K-12 Day Programs at the Lathrop E. Smith Center

Maydale Early Childhood Environmental Science Program

Guidelines for Planning

Each year students are brought to one our Outdoor Education Centers Day Programs to explore the outdoors and collect data through a series of highly engaging learning opportunities. These activities deliver the curriculum at each grade level. The students use their background knowledge and classroom skills to make predictions about what they will observe or encounter in the various ecosystems at the Outdoor Education Center. Data is collected and brought back to the classroom for further evaluation. The students read, write and create works that show what they have learned during the Outdoor Education Day Program. These programs are available to all MCPS students at no charge.

Academic Content – Integrates environmental education with reading, writing, math, science, social studies, visual art, music and physical education.

Environmental Education – Develops an understanding and appreciation for the environment at an early age.

Community Involvement – The Outdoor Education Program provides training for parents to participate in the program as instructional leaders and facilitators.

*Please note that programs are scheduled in the beginning of the school year. At this time, all Day Programs are booked through the end of the 2005-2006 MCPS school year.*