NEST Teachers
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What they teach varies, but how they teach share some common core traits. You'll recognize a NEST Classroom when you see it because . . . NEST Students
NEST Teachers
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NEST Teachers employ methods of instruction deemed highly effective by research.
The table below summarizes the teaching practices used by Project NEST.
The table below summarizes the teaching practices used by Project NEST.
Type of instruction |
What is it? A method of teaching that . . . |
How does this method help learners? In addition to supporting Virginia standards of learning (SOL), this method also . . . |
Examples from Project NEST |
Inquiry |
Guides students to pose, research, and address large, overarching questions and related sub-questions. |
Supports active learning. Develops critical thinking. |
All projects infuse inquiry or aspects of inquiry in their activities. |
Environment Based Learning (EBL) |
Uses outdoor places (including schoolyards) as learning labs. |
Grounds concepts in meaningful places. Employs hands-on learning. |
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Project-Based Learning (PBL) |
Challenges students to work together to create a product for a real-world audience, as linked to topic of study |
Encourages high-quality outcomes by addressing real-world needs. Develops success skills:
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4 Strands of Science |
Ensures students don’t just learn science but do science. This is a nationally acclaimed framework for designing science units, modeled on the work practices of actual scientists. |
Engages students in scientific process of
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Meaningful Watershed Education Experiences (MWEEs) |
Engages students in a sustained, watershed-based inquiry that culminates in a student-led conservation project. MWEEs have been mandated by the Commonwealth of Virginia for all public schools. |
Builds environmental literacy skills to promote care of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. MWEEs incorporates elements from all of the best practices above. |
NEST projects in bold above |
It works.
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A growing body of research documents the benefits of nature-based learning.
The resource links below highlight current findings from many peer-reviewed studies. Multiple studies confirm that connecting children with nature: Increases physical and emotional well-being (click link for shareable fact sheet from the National Environmental Education Foundation or NEEF)
For an inspiring case study of one third-grade teacher's successful efforts to integrate nature study and language arts, with strong reading results, click file. ![]()
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