How to Set Up an Outdoor Classroom: A Step-by-Step Guide

Krista Rigsbee — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 18:38:29 +0000

Learning doesn’t always have to take place within the four walls of a classroom. In fact, stepping out into the natural world can open up an entirely new dimension of interactive, hands-on education. Welcome to our step-by-step guide on setting up an outdoor classroom, where we’ll walk you through the process of transforming an open space into an exciting and dynamic center for learning.

Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or a community organizer, this guide aims to inspire you with practical tips and creative ideas to make outdoor education a reality.

Let’s embark on this journey to break free from the traditional classroom and embrace the wonders of nature.

Identify the Proper Space for an Outdoor Classroom

The first step to setting up an outdoor classroom is identifying a proper space that is conducive to learning. Look for an area that is accessible, safe, and surrounded by natural elements. An ideal location offers shade and comfort, and fosters curiosity and exploration. Think about if you will need any infrastructure amenities in your outdoor classroom such as lighting, a shade structure, or power for digital teaching tools or equipment.

Co-locating your new outdoor classroom near other outdoor or natural resources on campus is a great idea! If you have school gardens, outdoor career learning spaces, student agricultural programs, or a nearby natural space consider if there is an acceptable area nearby for an outdoor classroom.

Set up All Furniture and Ensure the Space Is Relatively Organized

Once you’ve selected a site and considered infrastructure, the next step is furniture and ensure that the space is relatively organized. For outdoor classroom solutions in the USA, it’s crucial to consider how the layout of the space can facilitate learning. Create designated areas for different activities such as reading, art, or science experiments. Alternatively you could set up a blank slate multipurpose space that can be used for many different subjects.

Pay attention to the positioning of the furniture to promote easy movement and interaction among the students. For example, arrange seating in a circle for group discussions or in rows for focused, directed learning. Better yet, modular furniture can create new layouts for different subjects. Remember, the unique advantage of outdoor classrooms is their adaptability. Don’t be afraid to change the setup as needed to fit various learning activities and dynamics.

Also, ensure that your storage solutions are well-labeled and orderly. This helps in maintaining an organized space where students can easily access materials, fostering independence and responsibility. The ultimate goal of outdoor classroom solutions in the USA should be to create a space that encourages students to connect with nature, fosters curiosity, and enhances the learning experience.

Furniture and supplies should be organized to encourage interaction and discussion, while also offering flexibility to adapt to various learning activities.

Create Lesson Plans to Fit the Unique Environment of Learning Outdoors

Creating outdoor lesson plans can be as simple as bringing your already completed curriculum to the outdoor classroom if it is outfitted with the digital teaching tools that teachers are already comfortable working with.

But outdoor learning also lends itself to incorporating the natural environment into your teaching. This promotes experiential learning and encourages students to interact directly with nature. For instance, science lessons could involve observing local wildlife or collecting and identifying different types of leaves.

Geography lessons could entail studying the topography of the school grounds or mapping the surrounding area. Art classes could be inspired by the natural beauty of the environment, with students using natural materials to create their artwork. Math lessons could utilize natural elements for counting or measuring exercises.

Language and literature lessons could even use the peace and tranquility of the outdoors to inspire creative writing or poetry. These lesson plans should be flexible to adapt to unexpected learning opportunities, such as the sudden appearance of a rare bird or unexpected weather changes.

The key is to seize the unique opportunities that outdoor learning presents, fostering curiosity and instilling a sense of wonder in students. Remember, the outdoor classroom is not just a physical space, but also a catalyst for dynamic, hands-on learning.

Gather Necessary Materials

After understanding what types of lessons your outdoor classroom in California will host, the next step involves gathering the necessary materials. This step requires careful thought and planning as the materials you select should be weather-resistant and durable to withstand the sunny, warm climate of California.

Materials can range from general teaching aids like whiteboards or easels to specific outdoor tools such as binoculars, magnifying glasses, or plant identification guides. Also, consider the necessity for storage solutions like weatherproof bins to hold books, art supplies, or science equipment. In some instances, creating an outdoor classroom solution in California may involve sourcing local materials.

