EGRROLS
Elsie G. Robertson Raptors' Outdoor Learning Spaces
Robertson Green Team
Vision Statement
Robertson School’s Green Team has committed to developing environmental
awareness and literacy therefore bringing it to the forefront of teaching and learning in our school and
community. We will use NAAEE Guidelines and RI Schools As Tools Protocol to plan our outdoor
learning spaces and environmental zones. Focusing on environmental studies and outdoor learning
will encourage students to participate in maintaining and utilizing healthy environments in learning
and living. Our goal is to help our students become stewards of the environment, thereby creating a
new generation of environmental scholars that will promote understanding and care for the
environment.
“The greener the setting, the better the focus.” Faber Taylor/Amoly
General Overview of Proposal: Outdoor Learning Spaces Initiatives Grant
Robertson Elementary School is, regrettably, one of the only schools in Warwick with no Green Space. To address this insufficiency, the grant funding will be used to create "Zones" for 21st Century Teaching and Outdoor Learning while supporting existing habitats and creating a sustainable, cohesive environment between students and nature. These Zones are proposed in the following Phases:
Phase 1 (to be completed by 4/30/24)
Pine Forested Zone: Use natural clearing in existing wooded space for contemplation and content knowledge using observation, reflection, and other outdoor classroom opportunities in other subject areas. Natural seating such as large boulders and logs will be added. --> Started via Eagle Scout Project 3/16/24 - still need large tree stumps or boulders...
Nature Trails Zone: Existing natural paths through forested areas will be cleared of invasive plants and litter for observation, study, wildlife experiences, and other interactions with nature --> Completed via Eagle Scout Project 3/16/24! 🎉
Bug Hotel Zone: Installed around the grounds, these will house various insects which help with pollination and the ecosystem. Bird Houses built by Community Partner groups will also be installed around the grounds in various areas to support local wildlife. --> Completed via Eagle Scout Project 3/16/24! 🎉
Bat Boxes: Installed around the grounds to encourage the bat population to grow and help control pests like invasive moths but especially mosquitos! --> Completed via Eagle Scout Project 3/16/24! 🎉
Phase 2 (to be completed by 4/30/25)
Nature Classroom Zone: This habitat area is designed with seating for responsive classroom and learning activities, and surrounded by an innovative Vertical Garden structure with built-in, ADA accessible multi level planters for student studies.
Phase 3 (to be completed TBD pending available funds/timeline)
Sensory Garden Zone: This area would provide space for children to explore nature using their five senses as well as serving as a quiet meditation area. An Imagination Area with space to build Fairy or Gnome Gardens will be provided, which correlates to narrative writing, poetry, and art.
Check out the detailed Proposed Plan Phases or Contact the Robertson Green Team to get more information on the project!