Outdoor Education in Hamlin’s Lower School is rooted in our Science program and the belief that nature is one of the world’s greatest teachers. Through “nature sits”, journaling, art, and the study of local ecosystems, students build and strengthen their powers of observation and begin to see how life is a series of relationships to which we are all connected.
One huge benefit of our temporary relocation to the Presidio during the 2019-2021 school years while our main campus was under construction was access to outdoor space. We took the opportunity to use the outdoors as a classroom as much as possible while there and, after witnessing the astute observations and connections our Lower School students were able to make, we are continuing our Outdoor Education on a regular basis now that we are back at our main urban campus. This includes trips to the Presidio and other local parks, growing plants in the classroom, integrating lessons and projects from the forest into our classrooms, and teaching and learning on our brand new outdoor science terrace!
Outdoor Education is also woven throughout our curriculum. For example, in Grade 4 students explore the concept of biomimicry – the idea that we can learn from nature to make positive change in our community. Students learn about some of the incredible technological innovations that are inspired by the natural world and observe nature closely on their own to create their own designs.
As a capstone to our K-4 Outdoor Education curriculum, Grade 4 students embark on an overnight outdoor education adventure for two nights! On this trip, they visit sites like the Marin Headlands or Big Basin State Park to learn to work together as a group to set up, use, and take down a campsite. While Lower School overnight Outdoor Education trips were postponed during the pandemic, we expect them to be up and running for the 2022-2023 school year.