One group of students will remember this year as the year of getting their sneakers muddy as they dug into a variety of hands-on opportunities in the great outdoors.
Oakley Elementary fifth-graders spent the entire school year fully immersed in a one of a kind outdoor learning experience known as “Muddy Sneakers.” Muddy Sneakers is an outdoor science education program that serves fifth graders in North Carolina’s public schools.
“We introduce students to the wonders of the natural world through experiential outdoor education aligned to North Carolina’s essential science standards,” said Muddy Sneakers Communications Manager Erica Brown. “We strive to instill in students a lifelong love of nature and inquiry while enhancing academic achievement, inspiring the joy of living, and reinforcing the interconnectedness of all things.”
Students learned about a variety of science concepts including weather, energy, and aquatic ecosystems.
“The highlight was when students tried their hands at a scientific experiment by getting into the water,” Ms. Brown said. “Students learned how to safely collect and identify organisms in the creek in order to determine the ecosystem's health. Kids collected and identified organisms like crayfish, immature mayflies and dragonflies, salamanders and more.”
For some students, this was the first time exploring some of the local parks and forests in the Asheville area. Fifth grade teacher Zack Brown could not wait to get involved with the program and open new doors for students.
“I wanted to give students the opportunity to learn about science outside, in nature, doing hands-on activities in small groups,” Mr. Brown explained. “This has pushed a lot of the students outside of their comfort zones, but they have risen to the challenge. Students have learned about themselves and science concepts in a deep way that I think they'll really remember.”
One student said this fifth grade year was one to remember, and (he/she) is excited to see what awaits in middle school.
My favorite part about Muddy Sneaks was getting to be outside and in an environment different from school.” said fifth grader Jazayah. “It made learning science fun. I cannot wait to do more activities like this in the future.”
Mr. Brown hopes to continue partnering with Muddy Sneaker for future students to experience at Oakley. If you wish to learn more about the program please visit their website at muddysneakers.org to learn more.