For instance, utilizing native plants or local rocks for hands-on lessons about regional biodiversity. In essence, the materials you gather should enhance lessons and link them with the unique outdoor environment of California.

Secure Any Loose Items That May Pose a Danger to Students or Be Destroyed in Inclement Weather

Safety should be a priority in the setup of an outdoor classroom. Pay attention to securing any loose items that could pose a danger to students or be destroyed by vandalism or inclement weather. Loose objects, like gardening tools or equipment, should be safely stored away when not in use. If there are items that could potentially topple over, such as easels or free-standing chalkboards, ensure they are securely anchored to prevent accidents.

In areas prone to strong winds or storms, consider using weather-resistant storage bins or sheds that are weather resistant to protect teaching materials and student work from the elements. Regularly inspect the area for potential hazards such as fallen branches, sharp stones, or litter.

By maintaining a safe and orderly outdoor learning environment, you not only protect students and preserve materials but also create a space that is conducive to focused, meaningful learning.

Consider What Teachers Need to Move Class Outside Regularly

Teachers already have too much on their plate. Creating an Outdoor Classroom that is easy to use and training on how to bring lessons outside easily can really make a difference. Invite teachers into the conversation and consider what tools would make the outdoor space easy and exciting for them to use. Perhaps a flat screen would allow bringing indoor lessons outside more often, or using a program that provides pre-planned lessons such as The Future’s Channel.

Additionally, providing guidance on how to adapt teaching methods to include occasional distractions is another essential step in the process of setting up an outdoor classroom that is regularly used. Birds and other wildlife, though fascinating, can sometimes divert students’ attention from the lesson at hand. Rather than considering these interruptions as obstacles, use them as real-time teaching moments.

For instance, if a bird lands nearby during a history lesson, briefly switch the topic to discuss the bird’s characteristics, migratory patterns, or role in the ecosystem. Teaching in an outdoor classroom requires flexibility and the ability to shift gears quickly. This adaptable teaching style not only helps to manage distractions but also enriches the learning experience, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world.

About Constructive Systems Inc.

Constructive Systems Inc. is an outdoor learning solutions company that specializes in designing and installing outdoor learning structures for schools and parks. Our products are designed with safety, longevity, and sustainability in mind. Partner with the best solar sustainability company in California that provides renewable energy options as well as a range of other eco-friendly solutions. Our team is passionate about outdoor learning and providing high-quality products to support it! Contact us today to learn more about our outdoor classroom solutions.

Email – solutions@constructivesystemsinc.com

The post How to Set Up an Outdoor Classroom: A Step-by-Step Guide appeared first on Constructive Systems Inc.

Advantages of Outdoor Classrooms for Schools

Krista Rigsbee — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 04:33:53 +0000

When it comes to learning environments that spark creativity, foster learning, and promote physical health, outdoor classrooms have proven to be a fantastic solution for schools across the United States. As we delve deeper into the advantages of these dynamic spaces, the role of preschool outdoor classroom equipment comes into sharp focus.

From sensory tables to water play stations, the right equipment can transform any outdoor space into a thriving hub of activity and learning. In this blog post, we’ll explore how outdoor classrooms are revolutionizing preschool education, and how innovative outdoor classroom solutions in the USA are equipping schools to take their learning experiences to the next level.

