Term
Summer 2024
Capstone
Capstone Project
Degree Name
MAED: NSEE
Facilitator(s)
R.A. Neal
Content Expert
Mac Sergeant
Abstract
This project aimed to answer the question, how can special education teachers provide outdoor learning opportunities for neurodiverse students? The benefits of outdoor learning are well-researched and documented. Spending time in nature reduces stress levels and positively impacts mental health. However, many neurodiverse students in special education settings have limited access to outdoor learning due to concerns about safety, accessibility, and lack of training in environmental education for special education teachers. The need for access to outdoor learning is especially true for students in more restrictive special education settings. This project addresses barriers by providing outdoor learning opportunities that are accessible and can be used in the classroom, outside of the building, and in the community's outdoor green spaces. It includes 20-30-minute learning activities with visual supports commonly used for neurodiverse students in special education settings. The capstone project, Creating Outdoor Learning Opportunities For Neurodiverse Students: An outdoor learning curriculum for neurodiverse students, was created to support special education teachers in providing outdoor learning opportunities.
Project Type
Curriculum
Keywords
Curriculum, Special Education
Recommended Citation
Barnes, Erin, "Creating Outdoor Learning Opportunities For Neurodiverse Students: An Outdoor Learning Curriculum for Neurodiverse Students" (2024). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects. 1071.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_cp/1071
dc_type
text
dc_publisher
DigitalCommons@Hamline
dc_format
application/pdf
dc_source
School of Education Student Capstone Projects