RESEARCH & RESOURCES
Explore a curated collection of research, tools, and guidance to support outdoor learning and environmental education across Virginia. Organized into four branches—academic benefits, social-emotional learning, teaching practices, and agency resources—this canopy grows with your needs.
Academic and Cognitive Benefits of Nature-Based Learning
Nature-based learning enhances academic outcomes, attention, and motivation, with evidence showing positive impacts across test scores, critical thinking, and student engagement.
| discovering_nature_benefits_of_teaching_outdoors.pdf |
| do_experiences_with_nature_promote_learning_.pdf |
| stanford_key_findings.pdf |
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in Outdoor Settings
Learning in nature-rich settings supports students’ social-emotional development by improving self-awareness, resilience, collaboration, and emotional regulation.
| social_emotional_growth_in_school_gardens.pdf |
| social_emotional_benefits_of_learning_in_nature.pdf |
| supporting-social-emotional-learning-in-outdoor-science.pdf |
Practical Tools and Guidelines for Outdoor Teaching
These resources offer practical strategies and curriculum-aligned guidance for integrating outdoor spaces into regular instruction across subjects and grade levels.
| taking_classroom_management_outdoors.pdf |
| schoolyard-habitat-correlations-sciencesol-and-subject-area-content__1_.pdf |
Environmental Education Resources from State Agencies
Suite of free educational tools, professional development, and curriculum-aligned content to support teachers in fostering environmental literacy.
| dwr-environmental-education-resouces-with-education-page-qr-code.pdf |
| teacher_appreciation_-_virginia_wildlife_magazine_with_qr_code.pdf |