Oregon’s youths are increasingly learning about the state’s natural resources through online lessons in the classroom. Because experiential learning is increasingly recognized as a valuable learning opportunity, Oregon State University Extension Service’s Forestry and Natural Resources program designs, delivers and evaluates immersive educational experiences for K-12 school groups, private educational programs and homeschooled youths at the Hopkins Demonstration Forest about 20 miles south of Portland.
Under the guidance of knowledgeable OSU Extension educators or trained volunteers, students are encouraged to ask questions, seek solutions and delve into the natural environment to uncover answers.
The partnership between OSU Extension’s Forestry and Natural Resources Outreach and Engagement Program in Clackamas County and Hopkins, a privately owned non-profit managed by Forests Forever Inc., provides students with mentored, grade-appropriate programming tailored to inspire curiosity and hands-on learning. The 140-acre working forest serves as an expansive outdoor classroom, equipped with all necessary tools and resources for inquiry based, exploratory and service-learning projects.
Under the guidance of knowledgeable OSU Extension educators or trained volunteers, students are encouraged to ask questions, seek solutions and delve into the natural environment to uncover answers. This approach empowers students to apply their ideas in real-world contexts, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. An average of 5,000 students participate in the educational programs each year.
These enriching experiences are accessible to any interested group free of charge, ensuring that all students can benefit from this unique, nature-based educational setting.
- Elementary school students engage in sensory activities such as scavenger hunts or leaf rubbings to observe plants, animals and ecosystems. This fosters curiosity and basic observational skills. Wildlife habitat lessons introduce concepts of habitats and the needs of living organisms, often through interactive storytelling or simple experiments.
- Middle-school students delve into more complex topics, such as food webs and energy flow, often through field studies and data collection. Hands-on experiments and water testing help students understand the water cycle, its impact on the environment and the importance of conservation.
- High school students explore topics like forest management, biodiversity and ecological balance through in-depth fieldwork and research projects. They engage in service-learning projects, such as trail maintenance or habitat restoration, fostering leadership, teamwork and a sense of community responsibility.
The transformative outdoor educational experiences leave a lasting impact on both students and adult educators/chaperones. Many students express that their visit marks the first time they’ve ever ventured into a forest, engaged in hiking, exploration and learning not just as part of a class, but also during their personal time.
Teachers and adult leaders often highlight how these activities bring out the best in their students, particularly those who may struggle in traditional classroom settings. The forest environment allows these learners to excel, demonstrating abilities and confidence that might not surface in a conventional academic context. This experiential learning approach fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world, while also enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The true testament to the value of these educational opportunities lies in the consistent return of school groups and the thousands of student days logged at Hopkins each year through OSU’s efforts. These repeat visits underscore the demand and necessity for such programs, as educators recognize the profound benefits of linking classroom lessons to real-world experiences. The learning moments at Hopkins become valuable reference points that teachers integrate into their curriculum, reinforcing classroom concepts with tangible, real-world applications.
The educational programs at Hopkins Demonstration Forest provide immense value to the public by fostering a connection between youths and the natural world. By offering inclusive, nature-based learning experiences, these programs promote environmental stewardship, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. They ensure that all students, regardless of background or abilities, can engage with and learn from nature, thereby nurturing a generation of informed and responsible citizens who are better equipped to address future environmental challenges.