Advantages of Outdoor Classrooms for Schools

Promotes Active Learning – Incorporating an outdoor classroom seating solution encourages active learning among students. These seating arrangements allow children to interact with the environment directly, stimulating their curiosity and promoting exploration. In the sunny state of California, these solutions are particularly beneficial, enabling year-round outdoor learning opportunities.
Enhances Sensory Skills – Outdoor classroom solutions in California offer children a rich, sensory-filled environment for learning. Children can experience different textures, smells, sounds, and sights, which significantly aids their understanding of the world around them and enhances their sensory skills.
Physical Health Benefits – Outdoor classroom seating solutions provide ample space for children to move around, promoting physical activity and health. Physical movement during learning is known to improve focus, memory retention, and overall academic performance.
Encourages Social Interaction – Outdoor classrooms offer a more flexible seating arrangement, encouraging children to interact and communicate more freely. This builds their social skills, promotes teamwork, and fosters a sense of community.
Educational Flexibility – Outdoor classroom solutions in California offer a versatile space for various educational activities. From science experiments to art and craft activities, these spaces can be adapted to suit different learning styles and curriculums.
Environmentally Conscious Learning – Outdoor classrooms align with the growing trend towards more sustainable and environmentally conscious education. They offer an excellent platform for teaching children about nature and the importance of conservation, fostering a generation of environmentally aware citizens.
Stress Reduction – Studies suggest that spending time outdoors can reduce stress and anxiety in children. An outdoor classroom seating solution allows students to learn in a relaxed and calm environment, promoting better mental health and well-being.
Aesthetic Appeal – A well-designed outdoor classroom can significantly enhance a school’s aesthetic appeal. In a state like California, known for its beautiful landscapes, outdoor classrooms can seamlessly blend with the natural surroundings to create an inviting and inspiring learning environment.

How Outdoor Classrooms Are Beneficial to the Environment

Outdoor classrooms are not just beneficial for the students and teachers, but also for the environment. Here are some ways by which these dynamic learning spaces contribute to a greener, healthier planet:

Reduce Energy Consumption: Traditional classrooms often require high energy consumption for lighting, heating, and cooling. On the contrary, outdoor classrooms capitalize on natural light and fresh air, thus reducing the reliance on electricity and contributing to energy conservation.

Promote Sustainable Practices: Outdoor classrooms serve as the perfect platform to educate children about sustainable practices. By integrating activities that revolve around recycling, composting, or growing plants, teachers can inculcate environmental responsibility among young minds.
Decrease Carbon Footprint: Most outdoor classrooms are designed with eco-friendly materials, which have low embodied energy. Moreover, as outdoor classrooms reduce the need for artificial lighting and air-conditioning, they help in lowering the carbon footprint of the school.
Biodiversity Conservation: Many schools utilize their outdoor classrooms to establish small gardens or habitats for local wildlife. This not only acts as a hands-on learning opportunity for students but also aids in local biodiversity conservation.
Soil Erosion Control: Outdoor classrooms with planted areas help in controlling soil erosion. Plants help to hold the soil together, preventing it from being washed away during rains.
Water Conservation: Educational centers can integrate rainwater harvesting systems into their outdoor classrooms. The collected water can be used for various purposes like watering the plants, thus promoting water conservation among students.
Air Purification: Outdoor classrooms that incorporate trees and plants contribute to cleaner air. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, thereby acting as natural air purifiers.
Waste Management: Outdoor classrooms can also be utilized to teach effective waste management. Composting bins can be kept where students learn to decompose organic waste, which can then be used to enrich the soil in the classroom garden.

Summing Up

Outdoor classrooms are revolutionizing preschool education across the United States, offering a range of benefits for both students and the environment. From promoting active learning to enhancing sensory skills, these dynamic spaces can be tailored to meet different curriculums and teaching styles.

With an increasing focus on sustainable practices and environmental responsibility, outdoor classrooms offer an excellent platform for children to learn about nature and the importance of conservation. Moreover, these outdoor classrooms offer a unique aesthetic appeal to schools in states like California, which boast lush landscapes and an abundance of natural beauty.

As we move towards more eco-friendly learning solutions, outdoor classrooms are certainly a step in the right direction.

About Constructive Systems Inc.

Email – solutions@constructivesystemsinc.com

The post Advantages of Outdoor Classrooms for Schools appeared first on Constructive Systems Inc.

