Why is Metro involved with outdoor school?
One of Metro’s primary goals is to promote sustainability in our region, including protecting and restoring the environment through waste reduction. Although residents of the metro region are recycling more, the total amount of waste discarded has continued to rise, highlighting the need to educate and engage young people – the decision-makers of tomorrow – in protecting the health of our environment.
Research shows that outdoor science education programs offer students opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills in ways that add value to their everyday experiences, showing direct cause and effect of their actions, as well as having a positive effect on their long-term memory because of the memorable nature of the setting. Enhancing the waste reduction education these students receive in an on-site, hands-on environment strengthens the lessons being taught, helping to increase behaviors related to environmental sustainability.
Scheduling for 2020-21
Due to coronavirus-related restrictions, Outdoor School will not be operating at any sites this spring. Instead, a Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) curriculum will be offered to schools/districts that normally contract with Multnomah Education Service District or Northwest Regional Education Service District for their outdoor school programming. For more information, contact:
Multnomah Education Service District
Contact: Jennifer Basham, Coordinator
503-257-1600
[email protected]
Northwest Regional Education Service District
Contact: John Jackson, Supervisor
503-614-1645
[email protected]