Schools Get the Opportunity to Develop Outdoor Educational Spaces

A new pool of DKK 40 million from Villum Foundation now gives primary schools the opportunity to use their outdoor areas in new ways in teaching. The grants can, for example, be used to establish workshops, small observatories, laboratories, animal enclosures, school gardens, energy plants, or water workshops where students can gain insights into science and technology in inspiring and sensory-rich environments.

In an outdoor learning space, students and teachers can experience living animals and plants, the water cycle, the laws of science, new technologies, and much more — bringing them closer to the reality they are investigating.

Real-Life Learning Works

This investigative and reality-based teaching approach has proven to be motivating for students and an important factor in enhancing their learning and interest in science.

Agi Csonka, Program Director at Villum Foundation, says:
“Outdoor teaching enables practical skills, which everyone agrees should play a greater role in Danish primary schools. Students experience more varied teaching, work on real-world problems, and literally get their hands dirty and feel the wind in their hair.”

Villum Foundation is not only seeking new ways to incorporate nature, buildings, and outdoor spaces. Projects must combine these physical settings with professional development for teachers and the creation of concrete teaching programs and methods.

Villum Foundation aims to make variations of outdoor learning spaces a regular part of school life in municipalities across the country over time.