The Outdoor Learning Podcast

Send us a text! (We can't reply, so include your contact info if you want us to get back to you.)In this episode, Derek and Chris sit down with Nicole Turner to explore the realities, challenges, and opportunities of outdoor learning across grade levels.Nicole shares her journey from outdoor camps to classroom teaching and her work with EcoJustice, along with insights from her master’s research focused on helping teachers increase outdoor learning in their practice. She also discusses the creation of a widely used resource hub designed to make outdoor learning more accessible for educators.A key theme throughout the episode is Nicole’s belief that “small is beautiful.” Rather than focusing on large-scale trips or complex planning, she encourages educators to start with simple, local experiences—using nearby green spaces, schoolyards, and spontaneous moments of curiosity as powerful entry points for learning.The conversation highlights: The ease of inquiry-based learning in kindergarten and early years  How outdoor environments naturally spark curiosity and engagement  The social and emotional benefits of getting older students outside  The importance of revisiting the same outdoor spaces to build connection and familiarity  Strategies for lowering barriers to outdoor learning, including simple planning and resource sharing  The role of community, care partners, and guest experts in enriching learning experiences  The importance of reconnecting students with the natural world and their local environment Nicole also shares practical classroom examples—from ladybug inquiries to bird studies and place-based exploration—that demonstrate how outdoor learning can be both simple and deeply impactful.Links to Nicole's WorkOutdoor Learning Support Document for TeachersBreaking Out of the Textbox - Increasing Outdoor LearningOutdoor Learning Resource Hub - This guide was developed for Saskatoon School Divisions but most of the information should be applicable (with some degree of variance) to any school within the province.Access our research, project ideas and more at:https://engagedstudent.weebly.com/outdoor-learning.html

Send us a text! (We can't reply, so include your contact info if you want us to get back to you.)In this episode of The Outdoor Learning Podcast, we’re joined by Camille S. Edwards and Dan Kriesberg, co-creators of Diversity Education in Nature. Together, they bring decades of experience in DEI work and environmental education, using the natural world as a living classroom to explore inclusion, interdependence, and belonging. We talk about how observing ecosystems—biodiversity, mutualism, and connection—can help educators and communities reimagine what equity and community-building look like, both outdoors and beyond.Camille Simone Edwards is a DEI practitioner of fourteen years and currently serves as the Director of Student Affairs at Friends Academy, a Quaker independent school on Long Island, New York. Dan Kriesberg has been a middle school science teacher and environmental educator for over 40 years at both public and independent schools. He is the author of two books on outdoor environmental education, over 100 articles on environmental education, and essays about his outdoor experiences.Resources: "An Invitation to a Brave Space" by Micky Scottbey JonesConnect with Camille & Dan:Diversity Education In Nature websitehttps://www.dankriesberg.com/Access our research, project ideas and more at:https://engagedstudent.weebly.com/outdoor-learning.html

Send us a text! (We can't reply, so include your contact info if you want us to get back to you.)We meet up with Aron Knudsen, teacher in Saskatoon Public this week. We talk about Land-Based Learning, the importance of community in the classroom, as well as working with your community to create learning opportunities, and how to get students outside in a high school setting. Wildcat, M. (2014). Learning from the land: Indigenous land based pedagogy and decolonization. Decolonization: Indigeneity, education & society.https://www.academia.edu/download/107731720/WildcatEtAl2014.pdfFast, E., Lefebvre, M., Reid, C., Deer, W. B., Swiftwolfe, D., Clark, M., ... & Mackie, R. (2022). Restoring our roots: Land-based community by and for Indigenous youth. International Journal of Indigenous Health, 16(2).https://www.academia.edu/download/79569023/27360.pdfAccess our research, project ideas and more at:https://engagedstudent.weebly.com/outdoor-learning.html

