Reopening schools will require new or modified procedures for everything from classroom configuration and educational plans to arrival and departure schedules, transportation, and health screenings. Schools will need to attend to more than just physical well-being and academic learning. COVID-19 disruptions are causing a dramatic increase in childhood trauma, creating additional strain on educators and families. Community-based environmental and outdoor education programs can help to address these dire needs and discrepancies through innovative partnerships and educational investments and policies. This guide, developed by North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) and members of its Affiliate Network (ICEC is the Iowa affiliate), presents information and strategies for how community-based environmental and outdoor education programs can help schools to equitably reopen during and after the COVID-19 crisis.
NAAEE EE Guidance for Reopening Schools (PDF)
Online learning tools and resources from NAAEE
This page will become a clearinghouse of resources available in Iowa to help teachers, consultants, administrators with learning in the outdoors.
- Iowa PBS Iowa Science Phenomena Project
- Iowa PBS Iowa Outdoors
- Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation Virtual Learning Resources
- Blank Park Zoo Lessons at Home