Term
Summer 2026
Capstone
Capstone Project
Degree Name
MAT
Facilitator(s)
Shelly Orr and Jana Lo Bello Miller
Content Expert
David Soltero
Abstract
This project seeks to address the research question: how to develop a standards-aligned, nature-based field trip program that promotes authentic scientific inquiry for middle school students and supplements their learning? This project consists of a five-week ecology unit designed for 7th grade students that incorporates a nature-based field trip component as an anchoring phenomenon. Key influences of the curriculum from the literature review include the integration of inquiry-based instruction alongside the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), three-dimensions of science learning, and influences of nature-based, place-based programming throughout the unit and within the field trip component. Research suggests that hands-on, explorative, and place-based learning promotes the most authentic forms of scientific inquiry for students and promotes long term interest in, and connection to, nature. An effective unit curriculum that incorporates an outdoor, nature-based program must include intentional design to promote inquiry-based learning while addressing the needs of students, schools, and the facility implementing the program. This design aims to guide future curriculum designs and potential partnerships between schools and environmental education facilities.
Project Type
Curriculum
Keywords
Curriculum, Science, Nature-based Education
Recommended Citation
Sopp, Tasha, "Supplementing Middle School Students’ Science Education With a Unit Design that Incorporates Outdoor, Nature-based Programming" (2026). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects. 1193.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_cp/1193
dc_type
text
dc_publisher
DigitalCommons@Hamline
dc_format
application/pdf
dc_source
School of Education Student Capstone Projects