My students are curious learners, constantly asking questions, digging deeper, and trying to understand the world around them. They seek meaning rather than just comprehension and are willing to do the work to get there. As an Environmentally focused school, my students are also always on the lookout for better ways to keep our planet and ourselves healthier.
These are kids who care; they care about the world around them and how their actions impact more than just themselves.
When an answer isn't simple or straight-forward, we learn how to use science in order to gather information and make positive changes for our school, community, and the environment.
My Project
Minnesota winters are notoriously chilly affairs, and in an outdoor classroom without the right supplies and preparation, a student's attention can drop as quickly as the mercury. Imagine trying to conduct a math class outdoors in the middle of winter, directly on the snow. This might be something that can be conducted for a few minutes, but just as soon as the cold really sets in, your best chance for student participation would be to go back inside to finish the lesson. However, as an outdoor, environmentally focused school, we strongly believe that the best learning can and should happen outside, despite whatever season we're experiencing. This of course is not without its challenges, but there are many solutions to explore without depriving our students of the outdoor time they crave.
As we take our learning outside, the biggest challenges become the seasonal weather--particularly staying dry in the wet, and warm in the cold.
It's important that every outdoor learning experience that we give our students is not only safe, but also reasonably comfortable, and staying warm is a big part of that. By having a campfire at the center of our learning areas, we provide a nucleus to tie the entire "room" together, and we also ensure that our students have a place to warm themselves back up without having the distraction of having to go back indoors, where we would also lose valuable time in the short school day. Additionally, warm and healthy snacks can be cooked right before their eyes, and science activities, even as simple as exploring the states of matter, can be hands-on and both place and project-based. Campfire-safe pots and pans will ensure our students get the most of their outdoor experiences.
Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned 7 Piece Heavy Duty Cast Iron Dutch Oven Camping Cooking Set with Vintage Carrying Storage Box
• Amazon Business
$149.99
1
$149.99
Coghlan's Cast Iron Camp Cooker
• Amazon Business
$12.97
4
$51.88
IMUSA USA Enamel Steamer Pot, 16-Quart, Blue
• Amazon Business
$41.64
1
$41.64
GSI Outdoors 8 Cup Coffee Pot for Storing Hot Coffee, Tea and Water While Camping, Blue
• Amazon Business
$19.95
2
$39.90
Domaker Folding Campfire Grill,Heavy Duty Portable Camping Grill 304 Stainless Steel Grate with Legs,Black
• Amazon Business
$33.99
1
$33.99
RAPICCA 16 Inches,932℉,Leather Forge/Mig/Stick Welding Gloves Heat/Fire Resistant, Mitts for Oven/Grill/Fireplace/Furnace/Stove/Pot Holder/Tig Welder/Mig/BBQ/Animal handling glove with 16 inches Extra Long Sleeve– GreyBlack
• Amazon Business
$21.99
1
$21.99
Grill Tongs, 17 Inch Extra Long Kitchen Tongs, Premium Stainless Steel Tongs for Cooking, Grilling, Barbecue/BBQ, Buffet
• Amazon Business
$7.99
1
$7.99
Materials cost
$347.38
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$5.21
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$382.59
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$67.52
Total project goal
$450.11
Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Stephanie and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
