coroglen school inquiry unit how can we improve our outdoor environment?

Coroglen School Inquiry UnitCoroglen School Inquiry Unit

How Can We Improve Our Outdoor Environment?

What do we know?What do we know?

• Our 40 students were divided into groups and assigned an area of the school grounds to examine.

• Their task was to identify problem areas that needed improvement and aspects we would want to retain.

The Adventure PlaygroundThe Adventure Playground

Not very adventurous.

Our EntranceOur Entrance

• Shared by vehicles and pedestrians and in need of resealing.

The Back CornerThe Back Corner

• Weeds, tree stumps but a lot of potential.

Making DecisionsMaking Decisions

• Each group chose two projects within their area.

• They had to prioritise and be realistic.

• They drafted proposals for solving problems or improving something within their area.

Plan for new pedestrian gate. Plan for new pedestrian gate.

Research and reviseResearch and revise

• Parents, the playgroup (who share our grounds) and the wider community were surveyed to gather feedback.• Survey responses were analysed using a

PMI.• Suitable materials, prices and quotes were

gathered.• The need for building permits was

investigated.

Going to the Board of Trustees

Going to the Board of Trustees

• The final proposals were taken to the BOT who were impressed with the thoroughness of the presentations.

• A number of the projects were actioned quite quickly, some have taken longer to achieve and some are still on the wish list.

The Adventure playground extensions

The Adventure playground extensions

The Back Corner.The Back Corner.

• Fruit trees and mosaic paving stones.

The PoolThe Pool

• Shower, ground taps covered

• Solar

heating.

ICT ToolsICT Tools

• Digital cameras

• Internet

• Telephone

• Fax

• Pen and paper

ReflectionReflection

• Communication - Adults were listening to the students and vice versa.

• Effectiveness - Students were making a real difference to their environment.

• This unit began in 2007 - students and the BOT have remained motivated to achieve their goals and go beyond them.

Where to next?Where to next?

• We would like a gazebo for shade and shelter on wet days.