and analyze data to determine stream health.


Predator/Prey• You will experience

predator/prey relationships

• You will participate in a simulation activity and collect data based on that experience

• You will then analyze the data to better understand the roles of animals in the food chain


Orienteering

• Working with a team, you will find orienteering poles located at various places at the outdoor education site.

• You may use topographic maps, compasses and maybe even GPS units to navigate.


Forest Community

• You will become aware of what a forest is and learn about why forests are important to us.

• During forest exploration you might study unique trees, identify trees, explore leaf and soil samples.


Wildlife • You will be involved in a

series of outdoor activities focusing on various aspects of the wildlife community.

• These might include simulation games, hikes observing evidence of wildlife, surveys, and studies of animal adaptation.


Weather

• You may collect weather data at different locations at the outdoor education site.

• You will use weather instruments, interpret data, and make a weather forecast that you share with your team!


Confidence Course

• Each center has a confidence course designed to challenge you mentally and physically.

• All activities are designed to increase confidence and to promote teamwork.


Outdoor Education Preparation


What to Pack

• Sturdy footwear

• Extra pair of boots/sneakers

• Hat

• SPF/Sun Block

• Jacket

• Sweatshirts

• Long pants or jeans

• Pajamas

• Shirts

• Socks (lots!)

• Underwear

• Waterproof raincoat or poncho

• Sheets and blanket or sleeping bag, pillow

• Toiletry items

• First Day Bag Lunch (no glass bottles)


What You Might Pack

• Shorts for rec time

• Binoculars

• Disposable (recycling) camera

• Compass

• Flashlight

• Lip balm

• Insect repellant (non-aerosol)

• Slippers

• Shower cap

• Flip-flops or sandals for shower use

• Stationary and stamps

• Pen or pencil

• Watch


What NOT to Pack

• Electronic devices- Cell phones, IPODS, handheld game systems.

• Aerosol Sprays

• Firearms

• Knives

• Hair dryers/curling irons

• Matches

• Money

• Glass bottles

• Gum, candy, or food


Forms you need to make sure your parents have filled out and signed!!! Permission Medical

Be sure to bring these to school as soon as they are

completed!


Outdoor Education at the Smith Center


There are 8 cabins. Twenty people can sleep in each

cabin.

CABINS


Inside Your Cabin

Classroom

Bunks


Bathrooms

Running water, flush toilets, private

showers!


Dining Hall

Eight people at each table, everyone gets to be a KP. Will

you win the Silver Spoon Award?


The Smith Center has a planetarium where you will

study the stars!


The Nurse’s Office

Just like at school!


You will study…

• Astronomy

• Ecology

• Geology

• Exploring the environment with technology (GPS)

• Patterns of Settlement (Social Studies – Unit 1)

Or any other topic that your

teachers have planned for you.


First day Schedule

• 9:30 AM Leave Sligo• 10:00 AM Hike In• 10:30 – 12:00 PM Orientation to Smith Center• 12:00 – 12:30 PM Lunch • 12:30 – 1:00 PM Cabin Info Cabin Setup• 1:30 – 4:00 PM Instructional Groups• 4:00 – 4:45 PM Recreation Time• 5:00 – 6:00 PM Dinner • 6:00 – 9:30 PM Evening Activities• 10:15 PM Lights Out


Second day schedule

• 7:00 AM Rise and Shine• 8:00 – 8:45 AM Breakfast• 9:00 – 9:20 AM Clean cabins• 9:30 – 12:30 PM Instructional Groups• 12:00 – 12:45 PM Lunch • 1:30 – 4:00 PM Instructional Groups• 4:00 – 4:45 PM Recreation • 5:00 – 6:00 PM Dinner • 6:00 – 8:00 PM SSL Activities• 8:00 – 10:30 PM Evening Activities• 11:00 Lights Out


Third Day Schedule• 7:00 – 8:00 AM Rise and Shine

• 8:00 – 8:45 AM Breakfast

• 9:00 – 9:20 AM Clean cabins

• 9:30 – 11:00 AM Instructional Groups

• 11:00 - 11:30 AM Lunch

• 11:30 – 12:30 PM Thank you’s

• 12:30 Load Buses to return to Sligo.

• 1:00 PM Parents Must Make Arrangements to have Students Picked Up Promptly at 1:00pm.


FAQ’s from parents

• How much does it cost ?

• What happens if my child get sick or hurt?

• How can I help?

• When does my child go to Outdoor Ed?

• Any other questions?


Are there any questions?


“ Americans have long thought

that nature could take care

of itself-or that, if it did not,

the consequences were

someone else’s problem.

As we know now, that

assumption was wrong,

none of us is a stranger

to environmental problems.”

-Jimmy Carter, 39th president