outdoor learning
In the past decade, schools have started becoming greener and more sustainable as well as shifting their focus to the wellbeing of students, faculty, and staff. Part of this shift meant looking into playgrounds and how they affect the students. Teacher's noticed an untapped potential to bring learning to the playground in a fun, experiential, and engaging way. This view broadened to include any type of outdoor learning. For Yakman middle school, an outdoor learning center was also developed along with the school.
RESEARCH
100% of teachers say recess is essential for students
Outdoor learning provides "in the moment" cognitive development
81% of teachers report better behavior after recess
Teaching outdoors allows for first hand experiences
64% of teachers say it reduces bullying
Experiences connect school to the real world
This is an outdoor learning center for 10-14 year-olds to explore in an innovative and inclusive environment that promotes curiosity, failure, and discovery in a sophisticated way. This system promotes holistic health and can be used by teachers to further the learning experience, especially for STEAM related subjects.
EARLY SKETCHES
DIAGRAMS
In the first round of designing the outdoor learning area, called schematics, the space was broken down into relaxed areas, creative areas, and fixed areas. View the rest of the schematics below.
process
site
The outdoor learning area, highlighted in orange, is located on the west side of the school to provide protection from the east street and to allow for a short walk to the nearby park and aquatic center. As well as an outdoor area, there is an indoor playground for days when inside recess is required. This space could also be reserved by teachers for certain classes.
site plan
Relaxed Areas
Creative Areas
Fixed Areas
Indoor Playground
outdoor area
Click on the circles to learn more
indoor area
The indoor playground is for days the students are not able to go outside due to weather. On the left side is a giant set of learning stairs with the breaks at different areas to create a variety of seating options. Below it is two painted areas for checkers and chess. There is a large projection area below this for students to view while on the stairs. Under the stairs is an area of screens for different projections and programmable experiments. At the top by the stairs is a programmable maze that will be changed throughout the school years using student designs. Below this is a lounge and large game area. In the bottom right is a small jungle gym with an angled outlook area that will be quieter for students wishing that during recess. There is also an elevated ropes course only for class usage with a certified ropes person with the class.
amenities
- Learning Stairs
- Chess and Checkers Board
- Giant Battleship
- Giant Jenga
- Bean Bags
- Buzzi Jungle Gym
- Tables
- Lazer Maze
- Peg Board with Interactive Exhibits
- Projection Screen area
- Elevated Ropes Course
- Quiet Rest Area
Human centered design has been an influence in the project through children interviews, teacher reviews, and feedback on the first playground idea. Since schematics, more research has been done on the middle psyche and the benefits of human interactions. Further, there was a survey sent out to college students to reflect on their favorite playground, park, and science museum memories and what their favorite parts of each were. From that research, swings and a ropes course were added to the design. In the outdoor learning center design, the students are the main focus, making sure that Maslow's Motivation Model needs have been met throughout the area. There are also spaces for students to display their own work they may complete during school to encourage these students and show off their talents. Community involvement is included in the design through the vegetable garden and the exhibition area allowing community members to get something from the school and provide the school with an experience. Overall, the outdoor learning center is focused on humans and especially the students on the grounds.
references
http://marickgroup.com/news/2016/a-look-at-the-history-of-stem-and-why-we-love-it
https://pro.psychcentral.com/child-therapist/2014/08/why-kids-need-to-play/
https://www.britannica.com/topic/STEM-education
https://www.klopfermartin.com/projects/boston-schoolyards-initiative
Plattner, Hasso. “Design Thinking Bootleg”. 2018. PDF File.
Fickes05/01/18, Michael. “Classrooms in the Great Outdoors.” Spaces4Learning, spaces4learning.com/Articles/2018/05/01/Outdoor-Classrooms.aspx?Page=1.
human centered design