Nature Based Education

The key features of Nature Based Education or Forest Schools:
- Calming Natural Environment/ Outdoors
- Teacher is the facilitator, asking questions to guide learners
- Exploration is encouraged
- Unstructured freedom and learning through play
- Connecting with the place they are learning in
- Understanding, Compassion, Kindness
- Nature Can Improve Health and Wellbeing - Click here for examples
- Nature Can Improve Academic Performance - Click here for examples
- Nature Play can Encourage Care for the Earth - Click here for examples
- Developing Creativity and Problem Solving
Friedrich Frobel, a German educator, opened the world's first kindergartens (German for "children's gardens") more than 150 years ago. He believed that young children should spend their time playing in nature and less emphasis should be placed on learning letters and numbers. Today, across Europe, thousands of these outdoor "forest kindergartens" have been established. Children spend their entire class time exploring and learning outdoors year-round.
National Association for the Education of Young Children | History of Nature Based Education | Click Here
Nature Based Education Terms | Click Here
Why is Forest School Unique| Woodsong School | Click Here

Our Mission

Dandelion Discoveries nurtures the growth of the whole child (mind, body and soul) through play-based learning in nature, so they may grow into innovative life-long learners and kindhearted stewards of the earth.

Samantha Beck (Hilby)

Sam’s own love for the outdoors began when she was a child playing on the family farm and in the woods. Having grown up in Dubuque, she has a deep connection to Eastern Iowa and the unique driftless landscape.

After graduating from Clarke University with a BFA in Studio Art and K-12 Art Education Certification, she was an art educator for 4 years. In the summer months she was a naturalist with the Iowa DNR at the Mines of Spain and Maquoketa Caves. This piqued her interest in nature-based education and sent her researching ways students can experience a natural learning environment every day. Since then, she has been visiting other nature-based preschools and forest schools in Iowa and taking courses to become a certified forest school teacher and director. Sam founded Dandelion Discoveries Nature School to provide nature immersion programs for Dubuque community families.

She and her husband, Alex, love spending time outdoors hiking, kayaking and camping with family. They love to travel and many times share their adventures with Nash, their spoiled dog. Sam is also passionate about art and loves to work in her ceramic studio.

Certified Forest School Teacher and Director by Forest School Teacher Institute
Licensed K-12 Iowa Teacher
Naturalist Experience (5 seasons with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources)
CPR and First Aid Certified

Past Programs in 2023

“My daughter had a fantastic time at Nature camp. She was nervous at the new experience at the beginning of the week, but became comfortable with the teachers and environment quickly. By the end of camp, was not ready to not see her friends the next day! She came back each day excited to tell us about her experience and I feel has found a greater sense of appreciation for the outdoors! We look forward to future programming.” -Katelyn (parent)

“She had so much fun each day exploring nature and creating art using new materials that were creative and fun! She was excited to go and when I picked her up she was eager to share what she did at camp. She can't wait for the next one!” -Ashley (parent)