Nature Lab

Nature as a Learning Tool

Researchers look at how students experience MDC’s school curriculum

Launched in 2009, MDC’s Discover Nature Schools (DNS) curriculum provides hands-on science lessons centered on Missouri’s habitats and wildlife. Today, DNS lessons are taught in more than 900 schools across the state and are growing in popularity. Researchers at MDC and the University of Missouri recently began a study to gauge the effectiveness of DNS curriculum.

“There is a desire to understand the impact this curriculum is having on key student outcomes, especially outcomes related to science learning and connectedness to nature,” said MDC Science Unit Supervisor Ellie Prentice. 

Researchers will also look at whether attending the Boone County Nature School (BCNS) deepens these outcomes. While all DNS lessons have outdoor components, time outside at BCNS is longer and more immersive. All fifth graders in Boone County go to BCNS three times over the school year for a total of seven days. 

For the study, surveys will be given to fifth graders in three Missouri school districts: Columbia, which uses DNS as its science curriculum and whose students attend BCNS; another district that uses DNS but does not have a nature school; and a third district that does not use DNS. The same survey will be given at the beginning and end of the school year to see how students’ perceptions change after a year of instruction. 

“We’re now piloting this in Columbia to see how the survey administration goes,” explained former MDC Scientist Angela Catalano. “We want to make sure the survey works well with the students and is accessible to them.” 

In 2026–2027, the full-scale study will begin and will add the two other school districts (still to be finalized). Fifth graders from Columbia will also be asked to illustrate their nature school experience in a drawing and to write an accompanying caption. 

“This drawing and writing exercise will allow us to see how learners are creating meaning based on their experiences in a way the survey alone couldn’t capture,” said MDC Social Science Program Coordinator Caleb O’Brien. 

Findings from this research will be used to improve DNS programs.

At a Glance

Environmental education is known to promote learning, self-confidence, critical thinking, and connection to nature. To evaluate how well MDC’s Discover Nature Schools curriculum conveys these benefits, researchers are giving before and after surveys to fifth grade students.

Sample Survey Questions: 

• I know how the parts of nature interact.
• I am interested in science. 
• I can solve problems. 
• I can use science to understand things. 
• I want to spend more time outside. 
• I can achieve my goals.