What are Outdoor Classrooms? Benefits and Types

Krista Rigsbee — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 04:46:07 +0000

Outdoor Classrooms are learning spaces designed to take advantage of the outdoors that include the amenities of a traditional classroom. They allow students to explore, observe, and learn in an outdoor setting while educators have everything they need to bring their lessons outside in a comfortable and focused way. Outdoor classrooms offer unique benefits for students such as fresh air and natural light, hands-on learning opportunities, access to nature, physical activity, and experiential learning.
The possibilities for outdoor classrooms are truly endless! They can include gardens, natural play spaces, meadows and grassy knolls, outdoor science labs, ponds or water features, and more.
Each outdoor classroom offers unique opportunities for students to explore and learn in a natural setting and takes advantage of the resources that already exist on campus. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of outdoor classrooms and explore some creative ideas to consider in your outdoor classroom project.

What do Outdoor Classrooms have to offer

Outdoor classrooms are becoming increasingly popular as a way to incorporate nature into every day education. These outdoor classrooms can be incorporated into schools and parks and offer a myriad of benefits to students, educators, and staff.
It is well known that exposure to the outdoors can lead to improved physical health and cognitive function. Additionally, outdoor classrooms provide a unique opportunity for hands-on learning and creative exploration. Learning outside is one of the best ways to increase student engagement and well being.

Supporting the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar energy, is becoming an important part of the conversation surrounding outdoor classrooms. When we designed our first outdoor classroom we ran into some major obstacles to incorporating solar. But we knew it would be important to ensure that our design was accessible and in line with our relentless pursuit of a sustainable future. This challenge was directly in line with our mission to be the best sustainable solar company in California along with all the other integrative services we provide.

We did the work to overcome the design challenge and love making it easy for schools and parks to incorporate sustainable energy into their outdoor classrooms. By including solar into your outdoor classroom project you can not only benefit from outdoor learning but also create a return on investment and contribute to a healthier planet.

Different Outdoor Classroom Designs

California’s vast and diverse landscape provides endless opportunities for outdoor learning. Understanding what natural resources exist on your campus, what types of lessons your educators value most, and the needs of your students will help guide what to include in an outdoor classroom design. Different outdoor classroom designs cater to diverse learning styles. Whether it’s a secluded clearing in the forest or an urban rooftop garden, outdoor classroom solutions in California offer endless opportunities for exploration and inquiry-based learning.

a. Outdoor Classrooms can be part of the Natural Environment
If you have school gardens, oak groves, meadows, a large bioswale, a school farm, or the space to create any of these natural environments then you can plan to integrate an outdoor classroom directly into them. Nature-based playgrounds and learning spaces provide a unique and engaging way for children to experience the joys of outdoor play and connect deeply with environmental education curriculum.
In this case we must consider the ways the outdoor classroom will contribute to the ecosystem. Should we use an AgroEnergy roof to promote plant growth? How will water flow through the site? Are there any animals to plan for? How will it store and use energy? With a focus on natural materials and features, these types of classrooms allow kids to interact with their environment in a meaningful way. One example is considering outdoor classroom seating solutions. For nature based learning environments we can choose natural materials like logs and boulders and make use of free resources when possible.

These types of designs bring the classroom outdoors into nature and allow children to learn in an immersive way. So, not only are nature-based outdoor classrooms fun and stimulating, but they also provide a valuable educational experience.

b. Outdoor Classrooms as an Indoor Classroom Alternative
You do not need to have a lot of space or natural resources to create an outdoor classroom. With the increasing focus on early childhood education, traditional outdoor classrooms are becoming more popular in preschool, elementary, and urban settings.
Equipping these outdoor spaces with age-appropriate preschool outdoor classroom equipment allows children to experience learning in a whole new way. Adding simple container gardens or small water features is possible in the smallest of spaces and creates wonderful sensory play opportunities. Simply enjoying the sunshine without fear of sunburn can elevate any traditional lesson plan if you have an outdoor classroom facility that makes taking it outside easy and safe. Traditional outdoor classrooms also increase school resiliency by having an open air space that is protected from the elements and suitable for instruction during seasons of increased viral risk.

By incorporating outdoor learning opportunities, children develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the natural world, while also enhancing their overall development and well-being.

