Environmental Science & Technology
Barnard's School Yard Habitat est. 2015
Schoolyard Habitats® have the ability to bring the natural world to every student, every day. These outdoor classrooms are the perfect space for students to learn how to attract and support local wildlife while also improving our environment and overall health. As a bonus, a school that addresses this pathway can easily certify their school as a National Wildlife Federation Schoolyard Habitat.
Schoolyard Habitats® Fast Facts
Research in the U.S. has found learning in nature has a significant positive impact on student engagement during subsequent lessons indoors.
According to social practice theory, people aren't likely to take action to protect the environment in any sustained way unless they incorporate caring for the environment into their identity.
Studies show that many children learn better with hands-on experiences in the types of outdoor settings that Schoolyard Habitats afford.
Large Outdoor Garden-Courtyard
Our Garden-Courtyard allows for a variety of daily activities for students. Outside the cafeteria doors are picnic tables for middle school students to eat lunch outside. There are 10 raised garden beds for elementary classes to grow their own vegetables along with new "exploration stations" that provide students with outdoor, active-learning centers.
SYH Completed 2015
Reading in the SYH
SYH Scavenger Hunt
Washing Produce
Garden Courtyard
Farm Stand Friday!
Rainbow Swiss Chard
Composting
Mudkitchen
Aquaponics and Hydroponics Systems
Hydroponics
Hydroponics is the technique of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil, and can include an aggregate substrate, or growing media, such as vermiculite, coconut coir, or perlite. Hydroponic production systems are used by small farmers, hobbyists, and commercial enterprises.
Aquaponics
Aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture, which is growing fish and other aquatic animals, and hydroponics which is growing plants without soil. Aquaponics uses these two in a symbiotic combination in which plants are fed the aquatic animals’ discharge or waste. In return, the vegetables clean the water that goes back to the fish. Along with the fish and their waste, microbes play an important role to the nutrition of the plants. These beneficial bacteria gather in the spaces between the roots of the plant and converts the fish waste and the solids into substances the plants can use to grow. The result is a perfect collaboration between aquaculture and gardening.
Hydroponics Lesson
Aquaponics System
Winter Produce
Technology
Why is technology and engineering education important?
It helps students to become better at research and critical thinking. Technology prepares young people to work in an environment full of high-tech innovations. Engineering allows students to enhance problem-solving skills and apply knowledge in new projects.
