Outdoor Classroom Station Map

    Station Information

 A.       ENTRY-A unique entry feature provides a visual clue that lets children know they are entering a special place.  Our entry features a rustic arbor created especially for our space.  The pathway leading to the arbor is made of stamped concrete.  Stamped into the concrete are animal tracks and leaf prints.  Teachers can use the pathway as part of a lesson on local animals and trees.

B.    GATHERING AREA-gathering area provides a space large enough to gather an entire class.  Teachers can meet with groups for a variety of reasons.  They might share a story or introduce a lesson. 

C.      MESSY MATERIALS-The area invites students of all ages to use their imaginations, construction skills, and cooperative skills to build and create. Logs, wooden poles, tree cookies, rocks, straw, and sunflower stalks are some of the natural materials that have come and gone from this area. 

D.      BUILDING AREA-The building area provides a hard surface where students can build with natural wooden blocks.  The flooring features a compass design etched in acid washed concrete. Play and lessons in this area provide opportunities to strengthen visual-spatial, mathematical and abstract thinking.

E.       NATURE ART-This area provides a space where students can use materials from nature to create patterns and works of art.  As students work they develop close observations skills, classification skills, and a sense of appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. 

F.       CLIMBING ADVENTURE- This area provides a space where students can crawl through and/or climb on designated elements.  The area includes platforms built around a tree, a natural balance beam, and tree stumps of varying heights.  These features help students to develop balance, body awareness and control. Vertical and horizontal tree-branch poles allow children to drape sheer weather-proof fabric (stored in the area’s storage unit) to create changeable “rooms” inspiring imaginative play.

G.      ROPES AND PULLEYS-This area will provide opportunities for students to use simple machines. The area is under construction.

H.      WILDLIFE WATCH-This area provides a space for students to observe local wildlife.

I.        OPEN AREA-The area is covered with mowed grass.  It is in front of the performance stage allowing children to dance or move creatively as musical instruments are played.  The area also provides a space for an audience to gather to view a performance.  The open space can be used for group games, relay races, or cloud and star gazing. 

J.        MUSIC AND MOVEMENT-This area is a place where students can experiment with making music and creating expressive movement.  The stage may be used for impromptu performances or more formal presentations. Dancing scarves and instruments, including a slap drum and rain sticks, are stored in the area’s storage shed. 

K.  PATH THRU PLANTINGS-A pathway takes students through a variety of plantings helping them to connect with the wonders of nature.  It provides a space to learn about natural systems and the seasons.  Here teachers can help students to develop observational skills.  The area contains plants that are not only visually appealing, but also stimulate the senses of touch, smell, taste, and hearing. 

L.   RAISED BEDS- Two raised beds may be used by teachers and students as a space to plant and harvest flowers and vegetables. 

M. WHEELED TOY TRACK-This area was created for use by children in first grade or younger. The hard surfaced, meandering, slightly sloped pathway provides a physical challenge.  Wheeled toys are stored in the shed.  It is recommended that only a few children ride at one time.

N. DIRT AND DIGGING-This area includes a large sand box and four sand tables.  It provides for a variety of tactile experiences and is the ideal setting for positive social interaction. Teachers can use the area to teach lessons on weight and capacity.

O. WATER-This area contains a water tough system providing for safe water play.

P.  BUTTERFLY GARDEN-Planted in 2012 as part of the Seneca Park Zoo’s Butterfly Beltway, this area is a space where students learn about life cycles.

Q. PAVILION-Built in 2016.  Funding was provided by the National Honor Society and the P.T.A. The pavilion contains 6 picnic tables which can be used for dining or teaching group lessons.

R.  WET GARDEN-Planted in the consistently wet area adjacent to the bridge, it contains plants that grow well in wet soil.  Interpretive signage contains information about the garden and the plants growing there.

S.   FITNESS PATH-The 1/4-mile walking loop begins on the road outside the outdoor classroom. It continues on the outdoor classroom paths and around the rear of the space.

T.       FITNESS STATIONS-Five fitness stations provide for an outdoor workout.

U. MEADOW-This open area, left un-mowed, allows for native plant growth.  The vegetation provides food and shelter for animals.  It is a great place to observe, collect, and identify insects.