Blue Swallow Farm Foundation

Have you ever studied a place that you were interested in and finally had a chance to visit? The Blue Swallow Farm Foundation created this reality for some students who had never seen the Chesapeake Bay. One of our highlights this year was sponsoring students and teachers to the Maryland Association of Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) Youth Summit at Sandy Point State Park held on May 30, 2024, by covering transportation and registration costs. The learning community of students participated in numerous environmental exhibitions through hands-on, engaging activities to learn about Earth’s habitats and ecosystems as well as receive recognition for renewing their school’s Sustainable Green School Status. The organizing teacher wrote, “One of the most amazing parts of the day was witnessing our students observe the Chesapeake Bay, many for the first time, and some insisting on wading in.” Thank you to all of our donors and sponsors who made this experience possible! And thank you to Phoebe Hester for capturing the day in this art work entitled “New Horizons.” #OutdoorLearning #EducationResearch #CurriculumDesign #TeacherResources #ResearchCenter #NatureEducation #ExperientialLearning #OutdoorClassroom #STEMeducation #HandsOnLearning #OutdoorEducation #LearningOutdoors #NatureBasedLearning #EducationalResources

Last spring, through corporate sponsors and individual donations, the Blue Swallow Farm Foundation sent students and teachers to attend the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education Youth Summit. We would like to continue supporting these types of programs. Thank you to our fundraiser sponsor, Thanksgiving Farms, for selling bouquets to help us with our mission. Please considering visiting Thanksgiving Farms from 7/19-7/21 to help us build our educational programs.

While the school year has just ended, at the Blue Swallow Farm Foundation, we are getting ready for the 2024-2025 school year by planning teacher professional development on how to meet state required mandates in the outdoor classroom. We wish all educators a fun and restful summer!   #OutdoorLearning #EducationResearch #CurriculumDesign #TeacherResources #ResearchCenter #NatureEducation #ExperientialLearning #OutdoorClassroom #STEMeducation #HandsOnLearning #OutdoorEducation #LearningOutdoors #NatureBasedLearning #EducationalResources

It was a pleasure attending the Veverka Family Foundation Grantee Convening today. We are looking forward to partnering with Washington County Public Schools MD for the 2024-2025 academic year. #OutdoorLearning #EducationResearch #CurriculumDesign #TeacherResources #ResearchCenter #NatureEducation #ExperientialLearning #OutdoorClassroom #STEMeducation #HandsOnLearning #OutdoorEducation #LearningOutdoors #NatureBasedLearning #EducationalResources

Many educators have noted that natural specimens can be a valuable resource and display their personal collections in the classroom. Having a naturalist collection developed through a student naturalist club and as a school-wide resource can enhance the effectiveness of instruction, elevate student excitement for learning, and offer new avenues for creativity. Even better, involving students in building, operating, and maintaining a naturalist collection as a club member can be an impactful opportunity. Learners are capable of participating in many tasks throughout the process while providing free loan resources to teachers and acknowledging their role in advancing the learning of their peers within the school community. At the same time, these students will learn about scientific topics in great detail as they conduct research to create a system, including the use of the Linnaean classification system, often used in museums of natural history. Read more about building a naturalist collection in the schools: https://lnkd.in/eZbBmTUS   #OutdoorLearning #EducationResearch #CurriculumDesign #TeacherResources #ResearchCenter #NatureEducation #ExperientialLearning #OutdoorClassroom #STEMeducation #HandsOnLearning #OutdoorEducation #LearningOutdoors #NatureBasedLearning #EducationalResources

Thank you to all our donors and sponsors at our recent online auction. You are making it possible for children to engage in authentic outdoor experiences as part of the school day. We are looking forward to an exciting third year as we work with educators, administrators, and stakeholders to improve the well-being of children, encourage environmental stewardship, and spark a passion for STEM careers. For more information visit https://lnkd.in/eMHs85rr   #OutdoorLearning #EducationResearch #CurriculumDesign #TeacherResources #ResearchCenter #NatureEducation #ExperientialLearning #OutdoorClassroom #STEMeducation #HandsOnLearning #OutdoorEducation #LearningOutdoors #NatureBasedLearning #EducationalResources

