outdoor education

The Last Experiment of the Year

All of us in SoWBA enjoyed the recent newsletter about Citizen Science, with Mickenzee's account of the Lincoln Elementary School's citizen scientists my favorite.

SoWBA and the Southern Wisconsin Chapter of Trout Unlimited recently hosted those 4th graders on their and our annual end of the year field trip. For many it's their first chance to see and hold a fish.

Photo by Carolyn Byers

The best day of the Year

The best day of the Year

The 55 fourth graders of Madison's Lincoln Elementary School celebrated Earth Day a day early on Friday, April 21. They planted dozens of oak trees along Black Earth Creek and saw some of the storied inhabitants of the creek up close and personal.

Photo by Brenna Marsicek / Madison Audubon

Teaching Outside: Adapting to Online Learning

We’ve reached the middle of August, and for many, the back-to-school jitters are settling in. This year we are all facing change, challenges, and opportunity when it comes to heading back to school—it is both daunting and exciting! This post is going to focus on how to incorporate outdoor learning as many are starting the school year at least partially online. It is an important piece to consider as we focus on connecting with our students and promoting their social and emotional well-being.

Spending time outside is important to the health of our country’s youth. Students are not necessarily going to have a structured recess time as this school year begins, and that may have been some students' only consistent time outside.

How can we promote healthy outdoor habits among our students? Let’s jump in.

Madison Audubon photo