This document outlines plans for an outdoor transitions area at a school to support an alternative education program. It will include three key areas: an outdoor classroom with greenhouse, amphitheater, and movable tables; a nature trail with high and low ropes course elements; and a community area. Research shows outdoor learning improves student outcomes. The design incorporates environmental education standards and will be maintained through community involvement. A survey will gather feedback and the project will follow the typical roles and responsibilities of an architect, construction manager, and school administrator through feasibility, construction, and completion.

1. Outdoor Transitions AreaED 715 School Design and ArchitectureDr. Rentschler-Spring 2011Revised;3/21/11 pk

2. Design Team…Krislin Ofalt-School AdministratorJohn Kevra-ArchitectDonna Gaffney- Director of Operations/Environmental ConsultantPam Kastner-Construction Manager

3. PMSD DemographicsEnrollment Projections…(include)Our mission statement… “To Prepare All Students for Tomorrow’s Challenges and Opportunities”

4. Rationale…Research has shown that students better absorb and retain math, science, language arts and other skills that incorporate their immediate environment and use all five senses. (Lieberman and Hoody, 1998). Outdoor play is linked to stronger social skills and increased creative development. (Miller, Tichota, & White, 2009).

5. Rationale…Current Status- The Warehouse Project/Transition Program is underway. Outside areas will support the programs by implementing three key areas: Outdoor Classroom, Ropes Course/Nature Trail and Community area.Future Status- Provide an area to support Transitions Programming for “At Risk” students and allow for community access.1. Utilization of outdoor area surrounding warehouse/transition program2. Provide authentic setting for:HorticultureEnvironmental protectionTeam based building activitiesLandscape designFloral designCommunity area events

6. The Environment and Ecology Standards4.1 Ecology4.1.3.E. Identify changes in the environmentover time.4.1.4.E. Explain that ecosystems change over time due to natural and/or human influences4.1.7.E. Identify factors that contribute to change in natural and human-made systemsExplain the process of primary and secondary succession in a given ecosystem4.1.10.E. Analyze how humansinfluence the pattern of natural changes(e.g. primary /secondary succession and desertification)in ecosystems over time.4.1.12.E. Research solutionsaddressinghuman impacts on ecosystems over time.

7. Feasibility Study…**See “School Construction Seminar Overview” handout from class….describe what the study will include

8. Description of the ProjectTHREE MAJOR AREAS:1. Greenhouse 2. Adjoining out- door classroom/amphitheater3. Nature trail: including high and low level elements 4. Ropes CoursePlease see attached:A1.1-Overall DrawingA1.3- Classrooms

9. Overview of Outdoor DesignThe outdoor area has been designed to be creative, flexible, and stimulating while still being functional and easy to maintain. A long indoor hallway from the current back door will contain access to the greenhouse. The greenhouse space is substantial since it will also double as a classroom for the horticulture and floral design disciplines. An exit to the outdoor classroom area will be located at the very end of the hallway, however, the greenhouse space will also have direct access to outdoor spaces in the rear. The covered, outdoor classroom area will also include an uncovered area with amphitheater seating for lecturing and group demonstrations. Located within that same space are movable tables for hands-on assignments and written work. The entry point for the circular nature trail is situated off this area and will serve as the exit point as well. The permanent ropes course has been positioned to be visible but not disruptive to the learning environment.

10. GREEN HOUSE

11. Outdoor Classroom: Horticulture

12. Outdoor Classroom: Floral Design

13. Outdoor Classroom: Landscaping Education

14. Amphitheater

15. Nature Trail

16. Ropes CourseWhy a Ropes Course?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZFEDiGGKkY

17. Pictures…Before and After…

18. Pictures…Before and After…

19. Pictures…Before and After…

20. Pictures…Before and After…

21. Key Design FeaturesCommunity accessMotion sensorlightingLockable shed for storagePavilion area with secured seating and tablesGreenhouseSecurity camerasWaterline accessOutdoor electrical outlets

22. Needs AssessmentDetermination Based On:Outdoor Classroom NeedsRopes Course/Nature Trail NeedsOutdoor Community Area NeedsSome funding may be based on Wellness Grants.

23. SurveySchool Shareholders will be asked:1. What would you like to see offered in each of the three key areas?2. What policies and procedures would you like to see implemented to ensure effective usage and safety?3. Please list your comments/concerns regarding the three key areas.

