Outdoor Classroom Solutions

Agnes Gray Elementary School Albion Elementary School

At Agnes Gray Elementary school grant funds purchased 20 nylon hammocks for the creation of two Reading Groves. Students helped to clear out the spaces in the forest and hung up the hammocks, after establishing protocol for care of the new shared spaces. Several times each day, now that the weather’s nice, teachers bring a class out to one of the groves (named, by students, the “Rocky Hill Grove” and the “Marsh Grove”) to read quietly. The hope has been to instill a love of reading outdoors as summer sets in. Students even participated in an Outdoor Reading Challenge, with students keeping track of time spent reading outside at home and at school.

Outdoor Learning Coordinator Sarah Timm reports, “Our kids’ faces change completely when they leave their seats and get outside; they are transformed into excited, active learners. They seek out experiences to learn and explore. They are better regulated and more engaged.

They have built and mapped a trail in the woods. They’ve learned about earth’s systems and created signage detailing examples right here in our backyard. They’ve taken on the role of squirrels, making financial decisions with their cache of acorns. And most importantly, they’ve learned to feel at home in outdoor spaces, a lesson that will stay with them as they grow and make decisions that will affect their lives and all lives on planet earth.”

At Albion Elementary School’s KVCAP Pre-K program, cedar blocks were purchased with grant funds to add a natural element to the playground and encourage development of gross motor skills.

Teacher Traci McClaire says, “The children are enjoying this new addition to our playground and excited to share with their family members. The small community of Albion uses the school playground after hours, on the weekends and during summer vacation. Having new natural tools/activities allows families to find new ways to experience the playground and teach children valuable skills (such as balancing on the wooden blocks).”

They hope to continue to improve the outdoor space for the Pre-K and the entire community.

Amanda C. Rowe Elementary

At Rowe Elementary, the grant funds were used to make improvements to trails and establish outdoor classrooms in the forest next to the school. Students took ownership of this project by helping to clear the in-forest classrooms, spread bark mulch and make signs related to the spaces. Every class and every student at Rowe School used several of the in-forest classrooms throughout the year during their Outdoor, Nature-based Art classes. Students loved learning in the forest. Behaviors were improved and minds were calmed. Students explored, observed and experienced nature firsthand.

In addition to the Outdoor, Nature-based Art teacher, a few other teachers were also able to use the in-forest classrooms. The goal for these in-forest classroom spaces is to increase the use of the forest by classroom teachers. This grant helped build 7 in-forest classrooms that have varying degrees of accessibility. Some are very accessible and other take more effort and ability to access. Teacher Jessica Puzak reports, “It is our hope that teachers will start off with the easily accessible in-forest classrooms and then advance to the less accessible as they build confidence in their ability to teach in the forest.

The community also uses these spaces more now. After school and on weekends, I frequently see families in the forest with their children showing them where they learn.”

Belfast Community Outreach

At Belfast Community Outreach Program, funds were used to create a new pollinator/study garden space at the front of the school. The funds were used specifically to purchase two yards of mulch, a half dozen pollinator friendly perennial plants including honeysuckle and azalea, one garden arbor and 4 Adirondack rockers that are much beloved by students. BCOPE is fortunate to have a working garden at the rear of the school and a greenhouse that is constantly in use and being worked on. In the past two years, as a community, everyone is outside more and more often, working in the garden, hiking, and even just sitting quietly.

Teacher Lindsey Schortz says, “One of my most active students has found that he enjoys sitting in those rockers and doing his writing. He started with us second semester this year, and if he is not helping out, shooting hoops, in class or working on his music, you can almost always count on finding him in one of those big rocking chairs, still in motion, but writing in his journal. And for the majority of our students, the question has gone from how long do we need to write (or research) to can we write or work outside. Come by most days and you will see BCOPE students, working, in our new outdoor space.”

Bonny Eagle Middle School Cascade Brook School

At Bonny Eagle Middle School the grant was used for a variety of basic outdoor learning supplies to easily transition classroom activities outdoors.

