Substituting Traditional Homework With Outdoor Experiences

Research has expressed that traditional homework has more negative effects associated with it than positive ones. Scholars have also concluded that frequent exposure to the outdoors greatly helps in the social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and educational development of students of all ages, especially younger ones. This project takes time to answer the question: How can creating and substituting outdoor experiences for traditional homework increase the time students choose to spend outside when not in school? The curriculum designed for this project focuses on utilizing academic instruction during school hours to expose and educate children on the wonders and sophistication of nature, while also providing activity recommendations to fulfill at home, instead of traditional worksheets. The project involved creating a conceptual approach to the seasonal changes which occur in Minnesota and the adaptations two living systems, birds and trees, endure during these times. The curriculum will primarily be used in both a classroom and outdoor setting, but is adaptable to a variety of environments, time constraints, and age levels. The activities included are designed so that any educator, no matter prior knowledge, can use and implement them effectively. The goal of the project is to help students create a personal connection with nature and the outdoors, while also limiting the recurring theme of traditional homework completion by allowing them the opportunity for more beneficial and appropriate learning outside