Outdoor Learning Training | Professional Development for Nature-Based Education. Enhance your teaching with outdoor learning training! Discover professional development courses that equip educators with skills and strategies for effective nature-based education, fostering creativity and engagement outdoors

Step 2 Video: Introduction to Stage One

Step 2 Video: Introduction to Stage One

Step 2 Video: Introduction to Stage One is the first video you will watch on the day of training. Watch this before you start the coursework. It will give staff a warm up game to do and then how to do the coursework.

Outdoor learning videos

Outdoor learning videos

Trainees need to watch this clip Step 1: Whole School Introduction Video before their whole school training starts. It will be prepare them and walk them around the site.

Well-being Outdoor Walk Template

Well-being Outdoor Walk Template

Use the Well-being Walk Template to hand to parents to do with their children so they can engage and reflect on the impact the outside can have on emotions.

Inner Tree Template

Inner Tree Template

Use our Inner Tree Template as part of the stage four training programme task but also use as an in-class activity to help promote wellbeing.

Pre-Training Pack

Pre-Training Pack

This is for whole school training customers. Use the Pre-Training Pack to give out to trainees at least one week before the sessions are to start. This will prepare them and save you time on the day.

Primary Outdoor Lesson Plan

Primary Outdoor Lesson Plan

Use Primary Outdoor Lesson Plan as part of Stage Two of The Muddy Puddle Teacher accredited training.

Outdoor Learning Risk Benefit

Outdoor Learning Risk Benefit

Use Muddy Risk Benefit as part of your accredited training tasks. Use this as a sample to show the risks and benefits to those risks.

Muddy Puddle Teacher Handbook

Muddy Puddle Teacher Handbook

Use Muddy School Policies as part of evidence for the accredited stage one process of the training. This policy will help you develop good standards and practice to our approach.

The Great Muddy Audit

The Great Muddy Audit

The Great Muddy Audit is for those engaged with stage one of the MPT accredited training. It allows trainees to reflect on their training and make the most of their outdoor spaces.

*FREE*Summer Holiday Ideas UKS2

*FREE*Summer Holiday Ideas UKS2

Use Summer Holiday Ideas to hand out to parents and their children over the summer period, filled with lots of educational and wellbeing tasks to keep families active while bonding.

Isolation Packs for Early Years

Isolation Packs for Early Years

Use this fabulous Isolation Packs for Early Years to help parents educate at home. Educating at home the muddy way means happy memories for all!

*FREE*School Holidays Ideas Pack Tots

*FREE*School Holidays Ideas Pack Tots

Provide parents with a School Holidays Ideas Pack with a difference! This incredible resource will give parents ideas to encourage learning in a fun, engaging way.

The Benefits of Teaching Science Outside: Enhancing Learning and Engagement

In an era where education is rapidly evolving, teaching science outside has gained traction as an effective and engaging approach. Outdoor learning offers numerous benefits that enhance the educational experience, making science more tangible, interactive, and enjoyable for students. Let’s explore the many advantages of taking science lessons outdoors and how this method can significantly impact students’ understanding and appreciation of the subject.

Benefits of Teaching Science Outside

1. Enhances Engagement and Interest

Teaching science outside captivates students’ interest by immersing them in a natural environment. The hands-on experiences make scientific concepts more relatable and exciting. External Resource: Edutopia – The Benefits of Outdoor Education Internal Resource: Muddy Puddle Teacher – Outdoor Science Experiments

2. Improves Understanding and Retention

Experiential learning helps students understand and remember scientific concepts better. Observing phenomena firsthand reinforces theoretical knowledge. External Resource: American Psychological Association – Experiential Learning

3. Promotes Physical Health

Outdoor science lessons incorporate physical activity, which promotes overall health and well-being. Physical movement helps improve concentration and cognitive function. External Resource: Harvard Health – The Benefits of Exercise Internal Resource: Muddy Puddle Teacher – Outdoor Learning Guides

4. Encourages Environmental Stewardship

Learning about science in nature fosters a sense of environmental responsibility. Students develop a deeper appreciation for the environment and the importance of conservation. External Resource: National Wildlife Federation – Connecting Kids with Nature

5. Enhances Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

Outdoor learning encourages students to observe, hypothesize, experiment, and draw conclusions. These activities develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. External Resource: ThoughtCo – Critical Thinking

6. Provides Real-World Learning Contexts

Teaching science outside connects classroom lessons to real-world contexts. Students can see the practical applications of their learning in everyday life. External Resource: Education World – Real-World Learning

7. Improves Social Skills and Teamwork

Outdoor science activities often require collaboration, enhancing students’ social skills and ability to work as a team. Group projects and experiments foster cooperation and communication. External Resource: Edutopia – The Importance of Collaboration

8. Inspires Curiosity and Exploration

Being in a natural setting stimulates curiosity and a sense of exploration. Students are more likely to ask questions and seek answers, driving a deeper interest in science. External Resource: National Geographic – The Benefits of Outdoor Exploration

9. Supports Differentiated Learning

Outdoor settings cater to different learning styles and paces. Students who struggle in traditional classrooms may thrive in a more dynamic and interactive environment. External Resource: Edutopia – Differentiated Instruction

10. Promotes Mental Health and Well-Being

Nature has a calming effect that can reduce stress and anxiety. Learning in a serene outdoor environment promotes mental health and well-being. External Resource: Mind – Nature and Mental Health

11. Provides Opportunities for Multidisciplinary Learning

Outdoor science lessons can integrate other subjects such as math, geography, and art, providing a holistic educational experience. External Resource: Teach Starter – Cross-Curricular Teaching

12. Enhances Sensory Development

Outdoor science activities engage all five senses, enhancing sensory development and helping students make more meaningful connections with the material. External Resource: Sensory Integration Education – Sensory Play

13. Encourages Active Learning

Active learning is more engaging and effective than passive learning. Outdoor science lessons require students to participate actively, which enhances their learning experience. External Resource: Active Learning – Benefits and Strategies

14. Builds Resilience and Adaptability

Learning outside involves dealing with changing conditions, which helps build resilience and adaptability in students. They learn to cope with and adapt to different situations. External Resource: Building Resilience in Children

15. Promotes Joy and Fun in Learning

Finally, learning science outside is fun! The joy and excitement of outdoor activities make learning more enjoyable and memorable for students. External Resource: The Benefits of Outdoor Play

Recommended Outdoor Science Resources from Muddy Puddle Teacher

To help teachers incorporate outdoor science lessons, Muddy Puddle Teacher offers a range of valuable resources:

  1. Outdoor Science Experiments
  2. Outdoor Learning Guides
  3. Environmental Education Resources
  4. Nature-Based Lesson Plans
  5. Sensory Play Resources

Conclusion

Teaching science outside offers a wealth of benefits that go beyond traditional classroom learning. From enhancing engagement and understanding to promoting physical health and mental well-being, outdoor science lessons provide a holistic and enriching educational experience. By integrating outdoor science activities into their curriculum, educators can foster a lifelong love of learning and a deeper appreciation for the natural world in their students.