Clear Creek is a bit in the middle of nowhere in the town of Denton, Texas, which was just a quick ten-minute drive away from our school. Sadly, most people who live in Denton have no idea it is even there because it is in such a remote location. There is no admission charge to get in, and there is so much to see and do that you could easily spend an entire day exploring the grounds.
My class has been learning about types of plants, animal classification, rocks and minerals, and different types of soil in science throughout the year, so it was great to take them on a trip to give them a close-up view of the concepts they have been learning about.
Clear Creek provided us with the use of their building, which includes bathrooms, water, a small museum-type area that showcases plants and animals of the area, and various tools to use along your hike, such as flower identification cards, butterfly nets, and magnifying glasses.
Along the way, we discussed the types of plants and trees we were seeing, and I had them point out which trees they thought were deciduous and which ones were evergreen. We have also just started discussing types of soil, so they tried to find humus and silt along the way as well.
There has been much talk lately about the need to increase recess time for children, and I agree. If I could, I would allow for multiple recesses throughout the day for my students. I feel that they need to exercise their bodies, and I think recess is important for their social development as well.
However, I also think more emphasis needs to be placed on children being allowed to go outside and just enjoy nature in general. Many students go on field trips to pricey museums and spend the whole day looking at exhibits that they never even remember afterwards. I had my students take their science journals with them and just record their observations based on what we had learned in science this year. I think they had more fun just getting out and enjoying nature than they would going on yet another field trip to a museum.
Don't get me wrong. I love museums. I just feel there needs to be more time allowed for children to really be outside and appreciate all that the natural world has to offer them.
There have been various studies done and articles written on the importance of children being allowed to play outside, but here are just a few that I have found for your reading pleasure. Enjoy!
