Lesson Plan Green School Reaccreditation
Outdoors Education—Patapsco State Park Hike
5th Grade (Fall)
Objective: To bring students to an outdoors classroom and develop awareness of both the beauty of the natural environment, the importance of habitat protection, and the effects of erosion and construction on the environment.
Essential Questions: What is the value of our natural parks and open spaces? What impact do humans have on the environment? What steps can we take to protect green space around us? What is the benefit of outdoors education?
Material: Digital cameras (iPads), paper and pencil (note taking, sketching), hiking apparel.
Subjects Covered/Skills: English, art, social studies, science, math
Activity: Hike a three-mile loop in Patapsco State Park. Pause to examine and record specific locations. Observation and discussion of specific forces. Reading park-maintained informational signage. Sketching and drawing. Seeking out examples of patterns in nature.
Assessment/Celebration: Lunch by a waterfall. Reflection discussion the following day.
Resources/Partnerships: Maryland DNR state park. Parent chaperones.
Outdoors Education—Patapsco State Park Hike
5th Grade (Fall)
Objective: To bring students to an outdoors classroom and develop awareness of both the beauty of the natural environment, the importance of habitat protection, and the effects of erosion and construction on the environment.
Essential Questions: What is the value of our natural parks and open spaces? What impact do humans have on the environment? What steps can we take to protect green space around us? What is the benefit of outdoors education?
Material: Digital cameras (iPads), paper and pencil (note taking, sketching), hiking apparel.
Subjects Covered/Skills: English, art, social studies, science, math
Activity: Hike a three-mile loop in Patapsco State Park. Pause to examine and record specific locations. Observation and discussion of specific forces. Reading park-maintained informational signage. Sketching and drawing. Seeking out examples of patterns in nature.
Assessment/Celebration: Lunch by a waterfall. Reflection discussion the following day.
Resources/Partnerships: Maryland DNR state park. Parent chaperones.