Carroll County Outdoor School Community Connections
Outdoor School History Began in 1965 at River Valley Ranch Programs also started in Washington, Frederick, Montgomery and Anne Arundel counties Moved to Hashawha Environmental Center in 1975 Over 95% of Carroll County students attend Not a mandatory program Unique in the state – a week-long program with dedicated specialists teaching students In its history, over 60,000 students served
Carroll County Outdoor School Mission Statement � Acquire and access knowledge � Develop effective decision making strategies � Apply your knowledge and skills
Mission Definition Based upon Carroll County Board of Education outcomes Defined by asking – What can we as a school provide that is unique? What can we provide effectively? What instruction can we provide that will have a long-term effect on students? Refined through careful study of available research
Environmental Education Research- Two Focus Questions What EE practices have the greatest positive effect on student academic achievement? What EE practices have the greatest potential for positively changing student behavior (responsible citizenship)?
SEER / EIC Report Effective Environmental Education can result in: A reduction in discipline issues An increase in attendance An increase in student engagement
Green Schools and MSPAP Science Scores 5 th Grade MSPAP Science % Excellent Green Schools 23% Non Green Schools 14% 8 th Grade MSPSP Science % Excellent Green Schools 24% Non Green Schools 16%
Green Schools and Non Green Schools MSA Performance 40 35 Percent Excellen 30 25 Green Schools 20 Non Green Schools 15 10 5 0 5th 5th 8th 8th Grade Grade Grade Grade Reading Math Reading Math Even when student differences (e.g. family income, special education services) are ruled out, the relationship between Maryland Green Schools and test scores remains both positive and statistically significant.
Traditional Thinking About Environmental Education Awareness or Action Knowledge Attitudes
Research-Based Model for Environmental Education Entry-level Ownership Empowerment Variables Variables Variables •Environmental •In-depth •Knowledge of sensitivity knowledge about and skill in Citizenship issues using Behavior environmental •Personal action investment in strategies issues and the environment •Locus of control •Intention to act
Conclusions About Environmental Education The ultimate aim of education is shaping human behavior. Increasing knowledge about environmental issues does not increase learner positive behavior to improve that issue. Creating a curriculum that will teach learners the skills of issue investigation and analysis, as well as providing for the application of these skills is necessary to change student environmental behavior! Success comes when focused on specific issues in the environment, not by merely increasing knowledge of it.
Environmental Issue Investigation Process: As Defined by Carroll County Outdoor School Identify & Define the Topic Collect Data Organize Data Analyze Data Draw Conclusions Make Predictions / Take ACTION!
Outdoor School Curriculum Derived from Voluntary State Curriculum Refined by key questions Integrates EII with current environmental topics to focus student learning on essential community needs
Carroll County Outdoor School Environmental Topics
Stream Ecology Is Bear Branch a healthy stream?
Watershed What is the water quality of Lake Hashawha and how does it affect the health of the Chesapeake Bay?
Habitat Is this habitat suitable for wildlife?
CBF / ODS Partnership Monacacy River Watershed Project
CBT / ODS Partnership Wild School Grounds Workshop / Professional Development
Wetland Classroom Project
The Community Pond
Recommend
More recommend
