Vision

After attending the Climate Action Forum in Vancouver, the students I took with me were inspired and up for the challenge. One thing that really resonated with them was someone said, “In order to care about nature, you need to spend more time in it. This is how you learn to appreciate it and want to preserve it.” This was the starting point.

Action

The students discussed many options for ways to create a nature spot for children to relax and learn. Initially, it started with a plot of land at the front of the school that was dug up after taking out the tire swing. The class set to the task of drawing out how they would use the land. We discussed landscaping features that would create a place of peace and tranquillity. As many scientists do, we encountered many obstacles. The plot was close to a busy road. They researched trees and flowers that could be used to block out the sound and create a safe place for pollinators. The students quickly discovered that because it was close to the end of the year, trees would not work since they needed to be carefully monitored and nurtured. They decided to switch gears and go back to the drawing board.

The students then started discussing a space already created at the back of the school, away from traffic, where there were benches and planters. They decided that this would be a better spot to add to the space. They then set off to do research, speaking to teachers and students to determine what the space was lacking. And many concluded that the space could use a table surface where students could work outdoors without having to balance work on their laps. Both teachers and students wanted picnic tables that would provide a space for students to work on Science/Climate lessons, but also create a relaxing spot at recess and lunch if students wanted to eat together and have conversations in an outdoor space. They loved the idea, and we ordered two picnic tables after researching the quality of many. The tables arrive on May 23rd, and the students are buzzing with anticipation of building them and painting them. They want to paint them in bright colours to have them match the benches and to create an inviting place for students to connect with nature. Once they are complete, the students would like to design some lessons that teachers can do while sitting at the tables to bring awareness to Climate Change and actions that can be taken to preserve our natural world.

Reflection & Celebration

The students loved being the managers of this project and found it very empowering to know that they could do something positive for our school community! They can’t wait to get started on building and painting the tables once they arrive this week.