Panoramic View of Nature Education—

How a rural science teacher uses the outdoors as a creative classroom to educate students about nature!

Mark Dorhout— Science Teacher, Panorama Middle School

Learn more about why and how outdoor education not only is a great way to engage our youth but is also an essential component to benefit our communities long-term.

Mark shares additional information about how this nature education program works and why it’s so important that other teachers and parents get involved and start advocating for outdoor experiences in their schools and communities.

Mark Dorhout is a talented Middle School Teacher at Panorama Middle School.  He has spent over 30 years in public education, working both as a teacher (11 years) and a Middle School Principal (21 years. Most of his life has been spent in Iowa, but he has also lived and taught in Wisconsin and South Dakota. 

In his 4 years at Panorama, in Panora, IA, he has developed an Outdoor Education program using a focus on Environmental Stewardship.  Each student spends approximately 45-50 hours in the field with 60-70 hours of followup instruction. Areas of focus include prairie reconstruction, outdoor observation skills, a bird unit that includes making and monitoring a bluebird/wren house for two years, remote sensing and outdoor appreciation through art.  Water quality is the next phase of incorporation into the curriculum.  

Mark serves as a board member of the Panora Conservation Chapter of The Izaak Walton League of America.  He recently participated as a panelist at the 2024 Iowa Nature Summit’s session on Nature Based Education:  Iowa Innovations.