Aussie school garden ~ Voren

17 August 2008 - 6:12pm | Filed under

Check out a school garden in Sydney Australia:

http://ecopond.blogspot.com/2007/03/eco-learning-area.html

We have a herb spiral and vegie patches:

We have a frog pond: 

Our latest project is a Rainforest Gully Garden featuring rainforest and bushtucker plants.

Our visitors include native bees, butterflies, blue tongue lizards and grey-headed flying foxes. 

Earth Day Celebration ~ John

15 May 2008 - 12:00am | Filed under 5 SCIENCE

On Tuesday April 22nd we celebrated Earth Day!  All of our fifth graders had the opportunity to go outdoors to discuss and reflect on the importance of conservation.  They pledged to reduce, reuse and recycle at home and school.  Then, they went into action and planted two trees in our OLE. That same day all our Science Club members Kinder through 6th grade also celebrated by planting wildflower seeds throughout the OLE.

Kid quotes from Earth Day

"We should always recycle because we have to keep trees safe.  Earth is a really great place.  We need to keep our environment safe too!  The Earth is really special."
Ruben

"We need to conserve our resources because it’s our environment.  It’s important to recycle, clean, and save water.  It was fun outside today!  Today we planted a tree and it will provide clean oxygen for us to breath."
Charlotte

"Conservation is important because we can recycle and not waste our planet.  We conserve not to destroy our planet."
Alejandro

"Conservation is important because without it our forests, wildlife, and other natural resources would not be protected and die out."
Monica

"It is important to celebrate Earth Day because if people didn’t our Earth would be dirtier, the rivers, ponds, and lakes would be nasty and the air would be polluted.  Also, our Earth would be in danger and we would be too."
Daisy

Watauga Elementary Earth Day Celebration ~ Kate

14 May 2008 - 12:00am | Filed under 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 OTHER

Watauga Elementary celebrated Earth Day and officially dedicated our Outdoor Learning Environment on April 22nd, 2008.   This was a special opportunity for over 700 students, staff and special guests in our community to share in the celebration of our first year in the ground.  

Special Guests in attendance were Dr. Stephen Waddell, BISD Superintendent; Dr. Ellen Bell, BISD Associate Superintendent for Instruction and Curriculum;  Mark Thomas, BISD Communications Officer; Harry Jeffries, Mayor of Watauga; and from the REAL School Gardens Organization: Suzy Peacock, Stacey Hodge and Eric Vanderbeck.

Eagle Scout Ryan, the son of one of our teachers, organized the building of a handicap accessible bridge.  Daniel, a 5 year-old student in a wheelchair happily cut the ribbon to dedicate the bridge.

Students played instruments and sang Earth Day songs under the direction of our music teachers. Students from each grade level talked about and released beneficial bugs into our garden.  A few tadpoles, a frog, and a toad were invited to find new habitats in our pond and garden area as well.

Haley, a fifth grade student talked about the Koi she brought from her home, “These fish were born in my pond at home and may their cycle of life continue on for generations so the students of Watauga Elementary can study and enjoy them for many years to come!”  

Our purpose in creating an Outdoor Learning Environment at our school was to develop an understanding, awareness and appreciation of the garden and the environment.  Our Earth Day Celebration and Dedication made possible this vision as students, teachers, and the community are inspired to continue making connections and appreciation of learning outdoors.