Bringing History to Life
Discover how outdoor environments can enhance chronological understanding, empathy, and interpretation of historical sources.
Place-Based Inquiry
Learn to use local historical sites, memorials, and landscapes to anchor rich inquiry tasks and immersive storytelling.
Creative Interpretation
Explore strategies for using outdoor drama, role-play, and artefact exploration to make the past tangible for learners.
About the Course
This course explores how outdoor learning can enrich the teaching of History across all levels of schooling. Designed to inspire educators, this module offers practical strategies to connect students with historical inquiry through the natural and built environments around them. Educators will explore how to develop engaging, place-based historical activities that align with curriculum standards while cultivating critical thinking, cultural empathy, and a deeper understanding of change over time.
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Meet Your Instructor
Luke Parker Luke Parker is an award-winning educator, researcher, and leader specializing in outdoor learning and artificial intelligence in education. With a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Kansas, Luke has explored the role of outdoor learning in U.S. education, including the first nationwide study of its implementation and impact. Luke's professional journey began in Australian schools, where he combined his expertise in outdoor education and teaching. As an Education Officer for Outdoors Victoria since 2017, Luke spearheaded the development of over 30 teacher toolkits, equipping educators with strategies to integrate outdoor learning across curricula. His work has been instrumental in showcasing how outdoor environments can enrich learning in diverse subjects, from health and physical education to humanities and technologies.
Module Highlights
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1
Introduction to History Education in the Outdoors
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(Included in full purchase)
Module Seven - Outdoor Learning and History Education
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(Included in full purchase)
Introductory Survey
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(Included in full purchase)
Embracing Outdoor Learning in History Education
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(Included in full purchase)
Teacher Toolkits
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(Included in full purchase)
Local Histories Walk: Mapping Community Memory
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(Included in full purchase)
Discussion Board Collaboration
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(Included in full purchase)
Turning Curriculum into Outdoor Learning Activities
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(Included in full purchase)
Curriculum and Outdoor Learning Activity Design
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(Included in full purchase)
Exploring Your Local Environment
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(Included in full purchase)
Module Comprehension Check (Pre and Post)
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(Included in full purchase)
Final Quiz to Pass Module
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(Included in full purchase)
Outdoors Victoria Professional Development Modules
Throughout 2024 and 2025, Outdoors Victoria will release 15 professional development modules designed to empower educators with practical tools and strategies to integrate outdoor learning across the curriculum. These modules are updated annually to ensure relevance and alignment with the evolving needs of school teachers. Module Highlights: Introduction to Outdoor Learning Explore the principles, benefits, and applications of outdoor learning across diverse educational settings. Geography and Outdoor Learning Learn strategies for teaching geographical skills, location identification, and data collection through outdoor experiences. Science and Outdoor Learning Enhance scientific understanding through outdoor experiments, observations, and field-based activities. Mathematics and Outdoor Learning Connect mathematical concepts to real-world applications using outdoor activities. English and Outdoor Learning Foster language skills with nature journaling, environmental debates, and outdoor storytelling. History and Outdoor Learning Engage with historical narratives and contexts by utilizing outdoor environments as interactive learning spaces. Health and Physical Education (Parts 1 & 2) Promote physical activity and well-being through outdoor games, sports, and risk-taking in safe settings. The Arts and Outdoor Learning Inspire creativity through outdoor art, music, dance, and drama projects. Languages and Outdoor Learning Support language acquisition with immersive, context-based activities in outdoor settings. Technologies and Outdoor Learning Leverage technology, such as geocaching and augmented reality, to enrich outdoor learning experiences. Music Education and Outdoor Learning Use natural soundscapes and outdoor musical activities to ignite creativity and expression. Humanities and Outdoor Learning Explore civics, economics, and business concepts through engaging outdoor projects. Intercultural and Ethical Capabilities Foster cultural understanding and ethical reasoning with outdoor activities that highlight diverse perspectives. Personal, Social, Critical, and Creative Thinking Build resilience, empathy, and problem-solving skills through collaborative outdoor challenges. Cross-Curriculum Priorities Integrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures into outdoor learning programs. These modules are designed to enhance student engagement, deepen learning, and provide educators with innovative approaches to teaching. Stay tuned for the release of each module and join the journey to transform your teaching practices through outdoor learning.
Acknowledgment
We sincerely thank the Department of Education and the Strategic Partnerships Program (SPP) for their generous support in making this program possible. Their commitment to professional development and inclusive education has allowed us to create and deliver these modules, equipping educators with the tools to foster meaningful outdoor learning experiences. This initiative would not have been possible without the backing of the Department and the SPP, and we are proud to collaborate in empowering teachers to make a lasting impact in their classrooms.
Ready to Transform History Learning?
Join this module to explore how local environments, historical landmarks, and outdoor inquiry can bring the past to life, making history learning more immersive, contextual, and meaningful for students.