CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHT
By Katie Cahoon, Lower School Science Specialist, Published in 2023-2024 ViewPoints
In anticipation of the redesign of the Early Childhood Outdoor Classroom for our youngest learners in Pre-K through Grade 1, third-grade science students experienced a unique real-world opportunity. Katie Cahoon, their science teacher, challenged students to combine their knowledge of pollinator sanctuaries with their recent experience as early childhood students in order to design a community space to support pollinators while meeting the needs of our youngest learners.
Our third-grade science curriculum explores the crucial role pollinators and pollinator habitats play within our local ecosystem. Students learn about the importance of pollinators who provide food for us and many other animals. They also learn that pollinators cannot survive without certain essential needs within their habitat and that some pollinators are at risk due to habitat loss, pollution, herbicides, and pesticides. To help improve pollinator health, the students learn how to create and care for a pollinator garden, which supports the many species that reside here year-round. Additionally, the pollinator garden serves as a Monarch waystation: a place of respite on their annual migration from Mexico to Canada and back. Since the Class of 2028 created the garden in 2021, third-grade science classes have maintained and cared for the pollinator garden in the southernmost section of the outdoor classroom.
Empowered through the design process
Using their knowledge about pollinators and working over many months, this year students tapped into their imaginations to create individual designs of what the extended garden should look like. They then shared their ideas in small groups and collaborated to integrate their ideas into a group design. While designing, students kept the needs of pollinators in mind. In addition, they remained aware of the safety, enjoyment, and learning styles of our youngest students who will be using this space daily. In the end, the students developed four distinct designs, which they shared with our community at a Lower School Morning meeting before presenting their designs to the Head of School, Ms. Owen, and the landscape designer for the project, Mr. Tomis.
The students were proud to utilize their knowledge of pollinators and their habitats to contribute to the design of the Early Childhood Outdoor Classroom and support our pollinators and our students. As to their inspiration, the Class of 2030 explained: “You have to think about what helps pollinators like bees, beetles, butterflies, moths, bats, and birds. You also need to think about what makes it a great place for Early Childhood students to learn and play. The third grade has learned a LOT about pollinators. And we used to be Early Childhood students, so we know a lot about that, too! That’s why we were in charge of creating some design ideas. We are so excited to share our designs with you, and we are so excited for the new pollinator garden. Thank you!”
Proposed Design Features
Students presented their designs to Head of School Ms. Owen and landscape designer Mr. Tomis, highlighting important design features they included to support both Early Childhood learning and pollinators including features such as a big milkweed garden with common milkweed, butterfly milkweed, and swamp milkweed; an adventure table with magnifying glasses and plastic beakers; and a planting section for young students to plant seeds.
The reimagining of the Pre-K playground into a nature-based outdoor classroom supporting the curriculum for all Early Childhood students has been underway since 2021. Construction began in 2023 thanks to funds raised at our 2022 Gala and a generous donation from a loyal member of our community. In our next issue of ViewPoints we will unveil the newly redesigned Early Childhood Outdoor Classroom, which will open at the start of the 2024–2025 school year.
