Boulder Journey School Findings

Boulder Civic Area Project Findings
Boulder Journey School

During fall 2012, teachers worked with families and children to gather ideas for improving the Boulder Civic Area. In preparation for the December 5 Civic Area Beta Test, observations and documentation of the children's experiences were analyzed. Teachers and families designated 5 themes within the children's ideas and recommendations. We view this culmination as a beginning rather than an end, and plan to work with the children and families in 2013 to develop the gathered ideas. We view this as an important opportunity to not only engage the children in Civic Planning, but as an opportunity to study science, technology, mathematics, and engineering within a context of creativity and imagination.

“This is the Municipal Building. This is the water and the ducks, and a rainbow. These are more ducks, just on land. This is the waterfall. That’s the place next to the Municipal Building where we ate snack. This is the bus stop.” -Josh

Three Assumptions
Guide our Work:

1...Young children have a great deal to teach us about possibilities for planning public spaces, specifically the Boulder Civic Area.
2...In order to gather the children’s opinions in a meaningful way, we have to offer them the time, space, and resources necessary to gain a strong understanding of the project.
3...In order to know the context of the children’s opinions, we must involve their families, since they primarily visit the Boulder Civic Area together.