Nature Immersion Program
Gifted students thrive in a model
of authentic learning. In this hands-on, rich, thematic, choice-based curriculum learners engage in authentic assignments
and tasks that benefit the natural environment while absorbing deep and lasting lessons about environmental science.
These days many gifted children express fear that the world is becoming too polluted and that nature is being destroyed.
Engaging in activities that actually benefit nature help gifted children to process their feelings and provide a way to
empower them. Learning by doing is a model by which most gifted learners internalize knowledge. This program immerses the
student in a learning experience of environmental science, art and humanities. Students also discover the impact small choices
can have on big things such as our oceans, our communities and the world at large.
The
primary theme of this curriculum is the hands-on project of restoring an urban creek. Students learn about the importance
of watersheds in the environment and how to protect them. They learn about native plants and invasive species. They learn
in-depth about soil and water. Learners see and experience wildlife up close and personal. This program is deeply rich
in biology, biodiversity and ecology, with forays into social justice, humanities and art along the way.
Ample research shows the benefits of a nature immersion program, while less popular in the United
States, hundreds of successful Forest Schools operate in Europe, Australia and other countries. You can
learn details about all that here: Forest Schools. 
