6th grade Outdoor Science Classroom Supplies

Moderation state
funded
Grant Applicant
Danielle Karwowski
Grant Co-applicants
Sara Sperry
School Site
North Tahoe School
Grant Category
Mathematics & Science
Grant Date
2026-06-09T12:00:00
Description

This project seeks funding to establish an "Outdoor Science Classroom" at North Tahoe School . By providing 60 portable, ergonomic outdoor chairs, 30 sets of binoculars, and 2 portable whiteboards for teacher instruction, we will transform the woods surrounding our campus into a  learning environment. While primarily serving 6th Grade Earth Science, this versatile space will be a shared resource for ELA, ELD, Enrichment, and Intervention programs, impacting approximately 100 students annually.

Benefits of Program
  • Concrete Learning in Earth Science: Sixth graders often struggle with abstract concepts like weathering, erosion, and deposition. Moving outside allows them to observe these processes in real-time. This outdoor classroom  turns a diagram in a textbook into a hands on learning experience 
  • Increased Engagement: Novelty sparks curiosity. Transitioning to the woods breaks the monotony of the school day, leading to higher levels of participation and information retention. 
  • Scientific Inquiry Skills: Students aren't just memorizing facts; they are practicing the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)—asking questions, defining problems, and carrying out investigations in a primary source environment.
  • A "Low-Stakes" Environment for ELD/ELA: For English Language Learners (ELD), the classroom can be intimidating. The outdoors provides a "low-affective filter" environment where students feel more comfortable practicing oral language and descriptive writing based on sensory input (sight, sound, smell).
  • Intervention & Focus: Nature is a natural regulator. For students disregulated  "Green Time" has been scientifically proven to reduce symptoms of inattention and impulsivity, making them more receptive to one-on-one instruction.
  • Collaborative Culture: Using portable chairs to create a circle in the woods fosters a sense of community. It’s a perfect setting for Socratic Seminars or restorative circles used in enrichment and intervention.
  • Physical Movement: Simply the act of "setting up" the outdoor classroom—walking to the site and arranging their own chairs—incorporates light physical activity, which is linked to better brain function and cognitive "readiness."
Success of Program

Anticipated Outcomes: 

  • Increased Academic Proficiency: Students will demonstrate a deeper understanding of 6th-grade Earth Science standards (NGSS), specifically regarding Earth’s systems and human impact.
  • Enhanced Student Engagement: A  decrease in "off-task" behaviors and an increase in active participation during outdoor lessons.
  • Improved Literacy & Language Production: ELD and ELA students will produce higher-quality descriptive writing and engage in more frequent oral academic discourse when prompted by sensory-rich natural environments.

  • Equitable Access to Nature: Students who may not have access to safe outdoor spaces at home will receive consistent, structured "green time," leading to improved emotional regulation and focus during intervention and enrichment blocks.

    Measurment:

  • Student Engagement Surveys: A simple survey for students 
  • Student Notebooks and Artifacts: A collection of student work (sketches, lab reports, and poems) created in the outdoor  classroom to be collected through the school year and possibly displayed at Open House and Parent Teacher Conference 
Implementation
  • 6th-grade teachers will identify specific "Outdoor Stations" in the woods that support different topics of study
  • 6th grade teachers will create a schedule and work together to plan and implement Outdoor classroom lessons aligned with NGSS standards
  •  Students will be taught Outdoor classroom expectations and safety protocols ahead of time
  • Science classes will be the first to use outdoor equipment. Once all students are trained with routines and guidelines, other teachers and classes can implement the outdoor classroom materials 
Can you share this grant with your grade level or subject team?

Yes, All  6th grade teachers and support teachers  will have access to materials for any subject. 

Sustainability
We have selected industrial-grade, weather-resistant seating and all-weather clipboards designed for multi-year use. 6th graders will be trained to be responsible for the weekly inspection, cleaning, and organized storage of equipment.
Some material may need to be replaced over time. This funding could possible come from designated science funds or another grant
Amount Funded
$3345.00
Individual Budget Items(s)
$156 - 120 Clip Boards
$46 - 2 portable whiteboards
$980 - 30 binoculars
$2074 - 60 crazy creek chairs with NTS logo (includes shipping)
Shipping
$0.00
Taxes
$89.00
File Uploads
north tahoe school mock.jpg (336.97 KB)
Amazon.com Shopping Cart_1.pdf (237.24 KB)
Notes

The total numbers for the items are rounded up to the next dollar because the system would not let me put in exact amounts