Students build outdoor classroom

DINGMAN — Students put math and science into action by building a classroom — outdoors.

Starting in the spring, Nick Lauersen’s fifth-grade science class at Delaware Dingman Elementary School used some of their time before recess every day to work on their classroom. The structure sits on a formerly weedy hillside between the elementary and middle schools, with a green walkway providing access from each building.

The students measured and marked boards for cutting and nail placement, and worked with post-hole diggers and a handsaw to notch the boards. Later, local Girl Scout Troop 52133 built and donated a rain barrel, and, with the help of another troop, landscaped around the area using native plants. Students hung hummingbird feeders to attract local wildlife.

The classroom is outfitted with natural stone and wood benches and a table made by Mr. Lauersen. A trail cam posted near the site monitors wildlife interaction, and animal tracks have been found on the pathways.

The project was completed this fall. But as student Vito Montorio noted, ivy will be planted in pots at the base of each of the structure’s posts so that it will grow up and over the canopy, creating a natural roof and shade to finish the classroom.

The project was made possible by a series of four grants from three different organizations procured by Lauersen and David Koretz, a teacher at Dingman Delaware Middle School. Besides sprucing up their school campus, the teachers say this project provides "a meaningful connection to science at work where students live."

The project culminated with a presentation made by participating students to a board meeting of the Pike County Conservation District, one of the donors.

The students began the project in the fifth grade and now, in sixth grade, they’re seeing it completed.

Three Girl Scout Troops were involved, with one group earned gardening badges and Silver merits for their contribution.