Send us a text! (We can't reply, so include your contact info if you want us to get back to you.)This week we catch up with Jenn Herrod, teacher in Saskatoon Public. She shares with us her Weather Weaving project that she uses with her elementary students. We also talk Affordances, gush about Robin Wall Kimmerer and chat about why Polar Bear Clubs are awesome and how Jenn works hers. Beery, T. (2025). Landscape Pedagogy for Environmental and Outdoor Educators. Environmental Education Research.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13504622.2025.2505188Access our research, project ideas and more at:https://engagedstudent.weebly.com/outdoor-learning.html

Send us a text! (We can't reply, so include your contact info if you want us to get back to you.)This week, we connect with Keri Albert, the creator and teacher of IGen, an intergenerational program for grade 6 students that takes place at College Park School and the Sherbrooke Community Center.  She shares with us how intergenerational learning provides “real-life” learning and why it is important for students to learn in these kinds of environments and the kinds of things that they might encounter in long-term care that they might not have the chance to learn anywhere else.If you want to learn more about the iGen program, they have their OWN podcast talking about the program and how it works in more detail. It's called, Welcome to iGen.Chris's Research CornerGreg Mannion, & Claire Adey. (2011). Place-Based Education Is an Intergenerational Practice. Children, Youth and Environments, 21(1), 35-58.Access our research, project ideas and more at:https://engagedstudent.weebly.com/outdoor-learning.html

Send us a text! (We can't reply, so include your contact info if you want us to get back to you.)Today we connect with Ian Wilson, a long time Principal in Saskatoon Public. Ian is a strong supporter of outdoor learning. We chat a bit about his experiences with Outdoor Learning , things that he does to support and encourage outdoor learning in the teachers that he works with, and he shares some ways that teachers can help bring their administration to become supportive of their use of outdoor learning.If you would like to connect with Ian Wilson, you can reach him at [email protected]' Research CornerOberle, E., Zeni, M., Munday, F., & Brussoni, M. (2021). Support factors and barriers for outdoor learning in elementary schools: A systemic perspective. American Journal of Health Education, 52(5), 251-265.Access our research, project ideas and more at:https://engagedstudent.weebly.com/outdoor-learning.html

Send us a text! (We can't reply, so include your contact info if you want us to get back to you.)In this episode, we kick off season 2 with a conversation between the two of us about some of the things we have been working on this past summer that are designed to support other outdoor educators in taking their students out of the classroom and into the natural environment.These include identifying some of the challenges that specifically outdoor learning teachers face and potential solutions to those challenges, a how to take your students camping handbook, and a tried and true risk management handbook.  All of these have been worked on in collaboration with a bunch of experienced outdoor learning educators and are available on the website listed below.In this episode, we delve a little deeper into the risk management portion of the website today giving an overview of what you will find on the website and sharing some stories from our own outdoor learning experiences.Access our research, project ideas and more at:https://engagedstudent.weebly.com/outdoor-learning.html

Send us a text! (We can't reply, so include your contact info if you want us to get back to you.)In today's episode we meet up with a former student from Derek's program, Chance Blythe, to talk about his experiences in Outdoor Learning as a student throughout his educational career and how it might connect to his future goals of becoming an educator. Chris' Research CornerRichmond, D., Sibthorp, J., Gookin, J., Annarella, S., & Ferri, S. (2018). Complementing classroom learning through outdoor adventure education: out-of-school-time experiences that make a difference. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 18(1), 36-52.Access our research, project ideas and more at:https://engagedstudent.weebly.com/outdoor-learning.html

Send us a text! (We can't reply, so include your contact info if you want us to get back to you.)Derek and Chris talk with Maxine and Brianna, a dynamic duo of primary teachers from one of the Nature schools in the Saskatoon Public School Division.We talk about nature-based learning in the early years and primary context, how to enrich literacy instruction through the outdoors through vocabulary and hands on connection to ideas along with common challenges and concerns and how they navigate them. Chris' Research Corner article:Waite, S. (2007). ‘Memories are made of this’: Some reflections on outdoor learning and recall. Education 3–13, 35(4), 333-347.Access our research, project ideas and more at:https://engagedstudent.weebly.com/outdoor-learning.html

