Learning Outside the Classroom

After watching The Edible Schoolyard and A Night in The Global Village, I was impressed with the programs. I love that children are given the opportunity to experience hands-on learning.
The Edible Schoolyard taught the students how to grow and prepare food. Children are taught science, health and other subject matter while getting the hands-on experience that is so important. It is also a good way to teach responsibility by caring for the plants daily.
A Night in the Global Village was a great idea. The students were taught about the living situations of people from all over the world. They are given the opportunity to step out of the "American" box and learn about the viewpoints of others. The children will never forget their experiences and it will make them better people in the future.
The students in the videos were taught multiple lessons in unconventional ways. Students should be able to step out of the classroom every now and then to learn hands-on lessons. A hands-on lesson can be used to combine subjects. The experiences will probably be remembered much longer than the daily lectures the students hear.