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Sheridan’s Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom
Why have an Outdoor Classroom?
Who will use the Outdoor Classroom and what will they do there?
What has been done so far?
How can I get involved?
Can I see a larger image of the proposed plans?
Are there videos of the work in progress?
Why have an Outdoor Classroom?
Research shows that when children have regular contact with nature, they learn and grow better— physically, developmentally, and in relationship to the natural world. Across the country, elementary schools, early education programs, parks, homes, botanical gardens and other community sites are transforming their outdoor spaces from plastic and asphalt play areas into nature-rich environments that bring numerous benefits to children.
As children spend time in nature, their understanding of our environment increases, as do their critical and complex thinking skills. They develop the ability to make informed decisions on environmental issues and gain the confidence and commitment to take responsible action on behalf of the environment.
Download Nature Explore's PDF “Educational Skills Children Gain in and Outdoor Classroom" to learn more.
Who will use the Outdoor Classroom and what will they do there?
The Outdoor Classroom will allow students at all grade levels to engage in hands-on activities based in nature. The classroom will be used for teacher-lead curricular activities, for nature play at recess and after school, and for meetings of the Sheridan Nature Club and Sheridan Boy and Girl Scout troops.
The Outdoor Classroom will be divided into discrete areas where students, teachers, and volunteers will make art and music, write, read, study rocks, climb, crawl, build, dig, and immerse themselves in nature. Natural materials such as blocks of wood, pine cones and rocks will be used for nature play and for the study of a variety of subjects from physics (magnetism by the youngest students) to geology (by the oldest), and beyond.
Surrounding these areas are gardens that will be planted with trees, shrubs and perennial plants that are drought tolerant, native to Nebraska, and will attract local bird, insect and animal life. Annual garden spaces will also be built so that students can grow flowers, herbs, and vegetables of interest to them. The plantings will have educational value for all students—from the youngest, who will use the plants to experience the changing seasons and the five senses—to the oldest, who will study the interdependence of organisms in an ecosystem. By raising vegetables, children will experience first-hand that real food comes from the ground rather than packages and drive-thru windows.
What has been done so far?
Planning for the outdoor classroom began in early 2009 and was guided by the kindergarten to grade 5 curricula, and by requests from Mrs. Kanter and our teachers, staff, and students. In fall 2009, we began working with Nature Explore—a collaborative project of the National Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation—to develop a concept plan for a Sheridan Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom. Its design grew from research-based principles for creating effective spaces that support children’s interactions with the natural world. When completed, our Outdoor Classroom (Julie, link here to our concept plan) will encompass an approximately 17,000 square foot space in a previously unused area north of the school building.
A plant plan for the space is now being created by the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, which details the number, location and species of plants, shrubs and trees.
The project has received financial support to date from the Sheridan PTO, Sheridan Brownie Troop 361, the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District, The City of Lincoln, Lowe’s, and Home Depot. We are continuing to work to secure funding from granting agencies and to raise funds through a Friends of Sheridan campaign.
Phase I of construction will begin in Spring 2010. The first areas that will be constructed are the Rain Garden and the Annual Garden. Construction of some of the areas will be finished completely during Phase I. Other areas will be initiated during Phase I so that they can begin to be used by students, teachers and volunteers, but the timeline for completing them will be longer. Construction of the entire classroom is projected to take around five years and to cost approximately $85,000.
How can I get involved?
You can help by volunteering your time and talents. Certainly, the Outdoor Classroom needs volunteers who are interested in gardening, nature and science. But other volunteers are needed too. Are you interested in art or music? Are you a writer? Are you good at planning and organizing? Do you enjoy spending time with children? If so, then the success of the Outdoor Classroom depends on you.
The Outdoor Classroom also depends on your financial support. Please consider donating to the Friends of Sheridan fundraising campaign.
For more information about or to volunteer with the Sheridan Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom, contact co-chairs Erika Rippeteau and Melody Albert. To donate to Friends of Sheridan in support of the project, contact Tracy Sanford.
Who We Are |
What We Do |
How To Help |
When & Where |
Outdoor Classroom
Sheridan Elementary School
3100 Plymouth Ave., Lincoln, Nebraska, 68502
402-436-1167 • www.sheridanpto.org
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