Outdoor Learning

Young children discover the profound beauty of God's creation, wondering at the intricate details of the world around them. As they wander through our 33 acre campus, their eyes are drawn to the vibrant colors of blooming flowers and the delicate patterns on leaves, each a testament to the divine artistry of our Creator.  Students explore the life cycles of plants—from seed to sprout to full-grown plant—they witness the miracle of growth and renewal, a reflection of God's sustaining power. Nature walks or "Wonder Walks" become a sacred journey, where the rustle of leaves and the chirping of birds whisper of God's handiwork. In these moments of exploration, children are not only learning about the natural world but also experiencing a tangible connection to the God's story, growing in wonder and gratitude for the beauty and complexity of the world that surrounds them.

Students venture outdoors and use their senses to explore the places where animals live on the school grounds. Students search for evidence of the animals and plants that live near the school and learn how specific habitats provide different animals with the requirements they need to survive; food, water, shelter, and places to raise young.

Students get their hands dirty as they explore types of soil and investigate nutrients that cycle through soil and into plants. Students identify soil layers, and observe the unique characteristics of worms and their positive and negative impact on soil layers.

Evaluating a Landscape

Through the use of our stream, maps, and hands-on experiments, third graders evaluate soil to determine where to build foundations. Students use model augers to look at soil layers and textures in different landscapes. Students also discover how a river's speed and curves are a factor in determining the best locations for bridges.

Monarchs

Third graders learn about the life cycle and migration patterns of the monarch butterfly. Two butterfly beds support our local monarch butterfly population as students identify, tag and release butterflies into the wild. Third grade classes participate in a monarch watch program and identify ways to promote the butterfly population.

Students monitor eight nest boxes located along a bluebird trail around the school grounds in cooperation with the PA Bluebird Association. Students collect and record bluebird activity. Students also write persuasive essays about their learning for their own family nestboxes.

Students conduct nature studies in the field visiting the beaches of Cape May, NJ. The tidal basin, rocky shore and seashore ecosystems are investigated. Students learn about the community of life found along the sandy shore including: mollusks, birds and plants. Up close investigations of lobsters, crabs and mollusks are a highlight as is a squid dissection lab.

Students study Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Sciences during their Middle School years, engaging in Formational Learning Experiences (FLEx) including partnering with local potato farmers. Teachers collaborate across disciplines, resulting in the building and maintaining of a campus pollinator garden. Seventh grade science curriculum culminates with a three day trip to Spruce Lake Retreat Center engaging in field study and outdoor adventure based learning (ABL) activities. 

Students opportunities for Environmental Education continue to expand in the Upper School through science courses, electives, and Formational Learning Experiences (FLEx). Each semester, the Topics in Earth and Environment class, partners with our Lower Campus students, participating in their field study, as well as with the Brandywine Conservancy on a Deer Exclosure research project.