Posts Tagged "Outdoor education"
Journeying Through the Chesapeake Bay Watershed: A 6th Grade Adventure
May 20, 2024
A Year Set Apart
The Watershed Year is a unique program at Lorien Wood that sets our sixth graders apart from others. It is a year-long exploration of the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River watershed region, where students delve into a curriculum that seamlessly integrates history, science, literature, art, music, and geography. Through this holistic approach, students gain a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between land, people, and water.
A significant portion of instructional time in the Watershed Year is dedicated to hands-on field experiences. Students have the opportunity to explore local streams and rivers, studying the ecology of the region firsthand. This allows them to gain invaluable insights into God's design for watersheds and their role as stewards of the environment. Through various projects and investigations, they also explore the historical and cultural significance of the watershed, drawing connections between past and present environmental issues.
Favorite Field Study Locations: Nature Preserves & Shenandoah Hikes
The Watershed Year includes several field visits to nature preserves and hiking trails in the Shenandoah region. These visits offer students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay watershed while learning about its diverse ecosystem.
Virginia State Arboretum
One of the favorite field study locations is the Virginia State Arboretum, a serene sanctuary boasting diverse plant collections and picturesque gardens. It is the perfect place for nature enthusiasts featuring a robust collection of native and non-native species all in one place. There are wetlands, meadows, test plots for the restoration of the American Chestnut, and different types of landscapes that feature a variety of plant and tree species.
Sky Meadows State Park
Sky Meadows State Park is another class favorite where students can embrace their inner naturalists as they hike through historic landscapes and enjoy breathtaking views of Virginia's Piedmont Region. The park features a Historic estate with a rich colonial and civil war history. Exploring this field excursion offers a unique blend of science, history, and nature, creating a truly enriching experience.
Patuxent Research Refuge
Founded in the 1930s by President Roosevelt, the Patuxent Research Refuge was not only created to preserve a tract of forest and wetlands outside of Washington, D.C., but also to act as a place where wildlife research can take place. That makes Patuxent the only National Wildlife Refuge established to support wildlife research. Studies on climate, endangered species, and habitat are some of the research that happens here. Patuxent serves as an enduring testament to Roosevelt and his "Tree Army," offering students the opportunity to wander its trails and witness the fruits of nearly a century of conservation efforts
Historical Landmarks: Exploring the Past within the Watershed
Exploring historical landmarks is an integral part of the Watershed Year curriculum. Students have the opportunity to visit significant sites that hold both historical and natural importance within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Manassas National Battlefield Park
One of the highlights is the Manassas National Battlefield Park, where students explore Civil War sites amidst picturesque landscapes. This blend of history and nature offers a unique learning experience as students learn about the turbulent realities of conflict during the Civil War. We read about the Battle of Bull Run in an original Harper’s Weekly article and visit the very site of the Civil War’s first brutal engagement. Exploring the battlegrounds where a pivotal moment in our nation's history unfolded is a solemn experience for Watershed students. They come face-to-face with the same fields that soldiers, some not much older than the average 6th grader, encountered 163 years ago, offering a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the past.
Alexandria Archeology Museum
In the heart of Old Town Alexandria, lies the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, where archaeologists are diligently uncovering the city's past to this day. Students have the unique opportunity to engage with and tour the museum alongside archaeologists, collaborating to unravel the mystery behind the discovery of an 18th-century ship buried along the Potomac coast in Alexandria. Through hands-on experiences and learning about dendrochronology, the science of dating events using timber growth rings, this excursion becomes an essential component of the Watershed curriculum.
The Piscataway National Park
Named after the indigenous Piscataway Indians who still inhabit the area, this National Park offers a poignant opportunity to tread upon the ancestral lands of its original inhabitants prior to European colonization. With numerous hiking trails winding through its expanse, students are led along paths affording views of the river, including Mount Vernon, before delving into the woods to identify familiar species like pawpaw, persimmon, various oak, and hickory. As one of their initial outings, practicing species identification remains a fresh endeavor, emphasizing the significance of recognizing common species across different locations.
Our Favorite Overnight Camping Adventure
Sixth Graders participate in three overnight camping trips throughout the Watershed Year. These trips provide an incredible opportunity for students to connect with the environment and learn valuable life skills.
In early Spring, Watershed visits First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach. The crew embark on an adventure through historic Coastal Virginia, where they camp on the historic grounds of Cape Henry, where the Jamestown settlers first landed 415 years ago. Exploring the Bay, our students immerse themselves in the wonders of North America's largest estuary. Students also visit the Virginia Aquarium’s Marine Science Center, increasing their understanding of the Bay’s ecosystem and their role in conservation efforts.