24. School Administrator Responsibilities…Member of project committee initially to meet monthlyReview PlanCon ProcessDevelop educational specificationsConsult with educational consultantParticipate in Act 34 proceedings*See class notes and tailor to project

25. Environmental Consultant Responsibilities…Consider the environmental impact of new projects proposed by a clientConduct field surveys/collect and interpret data for a site or area of considerationDevelop models, identify/consider factors that could potentially have an adverse impact on the environmentReport on and communicate environmental policy and legislation as it relates to the project Research, work in the field and communicate with clients, regulators and sub-contractors

26. Architect Responsibilities…See class notes

27. Construction Manager Responsibilities…Bidding PhaseDevelop Bid PackagesDevelop the Construction ScheduleDevelop Contractor and Supplier InterestDistribute Bid DocumentsConduct pre-Bid ConferenceReceive and Evaluate BidsPrepare Construction Contracts

28. Construction Manager Responsibilities…Pre-construction PhaseEvaluate Project OptionsDevelop a project budgetDevelop a Project Delivery StrategyDevelop a Project Master Schedule and MonitorPerform Value Engineering StudiesPerform Cost EstimatingPerform Constructability ReviewsProvide Monthly ReportsConduct Design Coordination Meetings

29. Construction Manager Responsibilities…Construction PhaseConduct Pre-Construction ConferencesMaintain On-Site Staff and Safety SystemProcess drawings and project coordinationDevelop Detailed Construction ScheduleMonitor Construction Progress- Maintain Quality Control

30. Construction Manager Responsibilities…Construction PhaseMaintain Construction Records- Photographic RecordsProcess Applications for PaymentConduct All Site Meetings/Sub-Contractor MeetingsPrepare and Maintain Field Reports/Construction ChangesCoordinate Inspections and Testing

31. Construction Manager Responsibilities…Close-Out PhaseDevelop Close-Out ProgramCoordinate Systems and Equipment TestingProcess Operating Manuals and WarrantiesCoordinate Training with Assigned Staff

32. Construction Manager Responsibilities…Close-Out PhaseCoordinate Construction Close-OutSubmit Project DocumentationCoordinate Final InspectionOpen House for Staff and Community

33. Timeline/Construction Overview…

34. Public Relations Plan…Staff and the public will be included in the design processShow photos or models of various alternatives

35. Funding/BudgetGrants: Project Earth Environmental Education Grants program (PPL)- Through these competitive grants, teachers can receive funding for school projects that focus on energy issues like renewable energy demonstrations, energy conservation and the greening of schools.

36. Environmental Education Grants Program (PA Department of Environmental Protection)- Supports environmental education through schools, county conservation districts and other nonprofit conservation or educational organizations, including colleges and universities.

37. Environmental Education (EE) Grants (EPA's Office of Environmental Education)- Supports environmental education projects that enhance the public's awareness, knowledge, and skills to help people make informed decisions that affect environmental quality. Annual funding for the program ranges between $2 and $3 million. Funding/BudgetGrants?*Break down w/pricingTotal Cost=

38. Materials…Outdoor classroom materialsGreenhouse materialsRopes course materialsNature trail materialsCommunity area materialsShed(s) for storageUpkeep for outdoor area materials

39. Security Considerations…

40. “GREEN” Considerations…Plant flowers and food: connects students to the environment in a personal wayOrganic: minimize pesticides and artificial fertilizersRain barrels: conserves and collects waterComposting: reuse paper and food waste as nutrients for plantingsReduce, Reuse, Recycle!

41. Maintenance Plan…Schedule school/ community use

42. Post/assign maintenance tasks for students and volunteers

43. Holiday/summer maintenance program

44. Create a supply-ordering systemTest soil and prepare/ cultivate garden beds Plant, transplant, prune and harvest plants/crops Maintain pavilion, trails, garden beds and compost areaGuard against pests and harsh weather

45. Community Member Involvement…Use of walking paths and pavilionEducational seminarsVolunteering for planting, harvesting and maintenanceDonated materialsBusiness partnershipsFarmer’s MarketNewsletter

46. Celebrate!...

47. Insert Quote (last slide)Questions?Comments?

48. Possible quotes…Must we always teach our children with books? Let them look at the mountains and the stars up above. Let them look at the beauty of the waters and the trees and flowers on earth. They will then begin to think, and to think is the beginning of a real education. - David PolisThe happiest man is he who learns from nature the lesson of worship.- Ralph Waldo EmersonNow I see the secret of making the best persons, it is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth.- Walt Whitman

49. ReferencesLieberman, G. , & Hoody, L. (1998). Closing the Achievement Gap: Using the Environment as an Integrating Context for Learning. San Diego, CA: State Education and Environment Roundtable.Miller, D., Tichota, K. & White, J. (2009). Young Children Learn through Authentic Play in a Nature Explore Classroom. Lincoln, NB : Dimensions Foundation.Retrieved from: http://www.dimensionsfoundation.org/research/authentic play.pdf