Outdoor Learning Space
The Waukesha STEM Academy -Randall Campus, a
K-5 charter school in the School District of Waukesha, is nestled in the heart
of Waukesha next to Carroll University. An unfortunate result is a lack
of green space on school grounds. With an increased need to be
out in fresh air for mask breaks during the pandemic, staff and students
quickly realized the need for a proper place for learning to
occur outdoors. A team of teachers dedicated their time to applying
for a Waukesha Education Foundation, Inc. Grant to help make it happen.
Receiving a WEF Grant for
an outdoor classroom was an exciting opportunity to provide the
students with a suitable place to continue learning outside of the
classroom. Staff were connected to a local carpenter and educator, Scott
Boris, who designed and built five high quality 8-foot benches. The next
task was to determine where to create the outdoor classroom.
After removing several bushes, they settled on using the cozy, small
green space behind the building.
The team then reached out to Erica Yoss, K-12 Science & Environmental Education Coordinator, seeking collaboration on getting the
outdoor classroom up and running. Erica was eager to partner with
the Waukesha STEM Academy. With her help, they have established
model outdoor classroom teachers within the 1st and 5th grade
teams. STEM staff are excited to be collaborating with the EB Shurts
Environmental Education Staff to develop and lead learning experiences
connected to the curriculum throughout each season of the school year. The
hope is to add Wisconsin native plants and student created art to the outdoor classroom,
allowing students to be as involved as possible in their new space. Lisa
Kahle, a 1st grade teacher at STEM says “It's exciting to think of
the possibilities our outdoor classroom will bring to our
students for years to come!"
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