O U T D O O
R C L A S S R O O
M
Developing a Written Plan
A written plan is essential to the success of an outdoor classroom.
A plan ensures continuity between school years and is also helpful
when raising funds.
The plan should define and clearly
state educational objectives and benefits. These objectives should
involve the entire curriculum, not just science. The plan should
include:
- suggestions for appropriate
treatment of problem areas and conservation practices, with
detailed specifications,
- plans for additional plantings
to benefit wildlife, stabilize soils, enhance beauty, and
establish study gardens and arboretum,
- ideas for study stations,
nature trails, outdoor exhibits, and study guides,
- detailed map of proposed
improvements,
- realistic timetable for
completing specific projects,
- budget for materials,
installation and maintenance.
To be successful, the outdoor
classroom should be attractive and accessible to the community. Many
students and local residents will be using the center; therefore,
safety must be considered in developing all features.
The plan should be long term. If
special features are installed over a long time frame, more
teachers, students and community leaders can be involved. A long
term plan ensures more participation.
The vision behind the outdoor
classroom needs to be broad and encompassing. As a way of showing
the many potential uses of a center, a features checklist has been
developed. No center will include all these features, but the
committee can chose those that fit its location and curriculum
needs.
Evaluating
What You Have
Developing a Written
Plan
Implementing the Plan
PLT Conceptual
Framework
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