Teaching outdoors on campus requires a variety of supplies, depending on teaching styles, lessons, and the setting. Some supplies, such as clipboards or mini whiteboards, can be used for a variety of subjects, whereas other supplies may be more specialized, such as hand lenses for science. Key considerations for using and storing supplies outdoors include how easily they can be used and transported, whether electricity or Wi-Fi is needed, how durable the supplies are, and how easily and safely they can be stored. This article focuses on supplies used for teaching outdoors on a school campus.

The Basics

Teaching priorities determine the types and amounts of supplies needed in an outdoor classroom. All supplies should be light, easily transported, and as durable as possible. For less durable materials, such as paper, consider how to keep them dry, organized, and easily accessible during class. A teacher’s essential supply list should include something to transport supplies with, like backpacks, buckets, rolling carts, or storage boxes; something to write on, like tables, clipboards, mini whiteboards, or display boards; writing materials, such as pencils, pens, markers, laptops or tablets; and secure storage, such as in a nearby indoor classroom or an outdoor shed.

Use Existing Supplies 

Many supplies are already available at your school, but they may need to be reorganized and supplemented. Pencils and scissors will need to be in containers that are sturdy, paper will need to be attached to clipboards, and hand lenses will need string so they can hang around students’ necks. Assess your needs based on what is essential for your lesson and what is already on hand. Take health into consideration by assessing if the necessary supplies can be disinfected easily every day. If so, maybe existing supplies can be shared. If not, new supplies may need to be purchased for every period, cohort, or student.

Consider soliciting community support for some of your supply needs. Explore these case studies to see how other communities worked together to get the supplies they needed.

OTHER NEEDS

If a class is technology-dependent, as in many hybrid learning models, outdoor learning areas must provide access to electricity, Wi-Fi, and charging ability. Extension cords and outdoor cable and extension cord protectors may be useful. Additionally, equipment for students with special needs should be considered and planned for, as well as handwashing stations and waste receptacles. For more on larger infrastructure needs and supplies, see our chapter on Creating Outdoor Spaces.

SUPPLY TRANSPORT

Carts and wagons. Mobile carts with flat shelves (that you can slide heavier equipment onto) or deep shelves to hold tubs or bins of materials are useful when transporting supplies from an indoor classroom or an outdoor storage shed. A variety of vendors offer many durable plastic, metal, or even cloth carts to choose from. It is best to get carts with handles as well as durable and locking wheels to ensure smooth transit when crossing uneven terrain and securing the cart in place. 

Backpacks and kits. Backpacks can be used to carry materials between buildings and outdoor settings. Students can use their own backpacks to carry materials assigned to them, when appropriate. Backpack kits in smaller drawstring bags with essential supplies — pencils, pens, markers, rulers, erasers, and so on — can be assigned to each student. If schools have access to a garden, garden kits can include gardening gloves, buckets, hand trowels, hand shovels, knee pads, and flower and bug ID charts. Teachers can create loose parts play kits with wood blocks, wood cookies, and more for break time and recess.

Whiteboards AND INSTRUCTIONAL SURFACES

Whiteboards and alternatives. Whiteboards can be mounted to flat exterior walls, kiosk walls, easels, or to sheets of plywood mounted between trees or to posts set in the ground. Provide plenty of cover to preserve the main surface from wind, rain, and sun damage. Exterior walls can be painted with whiteboard or chalkboard paint. Mobile whiteboards and display boards come in a variety of sizes and materials and can easily be stored along a wall; choose a durable model with sturdy casters or wheels. Other visuals can be displayed using binder clips. Whiteboard replacements could be a white trash bag taped over cardboard, white paper hung inside a window, or non-permanent markers to write on the outside of a window. Other instructional surfaces can be used in the outdoor classroom and include Post-it brand pads or easel paper taped or fastened to a wall.

Writing Surfaces

Clipboards and small whiteboards. Clipboards or cardboard/plastic writing surfaces are indispensable as a mobile, individual writing surface for students. Cardboard or plastic writing surfaces should include a binder clip at the top and an elastic band at the bottom to hold papers. Portable, individual-sized whiteboards reduce the need for disposable materials and offer the flexibility to draw and write with multiple colors. Whiteboards can be purchased at a hardware store and the boards can be cut to size. An alternative is laminated white cardstock.