Send us a text! (We can't reply, so include your contact info if you want us to get back to you.)Chris and Derek join Sandy Chocan to talk about Cree Language, Land-Based Learning, Cultural Camps and students' need to build a connection to the land. Sandy also shares about the Circle of Courage and how Outdoor Learning can help teachers to authentically connect students to all aspects of it. Chris' Research Corner article: Brendtro, L. K., Brokenleg, M., & Van Bockern, S. (2013). The Circle of Courage: Developing Resilience and Capacity in Youth. International Journal for Talent Development and Creativity, 1(1), 67-74.Access our research, project ideas and more at:https://engagedstudent.weebly.com/outdoor-learning.html

Send us a text! (We can't reply, so include your contact info if you want us to get back to you.)Chris and Derek connect with Gabby, a grade 8 teacher in Saskatoon Public who regularly uses Outdoor Learning in her classroom. We talk about pedagogical choices, how to work through challenges, and finding ways to communicate our intent with outdoor learning with students, admin and parents. Access the things Gabby mentioned including her behavior checklist and blanket parent email here: Gabby's ResourcesChris' Research Corner article: Oberle, E., Zeni, M., Munday, F., & Brussoni, M. (2021). Support factors and barriers for outdoor learning in elementary schools: A systemic perspective. American Journal of Health Education, 52(5), 251-265.Access our research, project ideas and more at:https://engagedstudent.weebly.com/outdoor-learning.html

Send us a text! (We can't reply, so include your contact info if you want us to get back to you.)In this episode we connect with Evan Nienaber, a teacher from Saskatoon Public. We talk about getting started with Outdoor Learning, affordances, relationships, failure and learning and how all those parts are connected. We also talk about releasing control and not always being the expert in the classroom. Evan shares a little about his checklists that he uses to stay organized with outdoor learning. Finally, we share some mistakes to learn from.Research Resources: Available through your learning institution.Fiskum, T. A., & Jacobsen, K. (2013). Outdoor education gives fewer demands for action regulation and an increased variability of affordances. Journal of Adventure Education & Outdoor Learning, 13(1), 76-99.Maynard, T., Waters, J., & Clement, J. (2013). Child-initiated learning, the outdoor environment and the ‘underachieving’child. Early years, 33(3), 212-225.Resources from Evan: Camp ChecklistsShekinah tent prep sheetPike Lake Prep SheetBrightwater Prep SheetApp Camp Prep SheetAccess our research, project ideas and more at:https://engagedstudent.weebly.com/outdoor-learning.html

Send us a text! (We can't reply, so include your contact info if you want us to get back to you.)Our guest for this episode is Mandy Cooper who has been teaching for over 10 years and has been teaching Let’s Lead – Nikanetan for the past 6 years.   In our conversation with Mandy, we talk about Project Walk and Talks with Mandy and how she uses them with her students to connect them to the places where they live and make the learning relevant.  Mandy also shares how she connects her students with an elder to learn about sage and start their tradition of smudging for the year.  As always, we wrap our podcast with a conversation about some of the mistakes that we have made and the lessons we learned in the hopes that our listeners can learn from our mistakes in their own pursuit of outdoor learning.   Research Resource from today’s episode:  Scott, G., Boyd, M., & Colquhoun, D. (2013). Changing spaces, changing relationships: the positive impact of learning out of doors. Australian Journal of Outdoor Education, 17(1).  (Article is available through your learning institution.)Check out Mandy's How to Use Guide  and then read through some example project walks:Water WalkArt WalkHistory/Herstory/Theirstory through Public ArtMandy also shared some similar in idea projects with us  - Make An Impact projects that can be adapted to various content. Spirit Bear Calls to ActionCalls to Action Brainstorming TemplateMake an Impact on Truth and ReconcilliationMake an Impact on the Moosehide CampaignAccess our research, project ideas and more at:https://engagedstudent.weebly.com/outdoor-learning.html