C. Outdoor Classrooms can promote STEAM and Career Learning
As the world becomes more reliant on technology, it’s no surprise that outdoor classrooms are being used for STEAM and Career Learning. Having an outdoor space that is well equipped with digital tools and connected have become an innovative solution for schools in the USA.

With the help of these tools, students can learn in outdoor settings while still utilizing and learning about new technology. These classrooms allow for creative and engaging lessons that can appeal to even the most tech-savvy of learners. Farms are now using smart irrigation, agrivoltaics, and hydroponics as a way to continue producing the food we need despite climate change challenges. If we are going to teach out students how to grow food we should be providing for the use of these technologies, especially at higher levels of education like high school FFA programs and community college and trade school outdoor classrooms.

Designing an outdoor classroom to include STEAM and Career learning can be as simple as providing internet connection and power for digital teaching tools or it can be as involved as creating an outdoor specialty lab that powers digital tools far away from other infrastructure.

Digital outdoor classrooms are proving to be an effective way to integrate necessary technology into outdoor education and never have to choose between high-tech and nature-based education.

How to Create an Effective Outdoor Classroom Environment

The outdoors provides a natural environment for children to learn, explore and discover, and an outdoor classroom can be an excellent tool for this purpose. Creating an effective outdoor classroom can be easy with the right outdoor classroom solutions in the USA. While the possibilities are truly endless for the design of an outdoor classroom, your space, your educators, and your students will determine which style of outdoor classroom is best.

At CSI, we set out to create a simple and cost effective solution that allows any school or park to envision and achieve the outdoor classroom that best fits their needs. We believe that outdoor education is critical for the well-being of our students, essential to the sustainability of our future, and should be accessible to everyone.

Maintaining Your Outdoor Classroom

Creating an outdoor classroom is an exciting opportunity to move learning outside the traditional four walls and inspire students in new ways. However, designing and maintaining this learning space requires careful consideration and planning.
If not thought through, outdoor education facilities like gardens can quickly become rundown and no longer useful. That said, campuses can incorporate more into their outdoor classroom design.

When considering additional features to add, consider what maintenance they will require and who will be responsible for maintenance tasks. Some Districts can hire a staff member who is in charge of outdoor education, their school garden, or STEAM program. Some Districts have been able to collaborate with Americorps or other programs for assistance in extra-curricular staffing.

We didn’t want maintenance to be a hindrance to outdoor classroom projects so we designed the NET+ Outdoor Classroom to be as simple to maintain as possible. With a minimalist design, durable and vandal resistant materials, and smart features like the “All Off” program that resents the classroom into a tidy and secure state automatically and all by itself, it can’t get easier. We think that having to add resources like staff or extra energy bills can become an obstacle to outdoor classroom projects which is why our outdoor classroom kit is designed to be operated and maintained without impacting your staff or budget.

About Constructive Systems Inc.

Constructive Systems Inc. is a sustainable solutions company that specializes in designing and installing outdoor learning structures for schools and parks. Our products are designed with safety, longevity, and sustainability in mind. Partner with the best solar sustainability company in California that provides renewable energy options as well as a range of other eco-friendly solutions. Our team is passionate about outdoor learning and providing high-quality products to support it! Contact us today to learn more about our outdoor classroom solutions.

Email – solutions@constructivesystemsinc.com

The post What are Outdoor Classrooms? Benefits and Types appeared first on Constructive Systems Inc.

PUSD Bioswale Integrated Energy Project

Krista Rigsbee — Mon, 22 May 2023 06:01:53 +0000

Multi-land Benefit Development

This summer these recurring narratives have again dominated headlines:

How do we leverage limited resources to combat the broad area of climate threats? More importantly, how do we account for real trade-offs that come with any initiative?

Can Sustainable Green Infrastructure be Economically Viable?

Can Our Grid Support Electrification?

How do we balance the need for removing natural land and habitat for Energy infrastructure and urban use ??

These are all important questions and ultimately require a development process to weigh pros and cons and prioritize where investment will have the greatest impact for our environment and most importantly the people who live there.