Bonny Eagle has an outdoor education program, and many students have had that class as an elective for 3 years and they are able to use the skills and comfort they learned for science- focused outdoor learning.

For example, learning about Newton’s Laws of motion involved building catapults and testing them outside, which was a great way to spend the spring.

Teacher Erin Hullinger explains how the transition to outdoor learning went for her class, “I feel that equipping my students with outdoor learning materials helped increase their interest in school, improved their teamwork, decreased stress (as no one was fighting for limited materials AND we were in the sunshine), and made them feel special. They knew that they had been chosen for a grant that would allow us to learn outside, and they were so excited to help unbox everything as it arrived. They would even come borrow the chairs to use in other classes. My school has an amazing outdoor, forested campus, large fields, and a courtyard full of perennials. It is a gift to be able to utilize these spaces without parting from specific learning and curriculum goals.”

Cascade Brook School used grant funds to purchase supplies for 12 storywalk signs. Students from Foster Regional Tech’s Pre Engineering class built and installed them. Another great partnership is with local independent bookstore, Devaney, Doak & Garrett Booksellers, to purchase books to take apart for use in the signs. With these signs in place, the nature trail can have educational materials on display. Students and their families will be able to learn more about the natural surroundings when they use this path, even when they are not accompanied by a teacher to point things out along the way.

Teacher Amy Graham shares about the value of the trail and signs, “Our trail provides students with much needed movement breaks throughout the day. The walk through the woods gives us an opportunity to take a break from the hum of the air exchange and the glare of the overhead fluorescent lights. We pause to listen to what we can hear - the calls of oven birds in the understory, the croak and wing flap of a crow flying overhead, the distant hammering of a woodpecker, the burbling of water as it flows over rocks in the stream.

The signs encourage us to find these moments to pause and notice and be. We appreciate your support in making outdoor learning a feasible daily activity for our students!”

Cony Middle/ High School Dedham School

Cony teacher Brenda Weis used her grant funds to first purchase a pop up tent as well as bicycle repair parts for several donated bicycles, a bike stand, bike pump, and several bicycle tools. She also purchased 10 camp seat cushions as well as clipboards to add to an already existing stock - enough for a class of 25 students. In addition she bought Sibley’s Backyard Birds of the Northeast Folding Field Guides along with binoculars and a Cornell Lab of Ornithology online course titled Let’s Go Outside! How to Connect Kids with Birds and Nature that she will complete this summer. Finally, storage totes in which to store these materials.

The Augusta Nature Center is in Cony’s backyard. Students have the opportunity in the Outdoor Education elective class to become immersed in the woods, and the course will include a birding unit next year using the supplies purchased with the grant.

Brenda Weis sees how important the outdoors are to her and her students, “Now, more than ever, after what our students and educators went through over the past couple years, the outdoors is a necessity. I want my students to take advantage of nature; to find its healing qualities. I want to teach them skills and impart knowledge on them so they feel safe and comfortable going on adventures and journeying into the great outdoors.”

At Dedham School, funds went towards improvements to the school grounds. These included log steps, giant tree cookies, binoculars and garden tools. Students take pride in their outdoor spaces, they enjoy counting acorn caps instead of cubes, they prefer to measure downed trees instead of the classroom door, they love to learn about plants by planting seeds and transplanting seedlings themselves, and they love to run and play outside. Taking learning outside makes connections from the classroom to the natural world and creates curiosity about the spaces kids live in.

Teacher Beth Handley says, “I began teaching second grade 6 years ago after 25+ years in high school and middle school science. The second graders are so excited to learn about the place they live in, the outdoor spaces around our school, and they love to move! Channeling that energy into outdoor learning is easy and so beneficial. There really is nothing better.”

Deer Isle Stonington Elementary School Dresden Elementary School

Deer Isle Stonington Elementary school purchased three benches and a table for the new Access Awareness Outdoor Classroom and extended an existing nature trail. The new Outdoor Classroom is adjacent to both the high school and the tennis courts (which are widely used by the community) and connects with the accessible boardwalk.

