Term
Spring 2023
Capstone
Capstone Project
Degree Name
MAED: NSEE
Facilitator(s)
Maggie Struck
Content Expert
Liz Denn and Jan Zapata
Abstract
The research question addressed in this capstone was, how can a nature-based setting support inquiry learning in early childhood education? It documents the author’s professional experiences and how they provided inspiration for the capstone topic and project. The author complies research that examines learning environments in early childhood education, curriculum to support learning in a nature-based setting, and partnerships involved to ensure outdoor learning success. The project includes a complete researched based proposal plan and presentation to transform a courtyard space within a school, into a nature-based classroom. The proposal plan highlights the benefits of nature-based spaces for early childhood students, detailed blueprint designs accompanied by a list of materials, and an estimated budget along with grant and funding options. This paper concludes with the author’s reflection of the capstone process, the implications, and limitations of this project, and how this project can be expanded for future growth. The author found that a nature-based setting within a public school not only helps promote inquiry- based learning but provides the young learners of a community the opportunity to learn outdoors.
Project Type
Business Plan
Keywords
Community Building, Early Childhood, Proposal, Nature- Based Learning
Recommended Citation
Zapata, Alaina, "Developing A Proposal Plan To Create Nature-Based Classrooms In Early Childhood Settings To Support Inquiry Learning" (2023). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects. 928.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_cp/928
Type
text
Publisher
Hamline University
Format
application/pdf
Source
School of Education Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations at Hamline University