Send us a text! (We can't reply, so include your contact info if you want us to get back to you.)Get Outside 101 ConferenceSaturday, October 5University of Saskatchewan in the Education BuildingHead over to https://saskoutdoors.org/event/get-outside-101-saskatoon/ to register for this awesome Outdoor Learning experience! Access our research, project ideas and more at:https://engagedstudent.weebly.com/outdoor-learning.html

Send us a text! (We can't reply, so include your contact info if you want us to get back to you.)Our guest for this episode is Nancy Barr who has been teaching for over 20 years, and has used outdoor and out of school learning to build relationships with community members.  In our conversation with Nancy, we talk about learning on and from the land, building relationships both with the land and with each other, and how Nancy prepares her class for going outside and offers advice for how to get started.  We wrap our podcast with a conversation about some of the mistakes that we have made and the lessons we learned in the hopes that our listeners can learn from our mistakes in their own pursuit of outdoor learning. Research Resource from today’s episode:  Simpson, L. B. (2014). Land as pedagogy: Nishnaabeg intelligence and rebellious transformation. Decolonization: Indigeneity, Education & Society, 3(3), 1-25.  Available at:  https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/des/article/download/22170/17985/ Nancy’s Go Bag Itemized List:School stuff- the things you need for policy/procedures if you school or division- student list with phone numbers-first aid kit- medications for students- any other paper work to take with while leaving a buildingNancy stuff- things I always take- pencil case with class set  of pencils ,a few erasers and a couple sharpeners - Kleenex- garbage bags (2)- a few sharpies and pen- money - small knife- tampons and a couple pads -also good for first aid needs- my community card - these are Business card sized. On one side is the school logo and the other is blank. I get kids to write positive messages or thank you notes  or other things on them to pass out in the community. - Hackie-sacks or jacks or other small games for kids to use like a frezbee - lighter/matches/bbq lighter - paper or pad I add things as needed or in season like a couple pair of mittens or sunscreen or perhaps socks and a toque. Access our research, project ideas and more at:https://engagedstudent.weebly.com/outdoor-learning.html

Send us a text! (We can't reply, so include your contact info if you want us to get back to you.)Just in time for a new school year! In this episode we gathered with Nancy Barr, Evan Nienaber, and Skyler Haugen, a group of outdoor educators, for a round table discussion on how we start off our year in a good way. We talk about first day ideas, building relationships, and procedures and progressions for taking kids outside for learning. Resources:The Best of Us HandoutAccess our research, project ideas and more at:https://engagedstudent.weebly.com/outdoor-learning.html

Send us a text! (We can't reply, so include your contact info if you want us to get back to you.)Our guest for this episode is Brad Watts, an experienced outdoor learning educator, who in his words, has been teaching for about 20ish years.  He literally started his teaching career as a result of being able to take students on a camping trip.  He was one of the teachers in the Let's Lead-Nikanetan experiential leadership grade 8 program in Saskatoon.  In our conversation with Brad, we talk about how outdoor learning is curricular, how we need to release control and let students take the lead in their own learning and what that actually looks like.  We also talk a little bit about assessment and how Brad evaluates the time spent outside.  We wrap our podcast with a conversation about some of the mistakes that we have made and the lessons we learned in the hopes that our listeners can learn from our mistakes in their own pursuit of outdoor learning.Research Resource from today's episode:  Canadian Paediatric Society. (2024). Healthy childhood development through outdoor risky play: Navigating the balance with injury prevention. Retrieved from https://cps.ca/en/documents/position/outdoor-risky-playAccess our research, project ideas and more at:https://engagedstudent.weebly.com/outdoor-learning.html

Send us a text! (We can't reply, so include your contact info if you want us to get back to you.)This podcast is about Outdoor Learning.  Derek and Chris, two experienced outdoor educators, will be having conversations with each other and other outdoor educators about various practical aspects of using outdoor learning.  Our goal is to provide educators who are new to outdoor learning and those who are experienced with ideas on how to start using the outdoor environment in their education practice and ways to expand how to use it more.Access our research, project ideas and more at:https://engagedstudent.weebly.com/outdoor-learning.html