Every elementary grade has units and lessons centered on the Nature Trail. The kindergarten has published a book: Nature Trail From A to Z. The 7th grade created a calendar with photos that they took and quotes describing the impact of outdoor learning on their learning, including “When I’m in the classroom and the teacher is talking, it is hard to focus but when we are outside and taking data I can engage. It is better to act like a real scientist and really do it rather than read about doing it.”

Teacher Mickie Flores shared this special story, “Kindergarten students collected coins and took them to the bank. They raised over $200 with their coin collection to donate to the maintenance of the Nature Trail that they enjoy visiting every day. A passerby asked the teacher what the class was doing at the bank. The teacher explained that the students had collected coins to maintain the Nature Trail they love so well. The passerby was touched by the story and donated $100 to add to the fund!”

At Dresden Elementary, funds from the grant were used primarily to purchase tools and seeds for gardening and for maintaining the school’s hiking trails. The kindergarten and pre-k team bought a series of outdoor games and activity stations. Lastly, the school invested in a collection of winter boots to give needy students when wet and wintery weather starts.

Kindergarten students participated in a seed starting activity using the supplies purchased. The students started out planting sunflower, morning glory and sweet pea seeds in cups and a few weeks later, they transferred them to garden beds and barrels that older students had prepared in front of the building.

Teacher Keziah Bowman shared about the enthusiasm of all the students, “But the surprise came from little Jaxon. He looked at the beds one morning and declared, “Look! Those are weeds growing around our plants. They need to come out!” So Virginia showed the 5 and 6 year olds how to weed. They were impressive weeders, but none better or more enthusiastic than Jaxon. There was no wandering. There was no avoiding the activity. He stayed fully engaged and fully attuned and the garden thrived.

Virginia intends to do more planting next year. And everyone is excited, especially Jaxon.”

Durham Community School Ellsworth High School

At Durham Community School, the grant funds were used primarily for the purchase of items that would benefit students and teachers in spending more time learning outdoors in nature. They purchased professional books, portable equipment (plastic totes, sleds, chalkboards, hammocks), and gear for students to wear in inclement weather (rainpants, umbrellas). The school created portable bins by season that teachers can “grab & go” that include activities, materials, and literature for making connections to nature and place at our school campus which includes: trails, woodlands, gardens and an orchard. There is also an outdoor learning resources section for teachers in the school library.

A teacher reported, “‘The eagerness and engagement from students to get outside and take on learning in nature was so encouraging from a teaching standpoint. Students were willing to learn and try new things, and anxiously collaborated with each other.’”

And a student put it simply, “‘Learning outside is more realistic.’”

Parents are also excited about it, as one parent shared, “‘Outdoor learning has had a wonderful impact. She comes home very excited to tell me about what she has done with her friends outside at school. From cleaning up trash around the pond, dissecting pods to see what is inside them, the lifecycle of a butterfly, seeds, hummingbirds, the importance of bees, etc. She proudly tells others to leave the bees alone because they have very important jobs.’”

At Ellsworth High School, the grant was used to facilitate walking, group work and various mindfulness activities outdoors on campus. Good weather provided opportunities to provide mindfulness walks, outdoor counseling sessions, and practice of breath work, meditation and guided imagery mindfulness breaks.The ability to facilitate outdoor SEL activities has provided a new facet to SEL programming. It has encouraged students to take sessions outdoors and integrate the wonderful healing power of nature. Teacher Amy Vandorn shares, “The best example of the impact and “success” of our project is hearing from students who participated and learning that they will be continuing their mindfulness practices outdoors during the summer. Knowing that they are going to integrate what they had experienced and learned to their everyday life, without being encouraged by a grade, teacher prompt or counselors coaching, is very rewarding.”

Gardiner Area High School

Georgetown Central School

Teacher Sharon Gallant from Gardiner Area High School purchased 46 camp or bag chairs, 2 easels, 50 magnetic white clip boards, and 50 markers with erasers to write on the boards. As well as two rolling carts to store all of the materials and two monthly calendar boards that are mounted on the wall for teachers to use to sign up and reserve the chairs for their class period.

