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Create an Outdoor Classroom: Stream Restoration and Maintenance
Created by Doreen Kok, Anne Arundel County Public Schools
Subject Area: Science
Grade Level: 7
Our Service Learning activities include building an outdoor classroom
and study area near the stream in front of our school, and performing
stream cleanup, maintenance and restoration. The project has been funded
each year by the Chesapeake Bay Trust. The students work in groups to
brainstorm project options for the area each year. These projects could
include: construction of an outdoor classroom; construction of animal
habitats (bat and bird houses); construction of steps and retaining walls;
sampling and study of fish, water, and plants; compass course
construction; and trail construction and maintenance.
The project meets MSPAP objectives, state goals, and our school
and county goals for problem solving, and the application of critical
thinking skills. The involvement of parents and the community is highly
recommended.
Preparation: Students are introduced to the service-learning
project through brainstorming and problemsolving activities. Needs
assessment surveys, speakers, group discussions and research are all used
as background. Students submit a written plan of action to the teacher.
Action: Students select a project and work towards the completion of that
project as a group. The project time lines range from two days to two
months, depending on the group commitment.
Reflection: Students share
results and project successes with other students. The sharing is done
through science fair/project exhibits, skits, videos, dialogue journals,
scrapbooks and project walk-throughs. Celebration Students announce and
share their success! This could be done as a field day, outdoor lunch,
class party, news coverage and /or T-shirt and button making days.
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