Outdoor Education

In outdoor ed class, pre-k students immerse themselves in discovering nature’s patterns, engaging their senses in the garden, birdwatching, planting seeds, composting and much, much more. These activities aim to foster students' connection with the environment, sparking curiosity and creating a foundation for a love for learning outside.

Kindergarteners embrace outdoor education by immersing themselves in nature's wonders while learning about patterns, habitats, and the five senses. They actively engage in birdwatching, planting seeds, and observing the school garden, fostering a deep connection with the environment. Through weather preparation and outdoor learning, they develop resilience and a love for exploring the natural world.

First-grade students at Epiphany School cultivate an appreciation for nature and practicing skills of exploration. They engage in activities such as harvesting in the garden, neighborhood walks, and creating habitats for native animals using found objects. Through hands-on experiences, they learn about organisms, native plants, and animal traits, eagerly preparing for spring gardening while contributing to the Epiphany Student Garden and supporting the community through the school's annual pop-up farmer's market.

Second-grade students explore the changes in seasons through neighborhood walks, tree investigations, and scavenger hunts. They utilize their senses to observe evidence of seasonal changes and make connections to their own lives and peers. Engaging in activities like habitat hunts and bird-watching, they gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of living organisms and their environments.

Third graders explore animal adaptation through a common creature—the squirrel. They engage in scavenger hunts to observe animals, ask questions, and conduct research to deepen their understanding. In the spring, they garden-plan, explore math concepts, plant seed starts, and learn about plant survival needs through hands-on learning experiences in nature.

Fourth graders study stormwater, investigating its causes and impacts in urban settings. They examine different surfaces on campus, identify problem areas, and explore solutions such as permeable pavement and rain gardens. Additionally, they participate in planting activities, while also learning about Leave No Trace principles to minimize environmental impacts.

Fifth graders explore the ecology of their schoolyard and the Madrona neighborhood while developing teamwork skills. They delve into vocabulary such as ecosystem, abiotic, and biotic, applying their knowledge through activities like item collection walks and research projects on regional plants and animals. Additionally, they gain an understanding and commitment to environmental stewardship, learning about Leave No Trace principles, conducting trash decomposition experiments, and designing eco-friendly garden structures.