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Outdoor Education Program, based at the Lathrop E. Smith Environmental
Education Center serves students in grades K-12 throughout the county with
two student-centered programs. The residential program provides on-site,
hands-on environmental education experiences  to
the total sixth grade population. Students attend the residential program
for a 3 day/ 2 night program. The two components of the day program serve
students in the elementary grades, as well as secondary and alternative
program students. The center is also utilized by a variety of MCPS programs
and schools for staff development several times each year. The center provides
teacher-training activities that include classes and workshops emphasizing
environmental studies and their application to teaching in the out-of-doors
as well as in the classroom.
Sixth graders at each middle school participate in the residential outdoor
education program. Students are accompanied by their teachers and other
school staff who provide instruction and supervision during their stay.  An
outdoor education teacher, who has already provided planning assistance,
will be on-site for orientation, program coordination, and to provide direct
instruction to students. While in residence, students learn about various
aspects of the environment as they participate in activities that cannot
be carried out at the home school. These activities provide opportunities
to put into practice the thinking processes, skills, and strategies developed
in the classroom. By sharing this twenty-four hour a day experience with
fellow sixth graders, teachers, and high school or parent volunteers, each
student gains a better understanding of others. There is a per student
fee that covers expenses.
The Day Program consists of field trips to the Smith Center or to Maydale
Nature Center. Students participate in a variety of topics of environmental
interest, conduct activities to explore the natural sciences, take part
in living history simulations, and practice the skills associated with
the MCPS science and social studies curriculum. Activities are designed
to be hands-on in nature, highly engaging, and provide students with authentic
learning opportunities. The trips are free except for the cost of transportation
and take place during the school day.
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last updated 12/2007 |
