California Outdoor School Curriculum Guide.

Overview & Synopsis

This curriculum guide seeks to contribute vision to the values and goals of outdoor education and to show their relevance to all curricular areas. Direction is provided for developing and implementing a dynamic curriculum in outdoor education. The guide is divided into three sections. Section I addresses the informational needs of administrators and curriculum specialists. It includes a definition of, and outcomes for, outdoor education; a description of a resident outdoor school; a review of relevant research and learning theory; and consideration of ways to maximize the impact of the outdoor school. Section II outlines the California State Department of Education components as they apply to the resident outdoor school curriculum. It also includes 11 pre and post outdoor school lesson plans and other curricular ideas for the classroom teacher. Section III articulates to teachers and administrators effective avenues to involve parents in supporting and facilitating the outdoor education program. Guidelines are presented, along with suggested learning activities. Contains 92 references organized by section and chapter. An appendix contains California education codes related to outdoor education. (LZ)