At Panorama Middle School in Panora, Iowa, teacher Mark Dorhout has developed an outdoor education program that connects students with nature and fosters environmental stewardship, according to an article in the Cedar Rapids Gazette (IA) and summarized in Education Slice.
Dorhout has a background in wildlife and fisheries sciences. He emphasizes real-world applications of science through hands-on activities like building birdhouses and conducting water quality tests.
“This has been a long-standing passion of mine,” he says, highlighting the importance of outdoor experiences for students.
The program has gained popularity, with students reporting increased interest in nature and improved engagement in learning.
Brody Steenblock, a former student, notes that the class sparked his interest in prairie conservation, leading him to plant prairie grasses on his family’s farm.
The program not only enhances scientific understanding but encourages students to appreciate their environment and its significance.
Education Slice