The primary metric that our industry prioritizes when developing climate-smart Infrastructure is the “reduction” of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). While that is a great, clear, and measurable area that policy makers can march towards towards, we feel this is a narrow lens to use when allocating investment dollars.

Other critical challenges are just as important but hard to measure:

Conserving healthy soil and working lands

Maintaining clean and accessible water resources

Preserving critical habitat and biodiversity

This list can go further but I use it as an example to pose a critical question.

Is our current framework empowering decision makers to make the greatest climate and societal impact for each investment dollar spent?

At CSI we challenge our design team and our clients to think outside the box. One area that we continually advocate for is examining “multi-benefit” land uses that can bring an integrated solution into a single project.

Today, we want to share a case study of how a California school district developed an integrated renewable energy project to address multiple challenges their facilities team faced.

BACKGROUND:

Pittsburg Unified School District is a K-12 public school system that serves over 11,300 students in the East Bay region of California. The leadership has prioritized core sustainability programs across more than 15 campuses in the District. Their efforts have ranged from energy conservation programs, renewable energy development, and ecology and water programs at their facilities. CSI had the privilege of supporting PUSD in their goal to enhance their electric bus fleet and bring outdoor education to their student body.

CHALLENGES:

1. Land Use – For any who have spent much time in bay area, space comes at a premium. With limited roof space and unused land, expanding infrastructure needed careful planning

2. Energy Generation – PUSD faced a common challenge. With electrification of their district and bus fleet they needed to meet the infrastructure and cost requirement of expanded electricity use.

3. Environmental Impact/Storm Water – Just as Land and Electricity is expensive in California, so is the ever complicated expense related to water. Public School districts face similar challenges as other industries with a severe drought not relenting in the state.

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION:

To create an integrated solution with PUSD that addressed their infrastructure needs and climate goals we decided to leverage emerging solar & wind technologies to maximize district land currently being utilized for wastewater capture.

PUSD Integrated Energy Project

Our goal was to develop a fully integrated infrastructure system which:

Expanded EV charging infrastructure

EV and current electrical use offset by 170kW of on site renewable energy

Developed within an existing 1 acre bioswale using new light filtering solar modules

Preserving the stormwater facility, runoff from the facility and bus washing station was diverted and naturally filtered through the bioswale before returning to the local watershed.

The native vegetation of the bioswale sequesters carbon from the atmosphere and preserves local biodiversity

Created adjacent outdoor learning areas with signs to highlight each part of the project for students to learn about sustainability in an immersive environment

If we chose to focus solely on reducing GHG emissions then it would be reasonable to stop at solar and EV infrastructure. With the creative thinking of the leadership team at PUSD we were able to address extended metrics such as water quality and conservation, preserving natural habitat and biodiversity, and leveraging the limited land available to sequester carbon from the atmosphere, an often overlooked manner to reduce GHG levels.

At CSI we aspire to address the following in each project we design:

Environmental Impact
Social Progress
Economic Viability

Beyond the opportunity to address multiple environmental and climate objectives in a single project. We were able to leverage a single funding effort with PUSD to reduce their operating cost and create a high impact for their investment. This project allows annual funding to directly support their students and community rather than utility bills. This project also created a first of its kind immersive learning environment to educate students on renewables and environmental curriculum.

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Recent News Archives - Constructive Systems Inc

How to Set Up an Outdoor Classroom: A Step-by-Step Guide

About Constructive Systems Inc.

Advantages of Outdoor Classrooms for Schools

Advantages of Outdoor Classrooms for Schools

How Outdoor Classrooms Are Beneficial to the Environment

Summing Up

About Constructive Systems Inc.

What are Outdoor Classrooms? Benefits and Types

What do Outdoor Classrooms have to offer

Different Outdoor Classroom Designs

How to Create an Effective Outdoor Classroom Environment

Maintaining Your Outdoor Classroom

About Constructive Systems Inc.

PUSD Bioswale Integrated Energy Project

Multi-land Benefit Development