Building Structures for Environmental Learning
Outdoor ClassroomOur students utilize our extensive grounds for learning outside the classroom. They walk in our fields to observe action in the bluebird houses, observe our goats and chickens, monitor growth and change in our gardens, and observe and use the compost piles they help to build. Thus, in a very broad and general way our students are able to learn outside by actually working in our environment. In order to encourage more time spent outdoors learning, we built an outdoor classroom that sits on top of our cistern that stores runoff and provides water for the garden.
Our outdoor classroom area now serves as a formally designated space for experiential learning for all of our students. |
Cold FramesThe second graders work with Mr. Vars, our master gardener, to learn about cold hardy vegetables. They have planted spinach and other greens in cold frames, which were built from repurposed wood and plastic. These crops have flourished under the care of the second graders, who are happy to share the fruits of their labors!
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Vertical GardenOn Earth Day 2011, we worked together with Matt Ciminelli of Ciminelli's Landscaping to create a vertical garden in a small area along a hot, brick wall at one end of our building. Mr. Ciminelli not only donated equipment, but also provided our students and teachers with the knowledge and understanding of the uses and maintenance of vertical gardens, as well as how to create them.
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