Chadwick Stokes: E. B. Frink Outdoor Classroom
What should an educational experience look like? Is to be contained within four (4) walls of a classroom or can it be conducted in the natural environment of the outdoors? There is an argument to be made that both spaces can work in conjunction with each other. The broader questions asked here is what has given rise to the idea of an outdoor classroom for E. B. Frink Middle School.
Upon completion, the E. B. Frink Outdoor Classroom will consist of three (3) interactive areas within a defined outdoor space. Inspired by the gardens of Historic Jamestowne & Colonial Williamsburg, students will participate in every phase of running a proper garden, from the preparing of the soil to the harvesting of the crops at the end of each growing season. They will learn about what crops can be grown in the soil of Eastern North Carolina as well as the proper care needed for them. Comparing their experience to the crops and the maintenance tasks of the18th century will be part of their learning.
In addition, students will learn the trade of becoming an archaeologist by conducting their own dig in the space set aside for this activity. Replica artifacts will be buried beneath sand & dirt, while the students will have to use various tools to uncover these objects of the past. They will then be able to take these artifacts to the E. B. Frink History Lab for further analysis and discovery.
Finally, there will be benches built & placed in a semi-circle design to allow for a teacher to give a talk or conduct a demonstration based on what they may be learning at that time. Imagine the possibilities and engagement that a teacher will have by simply changing the scenery and allowing students more opportunities to engage with the content.
Thomas Wiggins, a former student at E. B. Frink Middle School as well as the E. B. Frink History Club will be leading a team of scouts & volunteers in the construction of this outdoor classroom. As with any projects of this size, it takes money & support. There will be a spaghetti supper fundraiser on the 1st of August 2023 from 5:30 - 8pm at the La Grange Community Center. Plates are $8 and can be purchased in advance or at the door.
For any questions and/or feedback, please contact me by email at cls1128@alumni.ecu.edu.
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