Combat 'Summer Slide' and Screen Fatigue with Free Outdoor STEM Lessons

As summer vacation approaches, parents may worry about the "summer slide," a phenomenon where students, particularly younger ones and those transitioning between school levels, can lose a significant portion of their reading and math gains. Research from Dartmouth College indicates children can lose approximately 20% of reading gains and 27% of math gains over the summer months.

To combat this learning loss, the TurfMutt Foundation provides free educational resources designed to draw children away from screens and into the natural world. The foundation advocates for the use and care of green spaces, offering downloadable activity guides, interactive lesson plans, and outdoor exploration challenges for children in kindergarten through eighth grade. These activities are grounded in STEM standards and encourage engagement with backyards and community parks as "outdoor learning labs."

Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, explains that the lessons are crafted to help children view their surroundings through the eyes of Mulligan the TurfMutt, a rescue dog and the foundation's "spokesdog." "By following Mulligan’s lead into the green spaces around them, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while forming a lifelong connection with the environment," Kiser stated. Families can find inspiration through short "Mulligan Minute" videos before embarking on their own outdoor adventures.

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Our lessons are designed to help kids see the world through the eyes of Mulligan the TurfMutt, where every backyard is a living laboratory to be explored.

The educational suite includes lessons on various environmental topics. Children can learn about "Environmental Superpowers," understanding how green spaces produce oxygen, mitigate heat islands, and absorb carbon. "Bio-Mapping" teaches them to identify and chart local flora and fauna, fostering an appreciation for neighborhood biodiversity. Other lessons focus on "Rain Gauging" to understand weather patterns and water conservation, and "Wildlife Support," highlighting how backyard ecosystems and pollinators contribute to thriving environments.

TurfMutt, an initiative by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s (OPEI) TurfMutt Foundation, has successfully reached over 70 million children, educators, and families. Parents and guardians can access these free educational resources and find more information by visiting www.turfmutt.com.

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By following Mulligan’s lead into the green spaces around them, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while forming a lifelong connection with the environment.