With the advancements in technology and the rise of the digital age, many high school students find themselves glued to their screens throughout the day. Many teachers have altered their resources to digital, with the use of printed textbooks having declined by 9%, and the use of fully digital materials rising by 2% in recent years. But while laptops and online resources have made learning more accessible, they’ve also made it more sedentary. Spending eight hours a day indoors—waking up before sunrise and heading home as the sun sets—isn’t healthy for students. Sometimes, students need a literal breath of fresh air and a chance to reconnect with nature. School also becomes more engaging and hands-on when classes move outside, and outdoor learning has been shown to increase physical activity and improves mental health.

A study in Australia that tested three classes of students (ages 13-14) over 10 weeks. For the first five weeks, all three classes were taught in a regular indoor classroom; afterward, two of the classes were moved outdoors. The study found that students were more focused and required fewer teacher redirections in the outdoor setting. This suggests that students are more mentally engaged and self-sufficient when learning outside.

The lack of time outdoors also affects students’ health, with disorders such as vitamin D deficiency becoming more common. Vitamin D regulates neurological functions in the brain that control psychological activities. The absence of a healthy amount of vitamin D in the body correlates with a student’s mental health.

So what is the solution?

Instead of learning about plants from a textbook in science class, why not step outside and study them firsthand? Instead of reading quietly in English class or painting under fluorescent lights, move those lessons outdoors. These small shifts could make a major difference – boosting attention spans, engagement, and overall happiness during the school day.

Schools often emphasize academic rigor and technology integration, but sometimes overlook how much a change in environment can influence learning. Encouraging teachers to incorporate outdoor lessons – even once a week – could make a noticeable difference in students’ focus and well-being. Lessons under the sun or in the school courtyard don’t have to replace technology; they can complement it, creating a balance between screen time and real-world experiences.

Ultimately, taking education outdoors isn’t just about getting fresh air: it is about refreshing the mind. By giving students space to move, think, and connect with the world around them, schools can nurture not only smarter learners but also happier, healthier ones.