Michigan Teachers Exploring Nature: Thinking Beyond Four Walls

Educational reforms, such as No Child Left Behind and Every Student Succeeds, have pushed education toward standardized curricula which rarely connects with students' lived experiences or interests (National Academies of Sciences [NAS], 2022).  Students now spend more time indoors, causing a further disconnect with places outside of the classroom and outdoors in general.  

Currently, there is little science teaching at the elementary levels, leaving pre-service science teachers with little opportunity to observe and practice high-quality science instruction. For elementary students and their teachers, using the outdoors offers the opportunity to use, see and interact with place-based phenomena (an NGSS-aligned practice). Place-based education (PBE) positions the place or location as context, content or both.

This research project will focus on better understanding the impact of increased observation and practicing of place-based, outdoor science instruction on preservice teachers’ science identity. 

During a 3-week experience, participating students will explore their elementary science teacher identities, practice outdoor, nature-based pedagogy, strengthen scientific knowledge, particularly related to ecology and develop place-based teaching and learning practices. The Lansing School District, Ebersole Center, Kellogg Biological Station, MSU's Beal Botanical Gardens and the 4-H Children's Garden will partner with the research team to help make the program an immersive, reflective experience for the participating students. The research team plans to present their work and findings at the 2026 Michigan Science Teachers Association conference.