John A. Cooper, Mooreland Elementary, Mooreland, OK
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Appropriate for grades 4-6.
OVERVIEW: The key element to a successful environmental
conservation program is education. The younger the student
becomes informed about conservation, the easier it is to encourage
continued study. This program stresses the "hands-on" approach.
If the program is exciting and challenging to students, they will
learn whether they realize it or not.
The program at every turn has the student's best interest as a
basis. This reasoning is supported by responses received not only
from students but also their parents. Evidence of the success of
our program is in the readiness of our students to attempt and
learn new concepts of the environment and its natural resources.
The concept of outdoor education is not a new idea to education;
however, our program over the past two years has involved 220
students and the idea was new to them. Orienteering, soil and
water conservation, forestry, minerals, wildlife, and basic
first-aid are disciplines of study in our program.
PURPOSE: Living in a small farming community, many of our students
have a basic understanding of outdoor education. However, we also have
students who have very little contact with the natural environment
outside city limits. This program is designed to enhance the knowledgeable
students awareness as well as introduce inexperienced students to various
facets of their natural environment. We believe this exposure will emphasize
the importance of conservation and create an interest in nature and
conserving the natural environment.
OBJECTIVES:
1. To help students better identify different types of trees,
grasses, and soils found in our area.
2. To help students identify and understand wildlife, habitat,
and conservation ideas.
3. To help students understand the importance of soil and water
conservation.
4. To help students understand the importance of basic
first-aid.
5. To introduce and increase students' proficiency in the use of
a directional compass in the art of orienteering.
6. Engage students' ability in problem solving situations.
7. Help students understand the importance of team concept and
cooperation.
8. Increase self-reliance and confidence in completing a
difficult and seemingly unattainable goal.
ACTIVITIES: The activities which follow are intended to help
student attain the previous list of goals as well as a better
appreciation and understanding of the environment.
1. Students will participate in a one (1) week course of
instruction on the proper use and interpretation of a
directional compass. This encompasses the use of cardinal,
inter-cardinal, and degrees of direction in determining the
proper course of transit.
2. Students will participate in a one (1) day field trip
conducted on 160 acres of land with a wide variety of
terrain.
3. Students will be divided into four groups and will attend
four 45 minute classes on the following areas; soil and
water conservation, forestry, wildlife identification and
conservation, and first-aid. These classes are conducted by
individuals trained and working in their respective field.
Our program each year has the three basic classes of soil and
water conservation, forestry, and wildlife identification and
conservation. The fourth course is determined by the
interest of the students.
4. The afternoon will be spent in navigating orienteering
courses designed for each grade level using the skills
developed in the one week preparation course presented in the
classroom and on the playground. These courses range in
length from 3/4 of a mile to 1 1/2 miles. The fourth grade
course is designed to use cardinal directions; the fifth
grade course is designed for cardinal and inter- cardinal
directions; while the sixth grade course is set on degrees.
Using this basic plan for the courses, the students progress
each year to a more challenging course and thus increase
their proficiency in the use of a compass.
RESOURCES/MATERIALS NEEDED: YOUR BEST RESOURCES ARE YOUR OWN IMAGINATION
AND THE IMAGINATIONS OF YOUR STUDENTS!!!!
TYING IT ALL TOGETHER: This program not only involves students and teachers
in our school but students and teachers from other communities. The patrons
in our community are as eager to attend the outdoor education program as are
our students. This year we had 106 students involved, and 39 sponsors were
present. The sponsors range from parents and grandparents to people in the
community that just love to be around young people. This is a program that
will not only have students working together but will encourage the support
and interest of the community. Through hard work, dedication, and cooperation
with the community, this program will continue to grow and prosper.
Click here to return to OFCN's Academy Curricular Exchange
Click here to return to OFCN's Academy
Click here to return to OFCN's Main Menu
John Kurilecjmk@ofcn.org