Open Air Classroom

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Our Open Air Classroom programs immerse students in fun-filled, discovery-oriented, adventures in the outdoors. We encourage students to work cooperatively to develop a sense of community and an awareness of their connection to the natural world. Students leave our programs as enthusiastic observers of various habitats, including mixed forests, freshwater ponds, rivers, and the intertidal zone.

“totally engaging and hands-on”

— 4th grade teacher

Activities take place in small study groups of 8-12 students, each led by an experienced field instructor. We challenge students with open-ended inquiry and critical-thinking situations that strengthen problem-solving skills. Our programs are based around 4-H Earth Connections, an experiential teaching methodology that addresses the needs of diverse learning styles, often effectively reaching students who find a traditional classroom atmosphere challenging.

Our programs are designed to be part of the classroom curriculum. Every program is correlated to the State of Maine Learning Results and the Next Generation Science Standards and is further tailored to the curricular goals of each participating class.

For program costs, financial assistance, availability, and to book a program, please contact us at 207.789. 5868 or extension.tanglewood4h@maine.edu.


In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).