- filed under: Completed Workshops
BC Science Teachers’ Catalyst Conference
It can all be taught outside: Teaching the K-7 science big ideas, core & curricular competencies in your outdoor and garden classrooms
Session description
Participants will be introduced to hands-on, interactive, and joyful ways of naturally engaging children in scientific thinking outdoors. Leave with specific strategies for engaging students in cross-curricular inquiries that can be found in your school yard, garden, and community. This session will share stories of joyful learning, with examples of how we might spark scientific wonder and curiosity in whatever outdoor space you have available. Participants will learn how to weave an emergent curriculum with play, place, and land in the outdoor classroom.
Thank you to everyone who joined in this morning despite the platform’s technical challenges that complicated our start time. Below I have linked resources and blog posts that might be helpful for you as you transition to teaching your science outdoors.
Blog posts you may find helpful
Anchor texts for introducing loose parts play outdoors
Anchor texts for observing seasonal change
Anchor texts for learning about pumpkin life cycles
How to grow pumpkins with kids
How to grow a butterfly garden
What is risky play (link to all supporting organizations listed in this post)
Links to resources shared
Outdoor Learning Store (field guides & magnifying lenses)
Montessori Outlet Botany Materials
Sit spots as a core routine in outdoor learning
Link to The Conversation article for distribution to district leaders
Don’t forget to check out my Pinterest pages for curated ideas from around the world!