Designing, Creating and Teaching in Schoolyards Part 1 and Part 2

Make a difference for wildlife and experience learning in the landscape of your schoolyard. This workshop series will give you the tools, skills and practice.

Schoolyard investigations and habitat projects address multiple environmental and educational concepts that benefit landscape, learning and community. The often under-utilized schoolyard spaces can be transformed from blank stretches of lawn or beaten dirt to ecologically sound landscapes. Imagine these spaces alive with wildlife and native plants. They provide opportunities for authentic learning experiences integrated into the curriculum, scientific inquiry, hands-on minds-on interdisciplinary learning, peer mentorship, and community involvement.
Discover how to make the most of YOUR school grounds.
We recommend teams of 3 or more attend to work together to define and build a project. These teams could be teachers, volunteer parents and/or community members. After this workshop, participants will be prepared to apply for a NH Schoolyard Action Grant to begin their project. You will receive planning materials to further assist and guide the planning and implementation processes.
This is a 2-part workshop; you can take either one day or both.
Part 1- March 16, 2019 from 9:00-3:30 at Gilmanton School-Gilmanton Iron Works
In part 1, you will:
• see examples of successful schoolyard habitat projects.
• find out the steps for carrying out a project at your own site.
• practice conducting a school site assessment.
• learn how to create a map of the schoolyard.
• use Project Learning Tree’s “Green Schools Investigation” materials
• generate ideas for enhancing the site.
Part 2-March 30, 2019 from 9:00-3:30 at McLane Audubon Center-Concord
In part 2, you will:
• begin to develop a plan for your own schoolyard.
• learn how to engage students and community in planning and design
• identify suitable native plants and other local resources for your site.
• find out about financial and technical assistance available to your school, including NH Schoolyard Action Grants.
Watch for a workshop in early spring on curriculum connections and ways to use your schoolyard for study.
Marilyn Wyzga, author of Homes for Wildlife: A Guide to Habitat Enhancement on School Grounds, will be your primary facilitator. Judy Silverberg, coordinator of NH Project Learning Tree, will be co-teaching Part 1.
Come dressed to spend a portion of the day outside. Bring your own lunch.