Durham Public Schools is participating in the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences’ Take a Child Outside Week in support of outdoor education from September 24-30. *Individual schools and teachers will host lessons and outside activities to demonstrate the benefits of outdoor engagement.

“Take A Child Outside Week attempts to connect students to nature. While this is a national initiative, DPS is using this opportunity to bring awareness to the natural spaces around Durham, including our schoolyards! Taking classes outside and engaging in outdoor learning provides benefits to both teachers and students including supporting creativity and problem solving, improving eyesight, enhancing cognitive abilities, improving academic performance, improving nutrition, increasing connection to nature, improving social relations, reducing stress and anxiety, and increasing physical activity, among others!” said Erin Carroll, Outdoor Learning Specialist with Durham Public Schools.

The Hub Farm will host dinner and a movie, featuring Moana, on the last day of the observance, at 6 p.m. on September 30. The Hub is collaborating with Piedmont Wildlife Center to promote engagement in outdoor learning at the Hub Farm. Families will also be able to take home some ideas for outdoor learning in their own neighborhoods. Guests will have time to explore the farm and participate in some outdoor activities, visit some animals from Piedmont Wildlife Center, and take home some activities to continue exploring at home. Registration is required.