Wild and Barefoot

  In a world where information is increasingly accessible at our fingertips, traditional classroom-based learning is evolving. Place-based learning is an innovative educational approach that seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world experiences.   One of the primary strengths of place-based learning lies in its ability to move beyond the traditional confines of a classroom. Instead of just memorizing facts and concepts, students are encouraged to venture outdoors, conduct experiments, making observations, and experience topics they have read about and learned about. This hands-on, experiential learning cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deep appreciation for the world around them.   My sons and I recently did a unit on frogs. We learned about their adaptations, life cycles, native vs. invasive species, and their importance to the ecosystem. We chose Frog Lake as one of our outdoor classrooms.   Frog Lake in the Mount Hood Wilderness p