Teacher Jen Varmecky took advantage of these supplies and reported “I had given students a handout the previous day. No one completed the worksheet. I took the kids out, sat them in the camp chairs, and the assignment was completed in a heartbeat. Incredible that they will do something for me outside, but won’t inside. I’m going out everyday.”

Gallant shares, “I have received several thank you’s from teachers who have brought their students outside, all with notes of gratitude. Students are THRILLED to have class outside and are asking for more. Because of this response, my principal and I are looking at changing our earth science freshman class to an outside classroom every day next year!! Woo hoo!!!”

Georgetown Central School used the funds to support an expeditionary unit for Pre-K- 2nd grade. Students researched what plants attract butterflies and bees. After conducting the initial research, they purchased seeds and small planting pots to grow seeds. Students watched as the seeds sprouted and grew bigger and bigger. As the seeds were growing, they used grant funds to develop the rest of the garden with raised beds, a trellis, fence and picnic table. Outdoor learning community has opened teachers and students up to a new style of learning. Learning activities and targets are focused around a guiding question. These guided questions are driven by science, specifically in the areas of habitats, animals and the human impact on the environment. Teacher Nina Willette says, “Outside, we have noticed that students who have challenges being still, are much more able to attend and learn. Students are curious, ask questions, and notice things in the world around them that may be part of the lesson, but may be completely spontaneous. They learn to appreciate the land they live in and the world around them, most importantly, they learn they have to take care of the land and everything that is a part of the world. It is amazing to have the support to build these unique learning environments for students.”

Gerald E. Talbot Elementary School Governor John Fairfield School

The funds from the MEEA grant were used to purchase 50 “crazy creek” style camping chairs, as well as a set of 20 camping chairs. This seating was a huge investment in outdoor learning at Talbot Elementary School. These pieces will help classes to be more comfortable outdoors while reading, writing and doing math outdoors. The plan is to store these chairs in accessible and communal locations around the school so that classrooms can easily access them while learning. Teacher Anna Franceschetti shares, “For months I have watched students lug their hard classroom chairs and their books out to sit on the sidewalk and grass embankment outside their classroom. Their chairs rest awkwardly on the incline of the hill and the students wiggle to get comfortable.

With the arrival of the “crazy creeks” students have been able the transition to outdoor learning has been seamless. Students are able to take their chair with them and venture a bit further from the shadow of the school and sit comfortably. The MEEA grant has made the comfort, ease and accessibility of outdoor learning a reality at Talbot school. Thank you!!”

Governor John Fairfield School utilized the grant funds to purchase supplies for bringing the learning outside including clothing and gear, science and gardening supplies and outdoor seating.

Students enjoyed hands-on, messy science and explored the scientific process and conducted several experiments throughout the year, going outside as much as possible.

Students also spent many mornings planting, watering, and observing the vegetables they grew for the school cafeteria. They learned about plant parts and functions as part of their animal and plant science unit.

Teacher Jamie Paige says, “Sometimes it can be challenging to bring the classroom curriculum outside. The scoop chairs were a great way to get students outside for some reading and writing activities. First graders can be squirmy and fearful of bugs, so the scoop chairs were great for providing a secure seat away from bugs. Our outdoor buddy reading sessions were the highlight of my year. Sun, fresh air, friends, and books are the perfect combination!”

Greenville Consolidated School Hope Elementary School

At Greenville Consolidated School the funds were used to purchase: • writing materials for field data collection Rite in the Rain copy paper, student field journals, and clip boards • 5-gallon buckets with padded bucket seats provide storage and a portable seat • pop-up tent canopy • collecting nets, specimen containers and trowels • portable whiteboard

Behind the school there is a nature trail that winds through a stand of mostly softwood trees. The trail is dotted with snags, woody debris, and the occasional uprooted tree. Spongy mosses and rocks cover the forest floor and a small shallow brook meanders through the woods. This is the outdoor classroom.

