This publication covers the planning and design of school grounds for outdoor learning in new and existing K-12 facilities. Curriculum development as well as athletic field planning and maintenance are not covered although some references on these topics are provided. It discusses the different types of outdoor learning environments that can be…

This paper presents a campus tour assignment in a first-year undergraduate environmental studies course at York University, Toronto, Canada. As a pedagogical tool, the assignment enables students to interrogate the dominant narratives of a university's immediate physical spaces and to apply broader theoretical and practical concepts to their…

A work-based experience project, sponsored by the education and planning departments and Prince of Wales Committee, was set up in West Glamorgan. The project engages students in sowing/planting, provides areas for environmental study and brings variety and life to student backgrounds. Project activities are discussed. (JN)

Mayhill school is built on one of seven hills in the town of Swansea. The school's location and the view it provides forms the basis of an integrated project undertaken with 11-year-olds. The project involves constructing viewpoint trails and investigating/studying their specific features. Study skills fostered and procedures employed are…

Describes the Land Development Game, a role-playing exercise designed to introduce in simple terms the complex processes by which land is sold, bought, planned, and built upon. Includes game context (indicating use with large/small groups), objectives, and instructions. "Role sheets" needed for the game are also provided. (JN)

Suggests that contrary to popular perception, children are becoming increasingly alienated from the natural environment, especially for play. A study done in Leeds, United Kingdom investigates how the outdoor play of today's children differs from that of their parents' generation. Findings include issues for planners and landscape architects…

The RAFT technique (Santa 1988) is a writing strategy that helps students understand their "Role" as a writer, the "Audience" they will address, various "Formats" for writing, and the expected "Topic" or content. This article discusses the RAFT writing strategy used by the students to address land development issues. The authors facilitated…

In response to a Board of Trustees request for information and recommendations concerning the future use of the Gold Creek property owned by the Los Angeles Community College District, this report emphasizes that the use of this site for instructional field experiences enhances the quality of environmental education for the district's diverse…

Describes advantages that high schools have in schoolyard greening projects (such as budgets and student maturity), how to involve multiple departments, use of extra-curricular opportunities, and how to sustain student interest. (PVD)

The interrelationships among living things and their physical environment are usually numerous and complex. Benefits to animals may be in terms of survival, growth, and reproduction; to humans, greater appreciation and accumulation of wealth. This guidebook shows how school grounds can be managed to increase opportunities for improved instruction…

Describes the successes of a cross-curricular environmental education program in England. Keys to success include tapping into networks of local and national contacts, recognition for student projects and competitions which give students confidence and sometimes help fund extra projects, curriculum audits to ensure that all students receive…

An ESEA Title III project, the Outdoor Laboratory and Community Nature Center was conceived, planned and implemented within a three year period (1974-77). During the first year, which was primarily a planning year, specialists in various areas related to environmental studies were consulted. The project director traveled considerably to observe…

Building a pond in a schoolyard is a rewarding way to help boost local populations of amphibians, to increase the natural value of school grounds, and to serve as a locale for observing the life cycles of plants, invertebrates, and amphibians. This article outlines important considerations in designing and building a pond from siting through…

Describes a wildlife garden developed on school grounds which converted a large, derelict quadrangle into an outdoor classroom used by staff across the curriculum. The area was divided into various habitats including ponds, mini-woodlands, herb garden, hedgerows, wildflower meadow, and bird borders. Preparatory work and projects generated are…

Describes a long-term scheme to develop a pond, nature trail, and tree-planting project (in Cornwall, England). The project was designed by teams of students. Plans included a large pond, meadow area, sequential cuttings of school fields to encourage insects, butterfly garden, extensive tree plantings (including a dwindling native species), and a…