Kim Vivanco IL 612 Ponds for Kids

National School Board Association Reports… Why? Build an outdoor classroom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Laurie Harmon- (Assistant professor at George Mason University) Says children’s and teens’ lives are too structured, and getting outdoors helps them unwind, de-stress, and regain focus (data supported) Schools need to find ways to engage students through outdoor learning activities (Survey shows that teenagers spend an average of 7.5 hours using media a day © 2011 National School Boards Association 1680 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA Joetta Sack-Min|October 12th, 2010

Benefits of the Outside Classroom Experience Hands on Learning- Hands on Learning-  Increases retention to 75% VERSUS  90% if teaching others from their learning VERSUS 5% from lecturing Academics with Community Focus- Academics with Community Focus-  Opportunity to invite parents and community to share in lessons Fosters Teamwork- Fosters Teamwork-  Outdoor classroom is everyone’s responsibility  Small group projects foster collaboration Respect for Nature Respect for Nature Nature’s Laboratory Nature’s Laboratory

What is an outdoor classroom? Learning stations Amphitheaters Board Walks Ponds Raised beds (for flowers or vegetables) Weather station Butterfly Gardens Bird Observatory

Goals for DeArmanville’s Outdoor Classroom 1.Provide areas for teaching and learning about nature 2.Enhance biodiversity 3.Provide an alternative classroom setting 4.Provide cross-curriculum learning opportunities 5.Restore habitat for wildlife 6.Provide hands-on and real life experiences in planning, planting, and caring for a school yard garden 7.Encourage nutritious eating through fresh fruit and vegetables 8.Teach responsibility, teamwork, and stewardship or our land

Phases of Development: 1.“Ponds for Kids” will be the first phase of creating the outdoor classroom Estimated cost for the pond will be $4, Oxford Foundation- $1, Alabama Wildlife Grant- $3, Phase 2-will be building raised flower beds Possible partnership with Home Depot and Lowes 3. Phase 3- will be to construct a butterfly garden 4. Phase 4- will be to build an amphitheater 5. Phase 5- will be to plant trees 6. Phase 6- will be to construct a weather station

Community Resources Local businesses willing to donate plants, landscape materials, and their expertise Funding sources that may target educational, stewardship, or conservation projects Federal, state and local agencies School board of education Oxford Foundation Colleges and universities