Irvine School planning outdoor learning area

By Carlie Connolly

Irvine School has applied for a $50,000 grant at UFA Get N’ Give in hopes of building a Community Outdoor Learning Classroom that will be used for project learning for the students along with the community. Back to School Barbeques, parent teacher interviews and pancake breakfasts are just some of the events that will be hosted in the space they create.
In generating the design, it revolves around the school’s curriculum. The students have to look at a list of different things in science and social for example. They then had to come up with a variety of different designs.
A 3D diorama structure was created for what the place will look like, incorporating a cross section of curricular alignments from different subject areas from each grade. An agricultural crop plot and an arboretum, like a fruit tree orchard in which they will put different types of fruit trees in there will be just some of the things in the learning area. This structured plan will work in conjunction with the catering CTF projects, so they will be growing things and using them in food preparation.
They also have a rock and minerals unit for Grade 3, which will include an archaeological dig area. Bird feeders and baths, a butterfly garden, compost pile and many other components will all be a part of the learning space. The idea is to develop pathways to different learning areas through the orchard.