October 30th, 2018
Liz Beattie shared the methods and findings of her doctoral study. Her research investigates the ways in which Grade 1 students create meaningful, relevant, scientific and environmental learning experiences during their outdoor free play in an urban forest. Beattie uses a case study approach and ethnographical methods to explore children’s agency in their learning by focusing on the students’ own voices and choices. Her findings indicate the importance of sticks in facilitating the children’s physical connection to the outdoor environment, their exploration of scientific and environmental concepts, and in relating ‘play’ to ‘real life.’