Exploring Campus With an Environmental Lens
When freshmen take a science course that immerses them in their schoolâs culture and physical space, they develop a sense of belongingâand a deep connection to the mission.
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Go to My Saved Content.When students arrive at in West Greenwich, Rhode Island, what they see is unlike any other school theyâve attended before. A long road winds through the woods before revealing buildings that seem more suited for a campground than an educational facility. Situated on 74 acres of forest, with wetlands and a pond, The Greene Schoolâs campus and learning environment are notably different than many traditional schools, and they take full advantage of their unique location. The school was intentionally founded with a focus on environmental stewardship, and educators there aim to help students understand the world around themâand their impact on it.
As part of their first semester at the school, all ninth graders take a field ecology class that fulfills a science requirement. âItâs their first introduction and immersion into our missionâwhat it means to explore the interdependence of humans and natural world, and what it means to engage in issues of sustainability,â says teacher Damaris Borden. âWeâre not just learning in the classroom, but weâre getting in the field, collecting data, doing observationsâjust immersing ourselves in the natural world.â
Each year, students prepare to showcase the knowledge theyâve gained by hosting their families and community members for a tour in the late fall, where they share details about the various ecosystems on campus. This yearâs field ecology students were especially excited to show off the beaver dam. In Bordenâs classroom, students prepare by revisiting the questions they had about their campus at the beginning of the semester, sorting out what queries have been answered and what they still want to explore.
While students come to her with different levels of experience with the outdoors, Borden notes, âthereâs a sense of pride and satisfaction, and real reflection on their own abilities and how they support each other,â that grows stronger over the course of the year.
To learn more about this innovative school and the outdoor spaces and learning environments of their campus, visit the Greene School page on ÁůşĎ˛Ę˛ĘĆą.