Remember those days spent playing outdoors and camping with your family? Those moments weren’t just fun – they were filled with valuable lessons and unforgettable memories that connected us deeply with the environment.   But here’s the thing: not every child gets to experience those same adventures. Many kids around the world miss out on the simple joys of being outside. Some have never even seen the beach, despite living just minutes away. Can you believe it?   Naturalists share heartbreaking stories of children who’ve never witnessed fruit growing on trees, or high schoolers who can’t tell a cow from a horse. It’s a reality check that reminds us of the urgent need to reconnect kids with nature.   That’s where we come in at the Blue Swallow Farm Foundation. We’re on a mission to change that narrative by bringing enriching outdoor experiences in the heart of the school day. From building outdoor classrooms to crafting engaging curriculum resources, we’re all about giving kids the chance to learn, explore, and connect with nature.   And here’s where you come in: by joining our annual auction, you’re not just bidding on items – you’re investing in the well-being of children worldwide. With your support, we can continue working with educators across the country and beyond, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in the great outdoors. So, let’s make a difference together. Let’s create lasting memories, inspire a love for nature, and empower the next generation of environmental stewards. Thank you for being part of our mission!   Follow the link to learn to our online auction: https://lnkd.in/eMPwfV3D   #OutdoorLearning #EducationResearch #CurriculumDesign #TeacherResources #ResearchCenter #NatureEducation #ExperientialLearning #OutdoorClassroom #STEMeducation #HandsOnLearning #OutdoorEducation #LearningOutdoors #NatureBasedLearning #EducationalResources  

Work Workers Rebecca Bland Washington County Public Schools Rebecca Bland shares how to teach composting to fifth graders with red wigglers. The year-long vermiculture (“worm culture”) project, supported by the science department at WCPS, enriches the fifth-grade educational experience in a number of ways. First of all, it spotlights the importance of decomposers in the study of food chains and webs. The up close and personal nature of vermicomposting motivates students to consider the busy world that lies beneath their feet when they are outside - a world upon which their lives depend. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eCUDhBjm #OutdoorLearning #EducationResearch #CurriculumDesign #TeacherResources #ResearchCenter #NatureEducation #ExperientialLearning #OutdoorClassroom #STEMeducation #HandsOnLearning #OutdoorEducation #LearningOutdoors #NatureBasedLearning #EducationalResource

Engaging in community-based scientific projects during the school day can truly leave a lasting impact on students. Picture this: A shy student, who hadn’t ventured outdoors in ages, found solace and excitement while learning about water quality under a tree canopy. Or a high schooler, aspiring towards a career in STEM, felt a surge of gratitude for the chance to delve into substantial research usually reserved for older students. At the Blue Swallow Farm Foundation, we’re on a mission to make these life-changing experiences accessible to K-12 students everywhere. Whether they’re diving into environmental youth summits, conducting action research in their own communities, or collaborating on citizen science ventures alongside seasoned professionals, we’re passionate about nurturing student well-being, STEM ambitions, and a sense of environmental stewardship. You have the power to fuel this mission by joining our online auction from May 4-8. Not only will you discover unique experiences and gifts, but you’ll be lending a hand in supporting educators who are shaping the next generation through enriching outdoor activities. Let’s create a brighter future together! #OutdoorLearning #EducationResearch #CurriculumDesign #TeacherResources #ResearchCenter #NatureEducation #ExperientialLearning #OutdoorClassroom #STEMeducation #HandsOnLearning #OutdoorEducation #LearningOutdoors #NatureBasedLearning #EducationalResources

Designing Outdoor Classrooms: Transforming Learning Spaces for Nature Connection Lily Claire Taylor James Madison University   Creating an outdoor space can be a lot of work, but the benefits exceed that work! By providing that outdoor space, students have the opportunity to connect with nature while learning. While placing logs outside is effective, there is a lot of potential in elevating the functions of outdoor classrooms. In this article, we will explore some of the ways the James Madison Students of Industrial Design innovated or enhanced the outdoor learning space.   #OutdoorLearning #EducationResearch #CurriculumDesign #TeacherResources #ResearchCenter #NatureEducation #ExperientialLearning #OutdoorClassroom #STEMeducation #HandsOnLearning #OutdoorEducation #LearningOutdoors #NatureBasedLearning #EducationalResources     Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/erxkrZXP