Continuing the Journey
As our sixth graders continue their journey through the Watershed Year, we are excited to witness their growth, curiosity, and appreciation for the natural world and the rich history of our region. The experiences and knowledge they gain during this year have a lasting impact on their understanding of the environment and their role as stewards of the Chesapeake Bay watershed
Exploring Nature's Classroom: The Importance of Outdoor Education
March 01, 2024
Lorien Wood Campus: An Official “School Yard Habitat”
At Lorien Wood, a Vienna private school, we believe that outdoor education offers children the opportunity to explore their rich curriculum in the context of nature. Designated as an official “School Yard Habitat” by the National Wildlife Federation, we are committed to maintaining a campus that helps children become better stewards of God' creation. Inspired by the teachings of Charlotte Mason, our teachers are trained to incorporate outdoor learning experiences into each unit of study to encourage students to engage in observation and grow in intellectual development.
Outdoor Learning in Northern Virginia
When designing outdoor classrooms or learning spaces, we carefully consider how to maximize natural elements, ensure comfort, and promote engagement. By prioritizing a balance between nature and educational needs, we create environments that stimulate curiosity and enhance the overall learning experience. From shaded reading nooks to class discussion areas, every outdoor space at Lorien Wood is thoughtfully crafted to inspire exploration and discovery.
Our Favorite Outdoor Classrooms
We are proud to have 8 unique outdoor classroom spaces that serve different purposes. Here is a snapshot of some of our beloved spaces!
"Bag End": The Hammock Classroom: Nestled amidst the trees, Bag End provides a serene retreat for students to improve mental health and focus. Used mostly for class reading times, this cozy space offers a peaceful setting for students to unwind and immerse themselves in literature.
"The Prancing Pony": Featuring a charming A-frame structure adorned with wisteria vines, The Prancing Pony is a beloved space for a variety of classes. With a long wooden table, stumps for seats, and a chalkboard, it's the perfect setting for math, science, art, and Socratic seminar conversations.
"The Fire Pit": A central gathering place for students, the Fire Pit is a beloved space that is well-used throughout the year, especially during the winter months. The rolling whiteboard allows for interactive lessons, while the warmth of the fire creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere for a variety of classes. And yes, we have been known to roast a s'more or two.
"The Garden": Our community garden boasts 10 raised garden beds for each grade to cultivate throughout the year. There are two seating areas for outdoor lessons in addition to a compost bin. From the rosemary that grows year-round to the carrots and tomatoes planted in the springtime, our students flourish in learning the valuable lessons gained from gardening.
The Impact of Outdoor Education on Mental Health and Learning
One of the key reasons why outdoor education is essential for children is that it improves attention and cognition. Spending time in nature has been proven to enhance focus and concentration, making it easier for children to absorb and retain information. By immersing themselves in a natural environment, children engage their senses and stimulate their curiosity, leading to a deeper understanding of the world around them.
In addition to improving academic performance, outdoor education also teaches children important life skills such as leadership and teamwork. When children participate in outdoor activities, they learn to work together, communicate effectively, and solve problems collaboratively. These skills are not only valuable in an educational setting but also in their future careers and personal lives.
Outdoor education also provides children with opportunities to develop STEM skills. Children learn to think critically, analyze data, and apply scientific concepts in real-world situations through hands-on experiments, nature exploration, and environmental studies. This not only enhances their understanding of STEM subjects but also fosters a deeper understanding of God's creation.
Spending time in nature has also been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while improving overall well-being. Recognizing the significance of fostering our students' mental well-being, we place a strong emphasis on prioritizing outdoor learning experiences. By creating a variety of outdoor learning classrooms, we provide our students with creative spaces that ignite their natural curiosity.
Insights from Lorien Wood's Watershed Teacher & Director of Property Care & Outdoor Adventures
As a teacher at Lorien Wood, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of outdoor learning. It effectively enhances students' creativity, problem-solving skills, and overall well-being. Outdoor education fosters a deeper connection to nature, encourages curiosity, and provides a different context for learning, contributing to holistic growth and development. Whether exploring a nearby forest, conducting experiments in our outdoor science lab, or participating in team-building activities, students gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their surroundings, and their place in the world.
At Lorien Wood, we are committed to providing meaningful outdoor experiences that extend beyond the classroom to inspire, empower, and enrich the lives of our students.