The Outdoor Classroom
Children benefit from spending time in the natural world, and the best teacher is Mother Nature. 

The Outdoor Classroom is a very special natural space beside the Environmental Learning Center, with research-based landscaping and structures designed to provide kids with opportunities to reconnect with nature.  There are dedicated stations facilitating Music and Movement, Building, Climbing and Running, and other such great activities kids can do outside.  Other fun stations are the 'Messy Materials' Area, Water Feature and Gardening Area.  The Gathering Area with solid log-hewn benches is a good spot for Nature Stories.  


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Harrison Hills Environmental Learning Center Outdoor Classroom      
Family Activities
​Gathering area—Use this calm space for quieter activities.
  • Read a story.
  • Find animals on the mural on the wall
  • Exchange ideas.
  
Messy Materials area--Provide children with awide variety of natural materials to explore.
  • Learn how to tell how old a tree is by looking at the rings on the tree cookies.
  • Bring your own messy materials like sand, clay, birdseed, or play dough and use our space to play without the worry of “messing up” any of your living space.

​Stage—Use imagination and build self-assurance
  • Put on a play or give a speech using the stage-like platform.
  • Use the large cloths to make a tent or shelter or canopy.

​Building--Inspire creativity and hands-on learning with natural building materials.
  • Use building materials to build structures
  • Make a game like Jenga or pick up blocks out of the building material.
​ Nature Art--Inspire close observation and a sense of wonder with natural art materials.
  • Take a nature hike around the Learning Center or on one of the walking trails and gather "art" objects for a nature collage.
  • Collect some leaves for a leaf stamping project--maybe a picture using water color.
  •  Leaf stamp a T shirt using fabric paint.
  •  Collect materials for a terrarium or a "fairy garden".

​Waterfall—Look and listen
  • Watch as the water finds its path down the rocks
  • Listen to the peaceful sound it makes

Music and Movement--Let the beauty of nature inspire musical self-expression.
  • Make up a song and dance using instruments
  • Make natural instruments out of natural items.
  • Use dancing scarves and costume props to play make-believe or tell a story