Throughout the school year students venture outside to the school nature trail to explore the woods and discover the magic of nature. Elementary students search under rocks and rotting logs to observe pill bugs, centipedes, spiders, and salamanders as they learn about life on the forest floor. Middle school students explore the brook in search of macroinvertebrates as they learn about stream ecology, and high school environmental science students collect data about the health of the forest ecosystem.

Five-gallon buckets are used to carry the various supplies – clipboards, nature journals, collecting nets, specimen containers and trowels. The padded seat cover keeps the materials dry and organized and also provides a comfortable dry seat for students to sit and record observations.

At Hope Elementary School MEEA funds were used to purchase tools and materials that improved the outdoor learning spaces and expanded the breadth and benefit of nature-based learning.

Each season brought new and fascinating discoveries and opportunities to deepen students’ connection with the natural world. They got to know the outdoor learning spaces through all of the seasons and have built deep relationships with them and their trees, through which abundant learning has blossomed. Under the Quaking Aspen was their favorite place to have math lessons. The forest nook has become a thick and magical jungle of nascent Beech leaves and abundant new hemlock growth. On the last day of sit spots this year, a weekly solo time when students perch in their special place, a student said to her sit spot, “Thank you for being my friend. I will miss you.”

Teacher Sarah Schafer shares, “ Our ability to be outside and learn and grow along with the seasons has been supported by the gear that keeps us warm and dry, the tools that we’ve used to co-create our outdoor learning spaces and the materials needed to engage in continuous, meaningful, nature-based curriculum. So, just like the students gave their genuine thanks to the red maple trees and their sit spots, “thank you” to MEEA for believing in the wonder that the outdoors has to teach our children.”

Howard C. Reiche Elementary School Kingfield Elementary School

The grant funds were used to buy a magnifying lens for every student at Reiche Elementary School. These simple tools became a central part of observing in the garden, where students follow a seasonal learning pattern to explore the Reiche garden as an ever-changing landscape through which many authentic lessons can be learned. One example of this is observation of plants at different phases of their lifecycle, as well as the impact of climate and weather on this cycle.

The third graders got really excited about this, and started noticing things outside of school as well. One third grader commented on the fact that they noticed the same flowers blooming in their yard as the ones blooming in our garden. They also started to ask questions about these changes, like “how does the sun make flowers bloom?” and “does rain make spring come?” and “why is it hot and cold in the spring?” These questions then prompted further learning about the changing seasons.

Teacher Kristen Fox shares, “Outdoor education is a powerful tool to give students autonomy over their own knowledge and understanding. Children are interested observers and learners. When given the space and tools to use this innate curiosity, they flourish. Garden has been a favorite class for most of the students in the school, simply because they are asked to be curious, and look around.”

At Kingfield Elementary, MEEA funding was used to partner with Maine Local Living School. This partnership has become an important cornerstone in place-based education through modeling lessons and learning together. The school is working to bring to life a vision where all students are outside and connected to the natural world and human community in ways that enhance their ability to be stewards of the western Maine region, and citizens of a global community.

Teachers and staff have been energized by new connections and collaborations. Families have loved the active and outdoor learning. Students have come to understand the patterns of the days and seasons.

Principal Johanna Prince explains, “This spring we engaged in a Three Books: One Place shared celebration of reading, community and nature. All students read the same three books, and met weekly for dialog, activities and community building. We learned more about the human history of Kingfield with visits to the Stanley Museum, and visits from members of the Penobscot Nation. We learned more about our soil and gardens, and expanding our green spaces to include fruit trees and reintroducing native flowers to a previously mowed field. These projects and smiles shared in learning outdoors and community have become a hallmark of the way our school operates.”

Marshwood Great Works School Middle School of the Kennebunks

At Marshwood Great Works School, the grant supported a weekly Woodland and Wonders class with books, games, clipboards, microscopes, wagons and a bird feeding station. This school year on Thursdays a new special Woodland & Wonder was piloted at Marshwood Great Works School to provide each student with outdoor learning opportunities. Sessions are designed for students to encourage exploration in nature, while learning to assess risk and develop the ability to respond to new situations and each other. Each class had sessions throughout the year to experience different seasons and changes in the natural world.

