Croft turns forest into 'outdoor classroom'
Published Monday December 1st, 2008
MIRAMICHI - You could certainly learn about the environment from a book, but Croft Elementary students will soon be able to do it up close and personal, in the forest itself.
That'll be in Croft's "Forest Classroom," a series of trails, displays, animal habitats and heritage sites criss-crossing through a five-acre patch of woods behind the school.
"We always thought it would be nice to develop that piece of land into something that would be educational for our kids," Croft principal Mark Donovan said. "Something they can enjoy and really have meaningful learning take place in a forest setting."
Aside from trails, students will be making use of high technology to aid in learning.
The school has several iPod Touches for use by students as they traverse the trails, allowing them to take advantage of the school's Wi-Fi to look up fauna or flora they might encounter.
For birds, a special wand can be touched to barcodes in a booklet to give off the typical call of whatever bird is pictured.
For night time viewing, night-vision goggles are available, along with GPS units, weather monitoring devices and other tools to help students learn about the forest.
"We wanted to get them outside more, but at the same time capitalize on their interests they have in 2008, with technology," Donovan said.
The "classroom" will be used year round, and will fit into the school's curriculum.
At the launch ceremony before the classroom's official opening, student Robyn Travis told the assembled students, teachers and guests that it will have other uses as well.
"It will allow us to go outside more, be more physically active in ... snowshoeing, cross country skiing, walking, running and biking," she said.
Also speaking at the launch, fellow student Bethany Matchett seemed to have high hopes as well.
"This is going to make learning not even seem like learning at all," she said.
Visitors were taken on a tour of the forest, where students, dressed up as Acadian and Scottish settlers, Mi'kmaq and legendary figures such as the Dungarvon Whooper and Headless Nun, lined the trails, with brief presentations about the significance of each.
There were also demonstrations of the technologies used by students in exploring the woods.
The project cost around $83,000, with $67,000 coming from the province's Innovative Learning Fund and the rest from fundraising, community sponsors and School District 16.
District 16 Superintendent Laurie Keoughan said the project highlighted the "unique relationship" Miramichiers have with the river and its ecosystem.
"The lessons you will learn in your forest classroom will help you understand the mysteries of the boreal forest, and become its champions," he told the students.
More News
Search Articles
More CE Network Sites & Partners:
