Northside Elementary School's Outdoor Garden Classroom Sprouts Success!
Northside Elementary School and Bethpage State Park have joined forces to create a unique learning experience for students. The outdoor garden, designed specifically for Northside School students, is a fantastic way to introduce children to nature. Not only will they learn about native plants, but they'll gain an appreciation for the vital role that plants play in our ecosystem.
Thanks to its adjacent location, Northside teachers can take the learning outside with a quick stroll behind Northside. Bethpage State Park employees Victor Azzaretto and Alexa Roldos and Yael B. Weiss have put much effort into designing an educational and enjoyable space for students. The garden allows Dalers to learn about native plants and observe the different stages of the plant life cycle. The garden is also a space for creativity. Students can explore nature using their senses and create art inspired by their surroundings.
“The partnership between Northside and Bethpage State Park is a great example of how schools can work with local organizations to create meaningful learning experiences for students,” said Dr. Christopher Peterson, Northside Assistant Principal.
The Northside Garden at Bethpage State Park is not just about plants and nature; it also provides various benefits to the students.
- Outdoor learning can improve students' academic performance, behavior, and health. By getting out of the classroom and into nature, students can feel more engaged and motivated to learn.
- The Northside Garden provides a unique opportunity for hands-on learning. Students can observe the growth of plants and learn about the different stages of the plant life cycle.
- On each visit, teachers can utilize the instructional materials provided by Bethpage, bring their lessons, or even sign up for a guided tour.
- In addition to academic benefits, outdoor learning can positively affect mental health. Being in nature can reduce stress and anxiety and promote calmness and well-being.
“Our goal is to immerse students in this visitation on a regular, ongoing basis so that they will experience how nature changes throughout the seasons,” said Dr. Peterson. “Here's to many more years of learning and growing in the Northside Garden at Bethpage State Park!”