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Under the Prairie Sky

Under the Prairie Sky. Re-imagining the King George School Naturalization Area. Why Naturalize?. Turning grass fields and asphalt into ecologically diverse naturalized areas results in social, academic and health benefits. Benefits.

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Under the Prairie Sky

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  1. Under the Prairie Sky Re-imagining the King George School Naturalization Area

  2. Why Naturalize? Turning grass fields and asphalt into ecologically diverse naturalized areas results in social, academic and health benefits.

  3. Benefits • Educational: hands-on, cross-curricular teaching resource for biology, ecology, botany, life cycles; materials and inspiration for fine art, drama, math language activities. • Ecological: increased biodiversity, creation of shade, city kids in nature. • Social: accessible to all; reduction in anti-social behaviours; safer, more creative and spontaneous play; community greenspace, increased student ownership / stewardship.

  4. We aren’t alone! More than 100 schools in Alberta, and many more throughout North America, have chosen to ‘naturalize’ their school grounds. There is a new and growing body of research indicating that direct exposure to nature is essential for healthy childhood development. There’s even a new term: “Nature Deficit Disorder.”

  5. Multimedia Resources Last Child in the Woods, by Richard Louv; David Suzuki CBC radio program, The Bottom Line, on the place of nature in our lives; Calgary Zoo’s Grounds for Change naturalization program Children and Nature Network And much, much more….

  6. What to do? A Blank Canvas • Removal of the old playground meant a new opportunity to think about adding to the learning grounds. • To spark the imagination of teachers, parents, students and staff, and to ensure the project has a life beyond the interests of the current naturalization committee, we needed a great big idea…

  7. Under the Prairie Sky

  8. A Unifying Theme King George sits on ancient ocean bed, the land here now is the result of the scouring forces of glaciers. And has evolved into short grass prairie: The gateway to the Great Plains of North America

  9. Proposed Features Virtues links: Unity, patience, determination Animal tracks Night sky and a weather station Mammoth footprint Buffalo Wallow Native plants that appeal to all the senses: pungent sage, prickly roses, trembling aspens

  10. Imagine the possibilities… Weather observations Measuring the circumference of a tree. Studying resident insects up close Life cycles brought to life Rocks and minerals you can climb on as you study Experiencing the five senses, and writing about what you saw, smell, tasted Drawing, creating, rubbing, collecting

  11. We need you! • To give input on how and what will make a great naturalized area; • To help raise money to pay for trees, shrubs, boulders, and artifacts (2012); • To chair the Naturalization committee beginning September 2011; • To uncover the links between nature and learning for yourself and for teachers to unearth the curriculum tie-ins!

  12. For more information Jodi Dixon, Naturalization Coordinator Lugmom@aol.com

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