Social & Civic Responsibility: 
     Students will learn that the actions of one person can and does impact the environment.  That by preserving the environment and by making safe havens for wildlife they will help to improve the balance of nature as well as the health of our planet. By virtue of creating an Outdoor Learning Lab we will reintroduce wildlife to our school site, which were undoubtedly displaced when our building was constructed more than 30 years ago.

     By making a lab such as this available at a moment’s notice, and with consistent and repetitive visits, we will successfully instill in students the importance of ecosystems and biodiversity, as well as the necessity for conservation and preservation.

DISTRICT OUTREACH
     It is possible, with careful scheduling, for all of the other schools in the district to have an opportunity to visit, experience and benefit from the Outdoor Learning Lab.  Certainly coordination of schedules and the access to transportation will make this feasible. 

     In addition, enrichment courses can be designed utilizing the outdoor lab.  An environment club can be created at Northwood and similar clubs at the middle school and high school, and are afforded the opportunity to utilize the lab to advance their interest in the environment.  Summer camps and workshops can be developed for students and continuing education classes for adults interested in learning more about nature.

     The Outdoor Learning Lab may also help the district achieve one of its strategic plan initiatives . . . by developing and implementing mutually beneficial school-community partnerships that support and enhance the district’s mission and objectives.  Such a partnership may include a service learning project required for graduation that develops practical skills, self-esteem and a sense of civic responsibility.  A multitude of opportunities come to mind, including an intergenerational garden or students docents trained to assist groups visiting the lab or elementary students with their lab experiences.

CURRICULUM & STAFF TRAINING
     The Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODW) has developed a K-12 outdoor lab curriculum and also provides teacher in-services for Ohio school districts.  Each staff member who attends the in-service will receive a curriculum guide and are able to contact ODW personnel for clarification, support and assistance.

The ODW also provides:
Annual grants to support the creation of outdoor learning labs;

Highly experienced ODW personnel to consult on the planning and construction of the lab;
 

Native Ohio fish to stock the lab’s pond, bluebird boxes, and information on how to create owl, bat and butterfly boxes;

A free quarterly magazine called Wild Ohio for Kids that is full of interesting facts about Ohio wildlife.  It also features how-to articles on nature topics, worksheets and activities, explanations of concepts such as endangered species and definitions of words nocturnal;

Certification and citations for schools that have effectively created outdoor learning labs, officially naming them Wild School Sites for the state of Ohio. Currently there are only 54 such sites currently in the state.
FUNDING
     Possible district funding, and start-up funds from the PTA, would get this project off and running.  However, the district’s financial support will need supplemented by grants from more than one source.  Grants may be obtained from these identified sources: 

The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation

Captain Planet Foundation

Additional grant sources are available and should be explored as well.
 

CORPORATE SUPPORT - It is also possible to seek out a financial support from a local corporation such as The Hoover Company in return for the rights to name the lab.  (i.e.: The Hoover Company Outdoor Learning Lab.)

NORTHWOOD PTA - The Northwood PTA is supporting this unique learning opportunity for their students by agreeing to develop an Outdoor Learning Lab Committee and offering annual financial support.  The PTA also recently decided to begin a fundraising effort involving the collection and recycling of computer printer cartridges.  At its most recent meeting the PTA determined the funds raised through this effort would go directly to benefit the Outdoor Learning Lab.

PHASES
     Depending on the amount of money available at the outset will determine how many phases it will take to complete the construction of the Outdoor Learning Lab outlined in this proposal.  Certainly there are components that need to be present immediately in order for students to benefit from the lab in its first year of operation.  However, if enough money is available more than one phase may be completed by the start of the 2001-02 school year. 
PHASE I 
     An overall plan site plan is developed.  Some excavation and site preparation is completed.  Bird perches, nesting boxes, and a rock garden are installed. Purchase bird feed, nesting materials, and supplies are purchased at this time.
(Summer/Fall 2001)

