For students who struggle sitting still in a classroom, being outdoors may help improve focus and motivation to learn. Learning while outdoors engages active, place-based learning, and studies show that it helps students improve retention and recall of learned material.A group of students at Hoover High went on a field trip to mountain bike and understand the impacts of human activity on climate change. This was a collaboration between the Principles of Biotech and English teacher who share a group of students. Half the class learned to mountain bike, and for several students it was their first experience on a bike, while the other half of the class focused on understanding plastics, BPA, and the effects that human activity on current climate. Then the groups swapped. Students who might generally struggle to stay focused in a classroom got an opportunity to practice leadership, learn new skills, and, when assessed, to show understanding and engaged inquiry. Hopefully more students will be able to experience learning while outdoors soon!
