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The increase in science knowledge was maintained six to ten weeks following program
participation, with no significant loss in science scores.
CONCLUSIONS
Fifty-six percent of the treatment group reported that outdoor school represented the first
time they had spent time in a natural setting. Participation in outdoor school was associated with
higher ratings of conflict resolution skills and cooperation (longer-term student assessments), and
environmental behaviors (parent reports). Strong evidence of the benefits of outdoor school is
seen in teachers’ ratings of students – students who attended the program received significantly
higher ratings than children who did not participate in six of eight constructs: self-esteem,
conflict resolution, relationship with peers, problem solving, motivation to learn, and behavior in
class. Children who attended outdoor school significantly raised their science scores by 27
percent, as measured by a pre- and post-survey administered immediately upon their return to
school. The increase in science knowledge was maintained six to ten weeks following program
participation, with no significant loss in science scores. The positive outcomes associated with
students’ participation in the five-day outdoor science school are impressive, especially given the
relatively short timeframe of the program.
Convention