Teacher Grace Jacobs saw how important this class was to students: “This time outside has become something sacred to our students and is looked forward to with excitement. One of the things that has been noted is that students are much more at ease and there’s a heightened sense of connection amongst students when they are playing and learning outdoors. Learning outdoors helps develop a sense of place. Our students are more observant and have learned to be outside no matter the weather.

We are grateful for the funding of tools to expand our access to all of our students. Woodland & Wonder has been a success and will continue. Marshwood Great Works School looks forward to continuing the journey in connecting our students with nature for their academic, social, and emotional growth.”

At Middle School of the Kennebunks, funds were used to purchase building materials and tools for bridges that provide access through the old growth forest. Students worked together to make measurements for the bridges and make appropriate designs for each section where one was needed. Taking the classroom outside to work together on a project that will benefit the school community for many years gave everyone a good feeling. Kids were able to socialize as they worked together to build the bridges and walkways in a way they hadn’t since the start of the pandemic. They were able to leave the school and work among the beautiful tall hemlocks and pines, the sounds of the birds, the smells of the forest, and the flow of the streams. The anxiety levels drop, opening the door for so much growth.

Once the bridges were complete, the seventh grade science class was able to start using the trail as a research trail through what is now called the MSK Research Forest. Students documented the DBH of trees, estimated, height of trees, calculated carbon sequestration potential, and recorded changes through the seasons. With this data, students will continue to map out the research forest and document trends over the years. They will look for signs of climate change and invasive species. Students for years to come will benefit from the new bridge system.

Milbridge Elementary School Milo Elementary School

The funds from the MEEA Grant was used to purchase 24 orange safety vests, 24 magnifying glasses, and 24 sets of binoculars for students at Milbridge Elementary..

All of these items have been used in our outdoor classroom and when the students participate in the Maine Outdoor School programs. The magnifying glasses have been used by students when they are observing and exploring nature. During field trips to the Milbridge Commons students used the binoculars to observe the many bird species of the Maine coast. Teacher Allison Wallace says, “The students have loved being able to learn and explore nature during the fall and winter months. The orange safety vests ensure each student and adult’s safety when using the Outdoor Classroom and the Milbridge Commons (community park). All of these items are part of our Nature Lending Library to encourage outdoor experiences and learning.

I love seeing the students’ faces light up when they make discoveries in nature that we have talked about in the classroom. Thank you again for opening new educational opportunities for the students through nature and the outdoors.”

Milo Elementary students are benefitting from a Ga-Ga pit purchased with grant funds. Teacher Dawn McLaughlin reports, ”By heading outside and learning in nature, kids improve their emotional, intellectual, and behavioral development. Outdoor learning helps foster the development of creativity, problem-solving, independence, and confidence. I have seen all of these benefits first hand. There is just something about being outside that makes life better. I love the immediate response my students have when they hear we are going outside for class. Big cheers and bigger smiles.”

Students from around the district are also using the outdoor Ga-Ga pit as well.

North Elementary School Oak Hill Middle School

North Elementary used their funds to start an outdoor classroom, including a mud kitchen.Students are enthusiastic about using the mud kitchen to learn about soil and sand and practice their imaginative play. Teacher Katlyn Butler says, “As we looked to the future of North Elementary and building a new school we found ourselves dreaming for things like a mud kitchen. The dream came true with this grant. The impact of this mud kitchen on our school was huge and we thank you for the opportunity to support outdoor learning in the lives of young children.”

Oak Hill Middle School used grant funds to purchase 5 picnic tables. These picnic tables were placed outside of the cafeteria to use for lunch and classes, and provided students with the chance to take breaks from wearing their masks while continuing their lessons. After speaking with Team Leaders and Principal Mr. Wilson, she completed the application for the Mini Grant.

After the picnic tables arrived, the teachers quickly began to utilize them for rotating classes to an outside classroom environment. This allowed students to have mask breaks, and fresh air!

