Outdoor Science Learning Archives - UNC Institute for the Environment

Focus on Outdoor Science Learning

We prepare teachers to take their students out into local environments for authentic and relevant learning experiences using direct hands-on experiences in school grounds and local natural areas such as state parks. Participants in these programs typically experience gains in their confidence and sense of efficacy in teaching science generally, as well as teaching science outdoors, after completing the program.

Projects

three students monitor water quality in a stream in the woods.

Geoscience and Environmental Health Internships

This high school student science enrichment program is a partnership between the UNC-Chapel Hill Institute for the Environment, UNC-Pembroke, and Robeson Early College High School. This program is free for students.

People look at a sediment core in a pond.

Geoscience Teaching Outdoors in NC

Geoscience Teaching Outdoors in NC is designed to engage middle and high school STEM teachers and their students in hands-on, inquiry-based activities to support student learning about earth and environmental science.

a group of teachers and park rangers at Pilot Mountain State Park

Schools in Parks Collaborative

A year-long professional development program for elementary teachers and NC State Park rangers to foster collaborative development of memorable learning experiences for students in State Parks.

Outdoor Science Learning Resources

3rd Grade | Force & Motion on the Playground (PDF)
3rd Grade | Plants (PDF)
4th Grade | Animal Adaptations (PDF)
4th Grade | Rocks & Minerals (PDF)
5th Grade | Ecosystems & Interdependence (PDF)
5th Grade | Weather (PDF)
Beaver Adaptations (PDF)
Biodiversity Soup! A Look at Lake Ecology (PDF)
Bird Identification Hike (PDF)
Exploring the Geographical Region and Ecosystems of the Tar-Pamlico Watershed (PDF)
Fox: An Ecosystem Name Game (PDF)
Go Outdoors! Tips & Tricks (PDF)
Habitat Adventure Trail (PDF)
Habitat Adventure Trail – Answer Key (PDF)
Habitat Adventure Trail – Instructions (PDF)
Have You Ever? Natural Science Icebreaker (PDF)
Holly Discovery Trail (Lake James) – Instructions & Answer Key (PDF)
Holly Discovery Trail Scavenger Hunt (Lake James) – For Students (PDF)
Incredible Plant Adaptations (PDF)
Nature Journaling Prompts (PDF)

CPES Focus Area: Outdoor Science Learning

Outdoor Science Learning