Outdoor Classroom Design Challenge

Quick summary of project:
The students are incredible! Almost every group finished their species sheet and design (colored with 3 science topics, 2 non-science topics, and 4 needs of their species incorporated in the design). They are beautiful and creatively done!
I learned a lot this week, I learned that I need to get better at classroom management. I learned that smooth transitions are crucial when teaching. I learned that their are some students who you have to monitor constantly and then they can do astounding work as well! I'm so glad that the students put so much effort into the project and that I got to work with such a cool group of students.

Common elements:
-telescopes
-rock gardens
-bat houses
-food gardens (pizza, salad)
-cool stream tables (with model bridges, to learn erosion)
-seating, shade (one group added mosquito netting)
-plots with different types of soil
-solar system models
-murals
-shelter building areas
-areas for activity: hopscotch, yoga


I'm going to post some of the designs below.






This is what they started with^.

June Reflection

I accidently deleted the link to the APPLES blog, so I'm going to do my best to answer the prompt. It will be brief as I have to get to a bus to get to my Outward Bound course.

So far my "research" is well. I've been learning a lot about the theory and philosophy of outdoor/environmental education, with a focus on place-based education. So far I've mainly done this through reading. I'm visiting a school with a large environmental focus tomorrow. The part with the community is going well too. I've proctored EOGs, led a design project, hosted a teacher focus group, started organizing parents and students, and talked to a design professional. Honestly, I haven't ironed out my research to one question, its more like an overall goal and I'm learning loads through readings and interactions along the way. Once I'm back from Outward Bound I will really iron out my question and start focusing my research more specifically on that. My goal is to create a working and useful outdoor classroom at a low cost that really engages the community. Questions that have to be answered are: What are useful components of an outdoor classroom? How can one get volunteers involved? How can one avoid asking too much of already busy people? What resources does the community offer? How much effort and time are people willing to put in? What do students and teachers want in an outdoor classroom? What concerns are there about using an outdoor classroom? How can it be maintained? Some of these questions have been partially answered in earlier posts. I have lots left to do and I'm excited about it!

So far, I've been surprised by the support from the community. I was really worried that I was becoming a burden on teachers and administration, but they are all excited and willing to work with me and share ideas with each other as well as skills and time! Quite a few parents have returned forms and offered their time to help in the outdoor classroom. They are also being understanding of the fact that I'll be out of the loop for a month. The students have also surprised me! Their outdoor classroom designs are incredible!!!! I'm so proud of them. I'll be posting some samples soon. They are awesome people! I hope I get a job in such an incredible community when I start to teach! I'm so glad I get to work with the McDougle community!
For some reason I'm surprised by how much I've learned. I am used to learning loads in all that I do, but I've gotten so much out of this project - from adolescent development through reading, class management skills (or mainly realizing I need them :-), to how to organize communities and work with people who have superior positions to mine. I'm so glad I applied for and got the CBR SURF!

The hardest part of the project so far is the fact that I'll be gone for 28 days. However, I'm SO excited about Outward Bound. And I have contact info for all the parents and students working the first week and permission from the principal and support from coordinating teacher, so I'm sure that things will end up running quite smoothly!

Lesson Plans and Asheville Adventure

I have a lot of exciting things coming up related to this project! I'm super excited:-). Next Monday and Tuesday I'm working with my cooridinating teacher to lead a "Design Challenge" for the students. They have to incorporate the habitat of a local species into their design. This way they will be reinforcing what they learned in ecology and doing something creative and they will have a say in the final version of the outdoor classroom. This is the first time I'm "teaching" a lesson in a formal classroom setting. I'm nervous but I can't wait to see what the students come up with!

I talked to Rhonda Goolsby, the owner of Green Sky Sustainable Development in Carrboro about the project. We talked about permaculture and green roofs and impervious sources (which are horrible) (only the impervious surfaces, the first two things are great!). She also told me that July is not a good time to plant (oops...) so the plan might have to change a little. But, we have loads to do before we get the plants in anyway!

If you are interested, Green Sky's website and portfolio is inspiring! Check it out: http://greenskyinc.com/.

On another note, next Wednesday I'm taking a bus to Asheville to get to my Outward Bound course. Before I head off for 28-days of backpacking, whitewater canoeing, rock climbing, and lots of learning and challenges, I'm visiting Evergreen Community Charter School in Asheville. They use an "Expeditionary Learning School" model which is based on the Outward Bound model. They do a lot with environmental education.

Here is the link to their website: http://www.evergreenccs.org/. I'm very thankful that I'm going to be able to squeeze this in before my course. I didn't want to miss it!

I'm staying in a hostel by myself for the first time! Can't wait!

I promise pictures and designs soon!