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The purpose of Outdoor Classrooms is to provide students and teachers a location on or near the school grounds with hands on examples of the subjects being taught in the classroom.

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Well designed Outdoor Classrooms will incorporate many of the natural features found in nature.

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At the Indian Hills Elementry school located in Topeka, Kansas, a center courtyard was transformed into an exciting learning center.

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At the foot of the trees planted in the courtyard is both the common and scientific names of each variety.

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An old pond was developed into a wetland and wildlife viewing area at McLouth, Kansas.

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In smaller settings a cement structure can serve as a wetland area. Add some plants, a few small fish and you have a living laboratory.

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A variety of bird houses, such as a Bluebird house, may be used so students can study nesting habits of both resident and migratory birds.

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Offering seed draws birds in from the surrounding area. Students learn to identify the different species.

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A bird feeder right up next to a window allows viewing birds even during poor weather conditions.

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ANIMAL TRACKS - This exicting feature replicates footprints of wildlife in concrete. This is a tract of an American Eagle.

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Naturally occuring native prairie meadows make an excellent area to study the inter-dependency of soil, water, air, plants and animals.

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With larger Outdoor Classrooms, mowed paths and directional signs provide students with access.

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A wooded riparian area with a stream is another great Outdoor Classrooms feature.

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A wooden bridge built over a body of water or ravine makes an interesting object for art students to sketch.

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Give a student an opportunity to stop and smell the flowers. Develop an Outdoor Classroom at your school.