PHASE II
     Trees, shrubs and native Ohio grasses are planted to beautify and enhance the site.  A butterfly and native Ohio wildflower garden are installed.  Simple tools for staff and student exploration are purchased.
(Spring/Summer 2002)

PHASE III
     Excavation of the site is completed and a natural barrier or fencing is installed. The pond is installed and made operational.  Plant materials are added to the pond and around its perimeter.  The ODW stocks the pond with fish.  Basic supplies such as scoop nets, etc. are purchased.  All signage is put in place.
(Fall 2002)
PHASE IV
     A Pavilion is constructed.  A pathway leading from the lab entrance to the pavilion is installed.  A vegetable garden is planted and a compost pile is created.  Seeds and other planting materials are purchased.
(Spring/Summer 2003)

PHASE V
     Extra touches such as lighting, a walking path from the school building to the lab, and a storage shed are installed. 
(Fall 2003)

     Ideally, if enough money is acquired the entire lab may be completed by the spring of 2002.

FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS: To one day hire a science specialist who will oversee the outdoor lab, its visitation schedule and ancillary programs, as well assist teachers and students with their outdoor lab experiences.
DONATIONS:
     It is possible to seek out donations of time and expertise from local businesses and professionals. 
Landscape Designers:
     To get the project started local landscape designers may be approached to donate time and expertise to survey the site and make design, plant and material recommendations. Landscapers: 
     Several landscapers may be approached to complete a part or parts of the lab.  One landscaper may agree to excavate the site, another to install the pond, another to install the butterfly garden, etc. Nurseries:
     The nurseries that do business with the landscapers, as well as other local nurseries (some that may possibly have North Canton School’s family ties) may be approached to donate plants, materials and labor.  Home Improvement & Lumber Supply Stores:
     These businesses may be approached to donate materials, and labor to construct a natural barrier to surround and secure the lab.  They may also be approached to construct a pavilion a location for students to write their observations in journals and participate in hands-on investigations unimpeded by the weather.  Advertising in exchange for donations:
     All of these professionals may be named on a permanent plaque that could be displayed near the entrance of the lab for up to a year.  Or individual signs may be placed next to the pond or garden a particular landscaper is responsible for completing. 

     New plaques or signs may be put in place in subsequent years for the businesses that continue to assist the schools with the basic care and upkeep of the lab (replacing dead plants and trees, cutting the lawn, trimming and pruning the trees and shrubs, etc.). 

     In addition, all businesses that donate to this project may have the right, with prior notification, to allow their potential clients to survey their work at the outdoor lab.

FUND-RAISING:
Outright donations from families and businesses may be sought after by way of a mail flyer.  Donors of varying levels specified in the flyer may have their names engraved on a plaque which may be displayed inside the school building or possibly on the pavilion itself. 

Other successful fundraisers may include the selling of personalized bricks or simulated flagstone that could serve as the perimeter flooring of the pavilion or a path leading from the building to the lab.

Other PTA fundraisers may be identified and the proceeds earmarked for the Outdoor Learning Lab.

The North Canton City Schools Education Endowment Fund may also be approached to award the Outdoor Learning Lab a mini-grant.  The teaching team may also be awarded a mini-grant to assist them in their preparations to teach in this exciting new environment. 

CONCLUSION
     A project such as an Outdoor Learning Lab in the North Canton City School District will enhance the leaning of more than 500 students each and every year at Northwood Elementary.  In addition, students at The Mary L. Evans Kindergarten Center, Clearmount, Greentown, Orchard Hill, the middle and high schools may benefit as well. 

     It will serve as an excellent resource for faculty members and an unmatched learning tool in terms of its broad-based offerings, accessibility, and uniqueness in the area. We believe the Outdoor Learning Lab is a perfect solution in our quest to provide meaningful and substantive experiences in science, nature and the environment. It will serve as one of the community’s gems and the catalyst for future learning projects.

Respectfully submitted:
Benny Griffiths, Principal 
Kathy Donchess, parent Northwood Elementary 
Outdoor Learning Lab Project Volunteer