Tables. These can be either portable or permanently installed and can be made using durable (not chemically treated) lumber, such as cedar or pine, in a variety of styles. Make wide spaces to set supplies on and for demonstrating projects, laying out materials to dry, and accommodating multiple students. Include storage space underneath the table. Portable fold-up tables placed throughout the outdoor classroom are another surface to write on and are readily available in various sizes, typically with sturdy metal legs and plastic surfaces that are durable and easy to sanitize.

EVERYDAY SUPPLIES AND SUBJECT KITS

Writing supplies. Writing supplies such as pencils, paper, erasers, markers, pens, and chalk can be kept in containers for each cohort or group of students and labeled appropriately. Laminated practice sheets are a reusable alternative to paper. 

Subject kits. Create small tubs or packs for specific subjects that are assigned to the cohort or individual students for the school year. Art kits can include watercolors, brushes, a small cup to hold water, a small rag or cloth, and colored pencils. Science kits can include hand lens, write-in-the-rain paper, a ruler, magnifying boxes, and handheld scales. Math kits can include a ruler, a protractor, and a calculator. Nature exploration kits can include a magnifying glass or hand lens, various materials from nature such as leaves, seeds, flowers, and other plant parts. They can also include mini ID charts, paper or journals, and crayons for leaf or texture rubbings. Special project kits can be tailored to a specific standard or activity. See more curriculum ideas, resources, and lesson plans in our Taking Curriculum Outside article.

OUTDOOR STORAGE 

Supplies that are kept outside will need to be secured or stored when not in use. In this section, we detail some of the options for securing materials outside. 

Storage racks. Storing materials in storage racks in a covered space outdoors is ideal for schools that are at low risk of vandalism. Decide if storage racks will be accessed by multiple groups and plan accordingly for location and sanitizing of supplies.

Mobile carts with shelves. These can be moved back into the classroom when not in use.

Tarps or covers. Tables, whiteboards, handwashing stations, and other infrastructure and supplies that are not easily moved can be covered by tarps and secured with tie-down straps or clips. 

Five-gallon bucket with lid for seating. Students can keep their essential supplies inside their own bucket, along with a small cushion to place on top of the lid for seating. These are inexpensive, but some restaurants or breweries may have extras they are willing to donate.

Portable secure cases for electronic devices. Utilize secure mobile device cabinets with locks to store equipment when not in use. If possible, include plug-in options to charge when not in use.

Sheds. Many schools recommend investing in a durable, lockable outdoor storage shed or large box. Sheds and boxes can be ordered and delivered pre-made or built from scratch. There are many options to choose from and construction plans can be found online. Be sure to plan for adequate space and shelving to make a shed user-friendly.

CLEANING SUPPLIES

Create systems for organizing, tracking, and sanitizing shared materials. Create a check-in/check-out system for shared materials used in the outdoor classroom and sanitize whenever materials are checked in. Keep a bucket of soap and water where materials can be placed when students are done. Use sanitizing wipes for the materials that cannot be submerged. Other supplies may include brooms, dust pans, trash cans, hose and spigot adapters, and rags or sponges to wipe down surfaces.

MEDICAL AND EMERGENCY SUPPLIES

Ask district administration and school nurses what the minimum requirements are for outdoor medical kits, including bandages, wipes, cleaning solution, and specific student medical supplies, like EpiPens. Identify key locations for secure storage and easy access.

Digital Supplies 

Some schools may provide all students and staff with access to digital devices that can be used throughout campus and at home. Supplies for charging and secure storage may be important. Portable cameras and augmented reality technology can be used to show students what is happening in real time. Overhead document readers such as projectors, can be used outside depending upon lighting. Electrical outlets and service connections should be added outdoors. Include lockboxes to secure equipment after hours if vandalism or damage is a concern. Extension cords or plug-in strips to safely extend usage on campus may be important to consider.

Procurement and Donations

Contact school district facilities or purchasing to confirm if bulk orders of supplies can provide a cost savings across multiple schools. Companies that make supplies may also have a donation program. Make a list of your needs and enlist a community volunteer to make calls and inquiries.