EDUCATIONAL SPACE ENHANCEMENTS

Science Courtyard – A Living Laboratory and Learning Space for All

 
Description:
This is an outdoor 90’ x 90’ hands-on, experiential learning space closest to the Middle Avenue side of the new Elyria High School that runs parallel to the new science wing. Created by students and faculty, the Science Courtyard will serve as an inter-disciplinary living laboratory and learning environment. Students will learn an appreciation for the living world and an appreciation for the esthetics of nature as they plan, plant and maintain the space. The site will support ecosystems for the students to study, provide spaces for controlled studies, and will offer real-life experiences in caring for garden and other living things. 
 
Features of the courtyard include low maintenance, native plants of Ohio selected for year-round color to attract birds and butterflies; shaded seating with a pergola for up to 30 students; a patio made of bricks from the old building; a greenhouse; a vegetable garden with raised beds and a compost area, weather instrumentation; possible wind and solar power equipment; a sundial; a pond; bird baths and bird feeders; a peace pole; and landscaping and lighting.
 
Benefits:
  • Makes learning hands-on and experiential and allows students to learn more about the elements of nature and how they connect;
  • Reinforces Ohio Academic Content Standards in Life Science and other areas;
  • Expands learning outside the classroom in a healthy, naturalized space;
  • Promotes caring and responsibility for living things, which according to research, carries through to other areas of life;
  • Encourages green practices and environmental restoration goals;
  • Promotes team work and leadership skills;
  • Can be used across academic disciplines i.e. science, art, language arts, consumer science. 
     
Projected Cost: $25,000
(Includes: Plants, benches, pergola, stones, river rock, landscaping timbers, dirt and topsoil, greenhouse, pond, weather instrumentation, peace pole, sun dial, solar and/or wind power; installation)