FEATURE
!ey soon started talking about wanting a
structure where they could be sheltered from
the sun and the wind, all the while being outside
and learning.
Carson was on board with the idea. But rather
than taking control of the situation, she deferred
to her students to address the problem and "nd
solutions. Carson would simply act as a guide.
!e students split into groups and got to work.
“!e kids started doing their research. !ey
looked into structural designs, drew their own
designs and presented all of their work to the
class and to school board o#cials,” Carson said,
adding the students factored in wheelchair accessible
paths and ramps leading to the structure
and which trees they’d like planted on the
school property.
Water drainage from the roof of the new
structure would "lter into a water collection jug,
with the collected water used to help grow the
newly planted trees, all of which would be native
to Saskatchewan.
!ere’s a catch, however.
Approximately $60,000 is needed to build
the structure. Plus, Grade 4 students aren’t exactly
equipped for such a job.
!is hasn’t deterred the students.
Carson is using this as a learning opportunity
and grading the students on various
steps throughout this process. They’re being
graded on their designs, collaborative work
in groups, math-related tasks like adding donation
totals and their oral presentation to
school board officials.
Students worked with architecture "rm Crosby,
Hanna and Associates to create concept drawings.
!ey’ve also been calling local businesses
and pitching their outdoor classroom plan and
asking for donations.
“I asked the students, ‘How are we going to
get the money to pay for this?’” said Carson.
!e kids suggested di$erent themed food
days – selling ice cream treats, hosting a sandwich
or a pizza day, a bo%le drive and selling
tickets to ra&e baskets.
At the end of February, the class had received
more than $6,500 in donations to ra&e baskets
from several local businesses like Redwing
Shoes and gi' cards to Temple Gardens Hotel &
Spa in Moose Jaw.
Every dollar received through donations will
go into the Saskatchewan economy.
Anyone interested in making a monetary
donation or donating items to ra!e baskets or
purchasing ra!e tickets can phone Milestone
School (306-436-2292) or contact Rebecca
Carson (rebecca.carson@pvsd.ca).
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