Portland High School Region 10 Technical High School

Portland High School spent their grant on tools, compost, and plants. Donations to complement the grant came from Garbage to Garden and the City of Portland. Portland High School (PHS) just celebrated its two hundred and first graduation! The courtyard has seen many renovations over the years but recently it had become overgrown with weeds. When COVID19 hit and students finally returned to school, it was clear that students and teachers needed a space to gather safely outdoors. Teachers Andres Llorente Tom Talarico jumped into action and began making the courtyard more conducive to outdoor learning. Tom Talarico says, “We are happy to say that numerous students and teachers have used the courtyard since renovations have begun. Since we are an urban campus, our outdoor learning spaces are limited. The recent renovations have enabled more students to learn outdoors.”

At Region 10 Technical High School, grant funds were used to purchase 16 chairs, wood, lattice, plants, soils, garden tools, an outdoor heater, a locking storage tote and chain to secure desks and the chairs: basically everything necessary for an outdoor classroom. The students used the space often and other classes have used the space as well, it is really a wonderful place!

The classroom was established to encourage students to read outside. Once the setting was ready, students chose their own books, with teacher approval, and used the space to read. All of the instructors from each of the trades contributed by sharing what they were reading lately, and providing trade journals and magazines for the students to read, giving the students great examples of why reading is important, even for students bound for trades.

Teacher Helen Enriquez shared, “By the end of the year, students were asking for more reading time. It was wonderful to see students reading together, in the beautiful space that they built. The space is so great that other classes used the space when it was available. There are no words to describe how nice it is to see a group of 8-10 teenagers quietly reading, even for a few minutes.”

Sanford Middle School Sanford Pride Elementary School

At Sanford Middle School, grant funds purchased the tools to do amphibian investigation in the local watershed. The ultimate goals are getting students outside, learning about and appreciating their local ecosystem and creating a database of recorded amphibians to be shared with local/state environmental organizations in hopes of being active citizens preserving their local ecosystems.

Students used waders and nets to explore, capture and identify animals found in the surrounding watersheds, everything from full grown leopard frogs to tadpoles, crawfish, and an assortment of different nymphs. For many students this was the first time they were able to examine this watershed and the extensive number of species living it in. This year was also the first time they were able to collect data on the species present in the pond, as well as water quality and begin to investigate the health of Stump Pond. Teacher Diana Allen explains, “I’m just thrilled that this year we were able to jump into our new waders, grab up our nets and get out there looking for amphibians. It was amazing to see how proud Joey was to hold up the frog he caught…the only one that was caught the whole day. These are the moments they won’t forget and that will build their appreciation for the natural world and their desire to save it.”

At Sanford Pride Elementary School the grant funds were used to purchase the outdoor shed, shelving, clipboards, magnifying glasses, a portable whiteboard with markers and an entire nature based collection of books. Supplies were made available so that teachers could come to the classroom to do their own outdoor lessons OR participate in the activity provided.

Teacher Noel Leigh saw the positive impact of outdoor learning, “One troubled student of mine found himself reluctant to participate in the ordinary curriculum. I was having a terrible time connecting with him and helping him to be successful. Then, I invited another teacher to visit and teach my kids to nature journal in the outdoor classroom. Something inside him clicked. He started to carry a bag with field guides and a nature journal. He wanted to look closely and identify the plants and trees around the school. He even made me a bird house to add to the outdoor classroom! We had FINALLY made that connection I had been trying to find and he had a terrific end of the school year with minimal behaviors.”

TWK Dirigo Middle School

At TWK Dirigo Middle School, funds were used to purchase binoculars, magnifying glasses, and soil & water strips as well as a greenhouse and gardening and composting supplies. Students in the alternative education program grew and sold a variety of seedlings and also planted their own school garden. Soil and water testing and composting were other important elements of the project. Teacher Lisa Hutchings reports, “My students have learned a lot about the ecology of Maine this year and these tools gave my students the opportunity to do hands-on activities that will stick with them!

We feel so fortunate to have received this amazing grant opportunity! Thank you for believing in the students of Maine and helping teachers to provide tools to get students outside to learn things for themselves through hands-on activities. This grant has opened many doors for my students and they are already thinking about ways to extend their learning!”