Outdoor & Experiential Learning
Bring science to life with outdoor and experiential learning strategies that inspire curiosity and hands-on discovery. From exploring local ecosystems to engaging in real-world investigations, these resources highlight the benefits of taking science beyond the classroom. Discover ideas, activities, and best practices that make learning active, memorable, and connected to the world.
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Fostering Safe Hands-On Science Environments
Read more: Fostering Safe Hands-On Science EnvironmentsIt’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 22 It’s Time for Science, and it’s time to discuss fostering safer, hands-on science environments! In this month’s podcast, Tom talks to safety expert Dr. Kenneth R. Roy (Director of Environmental Health & Safety for Glastonbury Public Schools in Connecticut) and 2025 Paul DeHart Hurd Award winner Kenneth L. Huff! Dr.…
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Outdoor Learning
Read more: Outdoor LearningA new It’s Time for Science podcast is out and it’s time to talk about taking science education outdoors! Host Tom Racine converses with Dr. April Holton and educator Elisa Slee about outdoor learning and the value it brings both students and teachers. Tom also talks with Erica Beck Spencer about the history and importance of…
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Taking Science Instruction Outdoors with FOSS
Read more: Taking Science Instruction Outdoors with FOSSMoving instruction outdoors is something that teachers and students both enjoy. Beyond just providing a welcome change of scenery and a break from the usual routine, research has shown that outdoor learning offers a number of benefits to learners. Benefits of Outdoor Instruction While educators may want to embrace outdoor lessons, the challenge of executing…
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Set Goals and Prepare Your Science Classroom for Back to School
Read more: Set Goals and Prepare Your Science Classroom for Back to SchoolAs an educator, welcoming students back to school takes preparation. From stocking the science shelves to potential changes in curriculum and lesson plans, getting a head start is helpful. Once the school year starts, trying to squeeze in planning during your lunch period or early in the morning can quickly lead to teacher burnout. Set…
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Summer Science at Home with Nature Journaling
Read more: Summer Science at Home with Nature JournalingThis month on It’s Time for Science, it’s time to talk about summer science at home and nature journaling! Host Tom Racine talks with John Muir Laws, a principal innovator in the global nature journaling movement, as well as curriculum specialist and educator Erica Beck Spencer. Tom talks with John Muir Laws about nature journaling…
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Nature Journaling with Expert John Muir Laws
Read more: Nature Journaling with Expert John Muir LawsOne warm morning, as my husband and I sat on our front porch, we heard an odd, loud, piercing cry. Soon, a medium-sized hawk flew to the top of the house across the street. It was hard to look away, but I decided I had to try to get my camera to capture the moment.…
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Extended Learning Opportunities
Read more: Extended Learning OpportunitiesThis month on It’s Time for Science, it’s time for extended learning! Host Tom Racine talks with Dr. Bryan Méndez about the upcoming solar eclipse and curriculum specialist Erica Beck Spencer about getting kids outside. Tom talks with Dr. Méndez about what an eclipse is, including what to expect from a total solar eclipse, how to…
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Getting Families Involved in Science
Read more: Getting Families Involved in ScienceIt’s Time for Science! In this episode, host Tom Racine talks with Leonor Rebosura from Newark Unified School District and Kimberly Astle from the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. We also remember the life and legacy of FOSS co-director Larry Malone. Leonor Rebosura Leonor Rebosura, Director of Teacher Induction at Newark Unified…
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Taking Science Education Outside
Read more: Taking Science Education OutsideIt’s Time for Science—outdoors! At the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) conference in Atlanta, host Tom Racine interviewed two amazing educators about the importance of going outside when you teach. Autumn Rivera Autumn Rivera, the 2022 Colorado Teacher of the Year and a Finalist for National Teacher of the Year, discusses the importance of taking…
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Science Instruction Outside of the Classroom
Read more: Science Instruction Outside of the ClassroomLet’s Take It Outside Re-energize student (and educator) interest throughout the school year with a change of scenery and take students outdoors for science lessons! What better subject than science for teaching outside of the classroom? Benefits of Learning Outdoors Science is the study of the natural world, so there are many opportunities for teachers…