Nature Study
Hoop House
Our school has successfully implemented a school-wide agriculture curriculum this year which teaches science and spiritual concepts along with many other life-skills. Volunteers assembled a hoop house behind the school and each class has taken part in the planting and growing process. We have harvested radishes, kale, lettuce and spinach which have been used in our school lunches with a positive review from our students.
Nature Center
As Christians, we honor God as Creator and learn more about His character and love for us when we spend time in nature. In addition to deepening our relationship with God, we recognize the value of learning in nature to a child's overall growth and well-being. This led to a vision for creating a nature center on our 4-acre campus.
The amount of time children spend outdoors has dramatically declined which can create a fear of nature rather than an appreciation or sense of caring or enjoyment. Beyond that, children who spend increasingly more time indoors miss out on many benefits such as developing a sense of wonder, strengthening mathematical and visual-spatial skills, and growing their imagination as they explore different textures, shapes and natural materials.
We are proud to offer a space on our school campus where children can learn and grow in different ways. Our nature center helps inspire a love for the outdoors and provides a place where our students can connect with God.
An outdoor play kitchen and sandbox for our younger learners.
A fort area where students can build and create.
A fun tire swing, hammock and lounge chair.
Our raised bed with lettuces growing.
Relocated meeting area for discussions and journaling.
Grades 2-4 constructed a beehive which was installed at the back edge of our school property. We have had honeybees for over three years now.
Other features
A storage shed keeps our tools and equipment dry and safe. Brightly colored tires provide a place for planting.
A memorial bench and birdbath for Paul and Louise Hafner--lovers of nature and faithful supporters of Christian education at Parkview Junior Academy.
The frog habitat is a fun place to explore. A variety of plants surround the area and a butterfly garden will be added soon.