I love that the students were able to learn about the animals and plants that live near their school and home. Learning about and in their immediate environment really helps the kids retain and make sense of the information. It makes learning relevant. |
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Project Overview
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OSMP staff and the public identified opportunities to improve nature-based learning on OSMP land called the “Wood Brothers” property and to engage youth voice through verbal, written and artistic communications to support restoration efforts on additional, nearby OSMP land called “Gunbarrel Hill.” In partnership with the community, the goal of the Gunbarrel Hill ISP (Integrated Site Project) was to improve the quality of the habitat for native ground-nesting birds and other wildlife, while providing an enhanced visitor experience to promote enjoyment of the area. As a defined implementation action item of the ISP, and to engage youth voice and inspire youth stewardship of the land, OSMP, Growing Up Boulder, and Heatherwood Elementary School (BVSD) launched a collaborative project to explore design solutions for nature-based learning on OSMP’s Wood Brothers property adjacent to the school.
View the final report below: |
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| osmp_wood_brothers_final_report.pdf |
How did we engage our community?
For the Wood Brothers property, Growing Up Boulder (GUB) led the engagement of the 4th grade class of the neighboring Heatherwood Elementary School. Working within Boulder Valley School District Coronavirus protocols, GUB staff, OSMP naturalists, and Heatherwood teachers and students had both in-person and online engagements. Four components framed and enriched student learning for each 4th grade classroom: a GUB-led project introduction, student engagement materials, an in-person (masked) Wood Brothers site visit, and a “final recommendations” discussion session. Check out Heatherwood's 4th Grade Project website, where they share their explorations and findings!
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Conclusion
Students demonstrated a strong desire to learn about the Wood Brothers property and a keen interest in sharing their recommendations for making the property an even better community asset for nature-based learning. Student recommendations included 5 key themes:
1. Education--About and in Nature
2. Enjoyment of Nature
3. Nature Discovery & Interactivity
4. Protection of Natural Areas
5. Focus on Community
Students’ recommendations reflected their desire to spend time in nature--they want to explore it, appreciate it, learn in it and about it! They expressed a strong desire for the Wood Brothers land to have both structured and unstructured programming for everyone. They are keen to have viewing stations to use binoculars to see wildlife and other forms of biodiversity up close, and they want to build their background knowledge about the geology and history of the land, its plants and animals. Young people recognized that spending time in nature elicited feeling calm, content, relaxed, and happy: 97% of students reported wanting to have regular outdoor learning time during the school week and 100% of students think having regular time to explore in nature is important! The students offered well-thought out, creative, and feasible ideas for this community resource.
1. Education--About and in Nature
2. Enjoyment of Nature
3. Nature Discovery & Interactivity
4. Protection of Natural Areas
5. Focus on Community
Students’ recommendations reflected their desire to spend time in nature--they want to explore it, appreciate it, learn in it and about it! They expressed a strong desire for the Wood Brothers land to have both structured and unstructured programming for everyone. They are keen to have viewing stations to use binoculars to see wildlife and other forms of biodiversity up close, and they want to build their background knowledge about the geology and history of the land, its plants and animals. Young people recognized that spending time in nature elicited feeling calm, content, relaxed, and happy: 97% of students reported wanting to have regular outdoor learning time during the school week and 100% of students think having regular time to explore in nature is important! The students offered well-thought out, creative, and feasible ideas for this community resource.
Working with GUB has been such a benefit to our 4th graders and teachers. The organization, the enthusiasm, the help that was given connecting us to resources was beyond any program we have ever worked with. GUB staff were incredibly supportive and clear about expectations and the process. Staff was also helpful in connecting the project to our curriculum, thoroughly going above and beyond in finding resources for us. I would definitely work with GUB again. |
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