Teachers

Name: Tiny Explorers Meetup
Start: 2017-09-19T18:00:00+00:00
End: 2017-09-19T19:00:00+00:00
Location: Sam Johnson Park

The Children’s Forest of Central Oregon has the goal of providing all children and youth in Central Oregon first hand connections with nature by providing meaningful, inspirational, and interdisciplinary education programs. By partnering with school districts, the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon expands the reach of environmental education programs and provides resources for teachers that address barriers to outdoor learning. Whether you are considering your first field experience or have been leading them for decades, we’re here to help.

Environmental Education Programs

Our education partners offer 28 different programs for K-12 students in locations across Central Oregon. All programs are aligned with education standards and provide meaningful ways for students to learn science concepts using the natural world as their classroom. To view a complete list of environmental education programs by grade level, click here.

Field Trip Planning

Recognizing that teachers often face many barriers towards bringing classroom learning outdoors, the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon has developed a suite of resources, working to improve access for all students and add value to schools. To read more about field trip planning resources, click here.

Professional Development

In order to achieve our mission of reaching all students in Central Oregon, the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon and our partners offer professional development opportunities for teachers that provide skills for leading effective outdoor lessons. To learn about upcoming opportunities, click here.

Why learn outside?

“When the students are able to learn outdoors, they interact directly with their environment and naturally ask questions and form connections with the science content and the natural world. I see the students’ interest levels increase, and they take more ownership in what they learn.” -Rima Givot, Sisters High School

The studies show...

Nature enhances academic achievement
Studies show that students learn more when they participate in authentic, inquiry-based lessons in the natural environment.
Better performance on standardized tests
A study of 40 schools found that students within an environment-based context showed better performance on standardized tests, increased enthusiasm for learning, and reduced classroom management and discipline problems.
Appeal to students with different learning styles
Symptoms of ADD/ADHD are less severe in students during and after activities in greener settings.