A New Way Forward

A new brief from the Lawrence Hall of Science (LHS) in Berkeley, a science center and leader in developing K-12 science curricula, shows that many organizations that provide environmental education are at risk of never reopening because of the pandemic. “This is happening at a time when public health leaders are promoting the value of outdoor learning as safe, engaging, effective and essential,” Rena Dorph, director of the LHS, said. “The outdoors is a resource for learning, engagement and health, and it should be available to all.”

Outdoor learning is essential for students to connect to the world around them including to the people in their communities. In the Upper Valley, using the local community as a primary resource for learning, also called Place-based Eduation, includes outdoor learning.

Benefits of Place-based Education (read the brief here).

1. Helps Students Learn

2. Encourages Students to become Active Citizens

3. Energizes Teachers

4. Transforms School Culture

5. Connects Schools and Communities

6. Encourages Students to become Environmental Stewards

Now is the time for schools and informal educators to partner and make a new way forward for education this fall.