By Danielle, East Norriton Bulldog Bulletin reporter | Sixth-grade students took their classroom outside for several weeks last spring to identify the nature all around them. Many found something new or interesting through their “In My Backyard” project.
Students explored Barrington Park, which is a public park next to East Norriton Middle School. They were allowed to choose a topic of interest and then investigated it. Students said they really enjoyed this activity.
Dr. Dave Garbe, a scientist with the Pennsylvania Society of Biomedical Research, spoke to the sixth graders recently. He loves to spend time outside. “It is always good to breathe fresh air and be outside in the natural air and natural light,” he said. “We live in rooms that are not naturally lit and breathe processed air. It is good to be outside.”
This student assignment is more than just learning about a specific topic. It is also helping to keep students healthy.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says learning outside is key to helping children develop healthy bodies and minds. By being outside, experts say, students are moving their bodies and getting physical activity as well as fresh air and sunshine, which all help growth.
The CDC also says that learning outdoors can give students new experiences that can help improve grades, attention span, and behavior.
East Norriton teachers weighed in on the topic of learning outside.
“Learning while staying physically and mentally healthy sounds like a good plan to me,” said art teacher Mrs. Kelly.
School nurse Mrs. Zangara feels being outside is good for your body and soul. She said she is outside a lot.
“I’m working on a flower garden, so I go outside and garden. I also walk a lot, so I put on my headphones and listen to nice music and walk around,” she said.
Mrs. Zangara also says learning outside can help you in school. “I think being in nature is great because you use every sense, you hear birds chirping, smell the flowers, feel the sun on your face, and it helps you feel grounded in life,” she said. “It also helps you relax so you can open your mind to learn.”
If you ever get stressed about homework or anything at school, try going outside and taking a minute for yourself in nature.
Illustration by Emily, East Norriton M.S., 2023–24.
