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Goal

In the early 1900’s, the United States experienced a health crisis, the spread tuberculosis. The spread of the disease was particularly bad amongst children. To mitigate transmission of the disease, a pair of Rhode Island doctors offered the idea of a fresh-air classroom. They launched their first school in Providence in 1908, and by the end of the year, data showed not a single child got sick. Three years ago, during the Covid crisis, we once again moved students to fresh-air classrooms to safely open schools and keep hands-on learning accessible and safe. Empirical evidence seemed to show that students benefited academically, emotionally and physically from the experience of outdoor learning.
Post-Covid studies by Harvard University and the University of Berkeley have demonstrated that students are more attentive, experience less academic stress, and are better able to connect with their learning when using an outdoor classroom. The goal is to replicate these learning experiences by creating a fresh-air classroom in the courtyard outside my classroom to engage students in hands-on science learning.
**This grant will demonstrate how the fresh-air classroom will specifically benefit 6th grade science students.
 

What will be done with my students

There is no greater gift you can give students than to allow them to be active participants in their own learning. We know students learn best when lessons are messy, active, hands-on experiences. Fresh-air classrooms allow students to experience that type of learning without the restraints they experience inside.

The Earth/Space science standards in Florida introduce students to geology, meteorology, hydrology and astronomy. These branches of science are high-interest topics and provide students with endless opportunities for hands-on learning. They are also branches of science that lend themselves to learning in a fresh-air classroom. 6th grade students will have the benefits of studying Earth/Space science in our fresh-air classroom as well. The first thing 6th grade students study is Earth’s spheres. What better place to learn about the geosphere, biosphere and atmosphere than outside with natural examples all around them. As a teacher, I will no longer just talking about curriculum. My lessons will become completely immersive.

Our fresh-air classroom will occupy a 43’ x 30’ protected space and be able to accommodate up to 30 students at a time. The teacher area of our classroom will be fitted with a large whiteboard, a 70” LED TV with widi projection and adequate storage for outdoor lab supplies. Weatherproof lab tables and seating will provide students will sufficient room to perform labs and utilize laptops, while being durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of middle schoolers and the Florida elements. The area has access to water for easy clean-up/resetting for subsequent classes and access to the school garden and a number of indigenous species for study. Additionally, Oakridge Middle School is working with Artis Naples to have the columns in the area painted in vibrant and exciting colors and patterns, to support student interest in the space.
 

Benefits to my students

6th grade science students will benefit from our fresh air classroom in the following ways:
Numerous studies, beyond those mentioned above, demonstrate that school performance increases when children learn outdoors. There has been documented increases in standardized test scores, enhanced attitude about school, improved in-school behavior, improved attendance and overall enhanced student achievement when students learn in and about nature. In addition, outdoor education effectively employs a greater range of children’s intelligences (logical, linguistic, body-kinesthetic, interpersonal). Many researchers contribute the increase in performance to increased relevance and hands-on experience of learning outdoors (Bell, A. C., & Dyment, J.E., 2006)
Fresh air classrooms are active learning spaces. They increase students’ physical, mental and social health. Some studies have even shown follow-up (e.g., non-school) physical activity increases with outdoor learning. Access to nature has also been shown to decrease the symptoms of ADHD. Outdoor learning and access to nature also decrease stress levels of students and teachers. Learning outdoors supports child development.
Children greatly benefit developmentally from being outdoors. Often, the public sees these benefits as just being limited to elementary school students. However, outdoor education and engagement support emotional, behavioral and intellectual development in middle schoolers as well. Studies have shown that students who learn outdoors develop: a sense of self, independence, confidence, creativity, decision-making and problem-solving skills, empathy towards others, motor skills, self-discipline and initiative. Outdoor experiences help students increase their understanding of their natural and human communities which leads to a sense of place. Through connection to place, students develop stronger environmental attitudes and civic behaviors. Outdoor learning experiences are the foundation of raising the next generation of active citizens who take care of their natural and human communities (Bell, A. C., & Dyment, J.E., 2006).
 

Budget Narrative

The budget for our fresh air classroom is as follows:
The overall cost of this project will be $5500. With this Classroom grant, I am asking Champions for Learning to help secure $1921 or 35% of the overall cost. An additional 36% of the grant will be covered by an additional Classroom grant and the final 29% will be covered by a stipend earned by attending the STEM Institute in conjunction with FGCU and an additional grant.
Items Needed:
Tables:
Benchpro Roosevelt Series 1″ Phenolic Resin Top Workbench
3 Tables, $381 each + shipping – Total $1344
30”x48” – adjustable legs (30” or 38”)
https://midwestproductionsupply.com/product/benchpro-1-phenolic-resin-top-workstation-roosevelt-series/

Shelving:
Cabinet - 36”x18x72”
https://www.uline.com/BL_2577/Mobile-Storage-Cabinets
$490 + Shipping - Total $577


TOTAL GRANT: $1921.00
 

Items