5 Outdoor Classroom Ideas for Schools, Colleges and Universities

Outdoor learning is an educational approach that in recent years has quickly gained traction across schools, colleges and universities in Australia. An important educational tool, outdoor learning can be used across a variety of different subject areas. Outdoor learning environment ideas include science experiments, group exercise and geographic experiments. Getting outdoors for learning also can offer a variety of educational benefits such as increased creativity, imagination, and improved focus and concentration. Outdoor learning can also encourage increased socialisation, practical learning experience, environmental awareness and new approaches to creativity making it an indispensable tool for education centres.

Outdoor Classroom Idea for Preschools and Playgroups

For young children outdoor play is important, being an introduction to the outdoors and also where they learn to identify important cues for socialising with others. Outdoor classrooms can be set up to incorporate a variety of different playground ideas and outdoor learning initiatives.Outdoor classroom set- ups can include different seating options, with colour included for young children. The outdoor furniture can be manoeuvred to support outdoor classroom learning initiatives, these include:

• Outdoor Art Projects
• Sensory Play Areas to educate about textures and materials.
• Gardening and permaculture initiatives
• Outdoor Music and Movements
• Outdoor Reading Areas

Outdoor Classroom Ideas for Schools

Nationwide across Australia there are increased incentives for outdoor learning to be incorporated into everyday teaching methods. Outdoor classrooms assist this through designated outdoor learning areas and upgraded playground ideas for schools. For children at both a primary and secondary education level outdoor learning can be incorporated in the following ways:

• Outdoor Science lessons set up to measure different biological elements.
• Outdoor Classrooms for environmental issues such as composts and recycling.
• Outdoor Art Installations
• Spatial Maths Awareness activities e.g., circumference, estimation
• Horticulture initiatives.

Outdoor Classroom Ideas for Colleges

For colleges, outdoor learning activities are still relevant with students, with a broad range of possible benefits. As students within colleges make up an older youth age range, the variety and type of outdoor learning needs to be catered to suit their requirements. With college students, outdoor classroom furniture should be a larger size and aimed at encouraging socialisation and team collaboration. Ways in which outdoor classrooms can be utilised include:

• Fieldwork, surveys, and Data Collection,
• Brainstorms for design projects e.g., design spaces, sustainable buildings, and renewable energy systems.
• Environmental science projects e.g., tree planting and ecosystem restoration.
• Hosting outdoor workshops and seminars.

Outdoor Classroom Ideas for Tafes

Tafes can incorporate outdoor classroom ideas into the physical and practical components of their learning curriculum. As many Tafe courses involve practical learning initiatives, with physical firsthand experience, outdoor classrooms can be utilised to better inform their learning. Outdoor Classrooms can enhance learning experience in the following ways:

• Horticulture and Landscaping Initiatives e.g., plant propagation, pruning and garden design.
• Sustainable energy and resources teaching- Utilising Outdoor Classrooms to Educate about topics like sustainable energy, water conservation, and renewable energy initiatives.
• Outdoor Hospitality Lessons looking at alfresco dining, BBQs, event planning, food hygiene initiatives.
• Outdoor Leadership and Management-looking at key skills in risk management, group dynamics and decision making for outdoor recreation facilities.

Outdoor Classroom Ideas for Universities

For Universities outdoor learning activities can be a great way for professors to further engage students creatively. Having a designated outdoor learning space, equipped with outdoor furniture can be shared across a range of subjects. Different ways in which outdoor classrooms can be used for universities include:

• Outdoor Research and Fieldwork- includes collecting data and surveys.
• Sustainability Projects- Includes designing green spaces and sustainable landscaping initiatives.
• Community Outreach- Engaging in stakeholder initiatives such as community consultations and activism initiatives.
• Outdoor Media and Storytelling Projects- Outdoor classrooms can be utilised for outdoor media initiatives in the creation of documentaries, podcasts, and social media campaign creation.

Conclusion

Across all educational levels outdoor classrooms help promote the benefits of outdoor learning, for schools, preschools, universities, tafes and colleges. Outdoor classrooms may offer a range of benefits including focus and critical thinking, increased opportunities for hands-on learning, improved socialisation opportunities, increased engagement opportunities with the community, and reduction in stress. This makes for an attractive addition to any education institution, providing a new and innovative way of learning. It is worthwhile thinking about the ways in which outdoor classrooms can be utilised to enhance the learning experience. Here at Felton Industries, we have a range of Outdoor Classrooms well suited to outdoor learning activities. From sheltered outdoor seating, engaging colour for interaction, versatile outdoor learning spaces and seating for larger groups.

How Felton Industries can help

At Felton Industries we understand the demands of the Australian climate and as a wholly Australian owned and operated business, we have developed the highest quality outdoor seating solutions for schools. This means premium quality aluminium furniture, with safety at the heart of our design, alongside comfort, durability, and a modern, practical approach. Our outdoor classroom range incorporates a wide selection of outdoor classroom packages. Furniture included within the packages are bench seating, sheltered seating a wide range of table settings and educational bin enclosures. For the most suitable outdoor learning initiative for your educational institute get in touch with our friendly sales team on 1800 834 016.