Building Outdoor Learning Capacity in Idaho
GrantID: 10454
Grant Funding Amount Low: Open
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: Open
Summary
Grant Overview
Encouraging Outdoor Learning with Classroom Animals in Idaho
Idaho's unique geography and rural landscape present significant challenges for educators seeking to engage students in meaningful and relevant learning experiences. With approximately 33% of Idaho's schools located in rural areas, teachers often struggle with limited access to resources and opportunities for field-based learning. Many students come from agricultural backgrounds, yet the existing educational frameworks do not effectively integrate hands-on, experiential learning that connects them with their environment.
The primary beneficiaries of this funding will be teachers and students from rural schools, where classroom resources are particularly scarce. Educators often encounter difficulties in igniting interest in subjects like ecology and biology, especially when students are disconnected from the natural world that surrounds them. The incorporation of small animals in the classroom will serve as a bridge to outdoor learning, allowing students to engage with local ecosystems in a more tangible way.
Funding from this grant will enable teachers to purchase and care for small animals, creating a hands-on learning environment that extends beyond traditional classroom walls. This initiative seeks to provide teachers with the training necessary for effective outdoor education techniques, enabling them to utilize the natural resources available in Idaho as teaching tools. By blending animal care with lessons in biology and ecology, students will gain valuable insights into environmental stewardship while developing essential skills related to responsibility and teamwork.
In Idaho, the promotion of outdoor learning experiences is particularly important due to the state’s diverse landscapes, which include mountains, rivers, and vast agricultural lands. The initiative aims to illustrate the connection between animal care and environmental science, making lessons more relevant and engaging. This approach not only improves educational outcomes but also fosters a sense of belonging and place-based identity among students.
Overall, the implementation of this grant will play a pivotal role in enriching the educational experiences of Idaho's teachers and students. By enhancing outdoor learning opportunities through animal engagement, this initiative will pave the way for students to develop a deeper understanding of biology, strengthen their connection to local ecosystems, and foster community relationships. Compared to other states, Idaho's emphasis on leveraging its rural landscape and agricultural heritage through this initiative offers a unique opportunity for hands-on learning and community engagement.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
