Teachers: Get Your Students to Explore the Outdoors
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Hands-on, Outdoor Activities and Education helps Ohio children thrive
COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has teamed with the Ohio Department of Education and others to provide elementary school teachers statewide with resources that will help them use the natural world as their classroom and provide hands-on learning experiences.
Ohio public school teachers who educate children in grades 1-5 are receiving educational resources through the Explore the Outdoors program, which ODNR administers. Each child and teacher will be supplied with an activity guide, and instructors will also be provided with an online resource guide. Available on the Explore the Outdoors web site, www.exploretheoutdoorsohio.com, the manual contains further instructions and additional suggested activities—including some that meet Ohio’s curriculum standards.
“Research has shown that children who are in touch with their natural environment do better in school, have increased creativity and improved concentration,” said ODNR Director Sean Logan. “For example, one study reports that children who learn in an outdoor setting increased their science scores by more than 27 percent.”
The program’s engaging activity guide recommends a variety of fun outdoor activities, including Spot a Bird, Learn from a Naturalist or Find a Fossil. These and many other activities can be done in the classroom. For each activity completed, students will receive a special code from their teacher, which is provided by ODNR. Children who enter at least two correct codes online at www.exploretheoutdoorsohio.com will receive a printable certificate signed by Governor Ted Strickland.
Activities that students cannot complete before the end of the school year can be continued throughout the summer with their families. Families can complete activities at state parks, forests, preserves and wildlife areas throughout Ohio. Some can also be done at local parks, green spaces or even at home.
Selected ODNR facilities and other participating locations will provide Explore the Outdoors participants with the special codes for each activity completed. The codes will be posted at welcome centers and kiosks in ODNR and partner facilities statewide.
The Explore the Outdoors web site provides activity guides for free download and a listing of special Explore the Outdoors events. From camp outs to clean ups, it is a great resource for finding family-friendly outdoor activities.
ODNR appreciates Explore the Outdoors sponsors who share a desire to improve the health of Ohio children and families by getting them outdoors. Sponsors include ODNR Division of Recycling, American Heart Association, American Family Insurance, GreenBird Birdhouses and Whole Foods.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
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