Outdoor Learning Space

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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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