Outdoor Education Session A: January 24 26 (green packet) Session B: January 30 February 1 (blue packet) I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand Session C: February 1 3 (pink packet) **Student groups based on first period teacher** Providing opportunities for students to engage in authentic learning in the outdoor classroom for over 51 years! Mission of OEEP: To provide outdoor learning experiences that increase students content and process knowledge of MCPS curriculum, while nurturing awareness, appreciation, and concern for the natural environment. Provide students with hands-on investigations using scientific processes: observing measuring classifying hypothesizing analyzing while delivering mandatory objectives of the MCPS curriculum. Increase the depth of student learning by meaningful application and extension of knowledge and skills to real-life situations 1
Engage students with performance-based, authentic learning opportunities and experiences Continue to help students grow in knowledge, awareness, appreciation, and concern for their natural environment and encourage commitment to stewardship of the land Outdoor experiences that engage students meaningfully in using the Core Literacy Practices. Opportunities for scientific inquiry and critical thinking. Applications of mathematics as a tool in problem solving, including experiences with proportions, data and statistics, and measurement. Opportunities to address literacy: listening, speaking, reading, and writing Unique experiences for the development of social emotional learning, especially collaboration and relationship building skills Investigations in which students integrate technology as a tool to collect and analyze data 2
Dorms at Skycroft Each cabin has multiple sinks, showers, and toilets Students set the table before the meal and clear it after. Buffet Style Students eat together in groups of 8 If anyone gets sick, there is a nurse available during the day and a staff member in the evenings in case of emergencies. In case of inclement weather, activities are moved indoors. There is a gym for large group activities. 3
Instructional Activities I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand Stream Study 1 Stream Study 3 2 4 Confidence Course Geocaching Predator/Prey Simulation The students... Explore the meaning of a watershed and examine their role within it Collect and analyze data to determine the health of the stream Students at Outdoor Ed search for and identify insects to determine the health of the stream. 4
In science class, we have 100 trout in a 55 gallon fish tank. In June, the trout will be large enough to release into a healthy local stream. Trout are very picky and need specific things in order to live in a local stream such as: cold water (below 54 F) ph Level (between 6.8 7.8) Ammonia Level (below 0.5 ppm) Each center has a confidence course comprised of opportunities for collaborative problem solving. All challenges are designed to increase confidence, promote teamwork, and improve human relations. Working in teams, students Navigate to poles/markers placed within the boundaries of the site using topographic maps, compasses, and GPS units Observe and analyze the various habitats in our local watershed A group of students that found a specific post by following a map and a GPS unit. Students research predator and prey relationships in a simulation analyze collected data to better understand the population dynamics of organisms in a local ecosystem 5
Each site presents students with evidence of the past history of the area Observation and small group discussion give students a glimpse of past customs and ways of life SSL is a MD graduation requirement: 75 hours to earn your diploma SSL is composed of 3 steps: 1. Preparation: what are you doing and why is it necessary? 2. Action: the service 3. Reflection: think and write about your action and what you learned Examples of SSL Projects: Removal of non-native invasive plants, seed collection and habitat construction and improvement Visit the Outdoor Environmental Education Program website at: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/ outdoored/ View these presentations and all necessary forms on the Julius West website (by 11/4): http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/wes tms/ Email: Sarah Nystrom: Outdoor Education Coordinator Sarah_J_Nystrom@mcpsmd.org Sturdy footwear (more than one pair of shoes is needed) Jacket/coat Sweatshirts/sweater Hats/gloves Long pants or jeans Pajamas Shirts Socks (lots!) Underwear Waterproof raincoat or poncho Sheets and blanket or sleeping bag, pillow Toiletry items Bag lunch (no glass bottles) 6
Binoculars Disposable (recycling) camera Compass Flashlight Lip balm, sunscreen Insect repellant (non-aerosol) Slippers Shower cap Flip-flops or sandals for shower use Stationary and stamps Pen or pencil Watch Electronic devices Aerosol Sprays Curling Irons Firearms Knives Hair dryers Matches Money Glass bottles Gum, candy, or food ABSOLUTELY NO CELL PHONES FOR ANY REASON! Students must be dropped off at JW at 9:00 AM Bagged lunch-no glass (clearly labeled) One suitcase (clearly labeled) One sleeping bag/pillow/blanket (bundled) Student should be wearing long pants Student should be wearing sturdy shoes Day of Return to JW O Students must be picked up (with their belongings) from JW at 1:00 PM $80.00 per child cash check made out to Julius West Middle School Please write your child s first and last name on the memo line of checks Credit card http://osp.osmsinc.com/montgomerymd Pays for meals, renting camp, nurse, evening programs, and securing medical reimbursement insurance Email Ms. Nystrom if cost imposes a financial hardship Sarah_J_Nystrom@mcpsmd.org Monitor cabin activities Bed time, showers, daily cabin cleaning, etc. Assist with loading/unloading buses Hike into camp Assist with Instructional activities Help in Dining Room Help with Evening activities If interested please fill out Parent Volunteer form and return it to JW. Whitney Geller will contact you with further information: Whitney_E_Geller@mcpsmd.org All medical forms with medicine should be dropped off by a parent to the health room by January 6 Over-the-counter medicine should be new and unopened Questions? Contact: Catherine Kelly (School Nurse) Catherine_O_Kelly@mcpsmd.org Evelyn Berkoh-Asamoah (Health Room Technician) Evelyn_Berkoh-Asamoah@mcpsmd.org Form 525-13 7