It's official!
CIS celebrates opening of Outdoor Learning Lab with ribbon cutting ceremony

Wanda Nichols Photo TOURING THE OUTDOOR LAB -- Brownsboro ISD Superintendent Elton Caldwell (R) and Assistant Superintendent Vicki York were given the grand tour of the new Chandler Outdoor Learning Lab at Chandler Intermediate School during their grand opening celebration held Tuesday afternoon. Pictured with Caldwell and York are tour guides and CIS Student Council representatives (L-R) Chad Costlow, Jake Boyd and Joey Duncan.

Chandler Intermediate students, faculty and supporters celebrated the grand opening of the school's Outdoor Learning Lab Tuesday afternoon with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

"I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this," said BISD Superintendent Elton Caldwell who cut the ribbon. "As an old science teacher, this is very exciting."

Caldwell thanked the school board and those who saw the project through completion.

Fifth grade science teacher Angela Peyton thanked those who donated items, time and money to the project, but mostly the students.

"If you have not done the labor, this would not be a reality," she said.

Located behind Chandler Intermediate School, the Chandler Outdoor Learning Lab is situated on about four acres in a park-like setting.

Less than two years ago, the area was nothing more than an overgrown tangle of trees and brush beside the school's playground. But Peyton saw beyond the clutter and debris, and envisioned an outdoor classroom that could provide an alternative method of hands-on science education for her students, as well as raise awareness of protecting the environment.

Last year's 5th grade class launched the project by clearing the land and cutting trails in preparation for future use of the area. As the project progressed, all grade levels became actively involved under the supervision of their science teacher.

Fourth grade students made stepping stones and "non-renewable resource" sculptures out of the trash, debris, and "junk" that was found as they worked on clearing the property, Peyton said. These sculptures are currently on display at the front of the property.

The 6th grade class painted the butterfly garden sign as well as the culverts that were found on the property, and are now being reused as sitting areas. They are also responsible for identifying plants in the area and have an archaeological dig located on the property.

All grade levels regularly maintain the outdoor classroom by clearing brush, planting flowers, weeding and watering gardens, filling animal feeders and continually cutting new trails for investigation.

In its second year of construction, the Chandler Outdoor Learning Lab consists of a butterfly garden, raised flower gardens, bluebird houses, bird and squirrel feeders, and nature trails. Picnic tables and benches were built by the Brownsboro High Ag- Science department. The area is large enough to accommodate up to three classrooms at any given time, Peyton said.

Construction began recently on a 16 ft. x 20 ft. classroom deck, and is expected to be completed by this fall. A greenhouse is anticipated for spring 2008.

"All work in the outdoor classroom except for the construction of tables, benches and deck is being done by students of Chandler Intermediate grades four through six," Peyton said.

Peyton said the objective of the classroom is to provide students with learning opportunities that will strengthen natural science lessons learned indoors, as well as teach students the importance of natural resources through environmental education. She anticipates the entire school district, grades K-12, will utilize the outdoor classroom to enhance classroom work in mathematics, reading, writing, history and the arts, while mastering the standards across the curriculum.

"This project is a great opportunity to introduce our community to the contributions the habitat site can make to enrich the school's educational offerings," Peyton said. "Additionally, it is a benefit to the entire community as a public place for all to visit and is available for the entire school district to use."

Mrs. Peyton said the project would not have become a reality if it were not for the community's support through monetary donations as well as materials and labor donated.

"The ribbon cutting ceremony is BISD's way of saying `thank you' to the community for partnering with the education program of BISD," she said.

A special thanks to the following community members for their part:

Chandler Intermediate PTO, Brookshire's Grocery Co., Sonic Drive-in, Chandler Feed Store, Keep Chandler Beautiful, York Electric, Milton Jones, J.S. and Carolyn McDaniel, Copeland's Chandler Drug, Tom Hackler, Sue Breck, BHS Agri-Science Dept., Crist Development, and the CIS student body.

One of the outcomes of the project was the formation of the MAD Science Club for fourth through sixth grades, and currently has 150 members listed on their roster. The club will end their first year with a camp-out at the outdoor classroom next weekend.

Although the project is ongoing the grand opening celebration was to show appreciation of the cooperation between the school and the community.