1*Outdoor Lab for Denver Public Schools:
Jefferson County schools in Colorado offer Outdoor Education
Laboratory Program, known fondly as Outdoor Lab. It is an experiential learning
program for 6th graders. The students go to an educational facility
in the mountains (Mt. Evans or Windy Peak) and spend a week doing authentic,
hands-on learning that enhances environmental stewardship, awareness, and
appreciation. In the Denver Public School system, there’s no organized program
similar to this one. The students are being moved towards a curriculum tied in
books and are missing the experiential learning aspect.
The need is a creative and
enriching program that challenges students physically and mentally to think
outside the classroom. The cost would come from renting out the facility and
hiring the staff to lead the students. The extra leader positions that are
needed can be covered by High School leaders that would come to volunteer.
The return on investment is that
with a program as unique and enriching as this, students will not only want to
send their kids here in the future, but they would be willing to contribute to
the learning of others in future years. The students who go will come back
excited to learn and use their skills through their work.
When students are shown that people
care about their education by offering unique experiences, they value education
so much more. Students will look forward to becoming a 6th grader to
be able to go on these trips. The society as a whole will begin to value
experiential learning and take steps forward to connect education in all walks
of life.
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