GSEM Gold Award Project Catalog

Interactive Learning: Outdoor Classroom

Project Details: To earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, Jordan set out to improve children’s awareness and understanding of nature and animals by constructing an outdoor classroom that enabled hands-on learning in a school environment. Jordan transformed the courtyard at St. Patrick School into an outdoor classroom complete with animal cages and a garden to earn her Girl Scout Gold Award. Jordan’s outdoor classroom will allow elementary school students the opportunity to carry out real life science projects in nature, and even raise small farm animals with the cages she constructed to accompany the outdoor classroom. The school administrators and students will partner together to provide continued care for the garden and animals for years to come.

Gold Award Girl Scout: Jordan D., Troop 3995

Issue: Some children lack awareness and understanding of nature and animals. Root Cause: People often don’t take the time to stop and reflect on their ancestors and how humans connect with nature. Measurability: Jordan used teacher and student surveys to see if they better understand nature. Sustainability: Each month, a different grade will be in charge of the upkeep of the garden, the cleaning of the outdoor classroom, and taking care of the animals.