“Nature holds the key to our aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive,
and even spiritual satisfaction.” E.O. Wilson
What We Do
|
Nature In The Classroom seeks to transform the education environment by installing ceiling murals of tree canopies in classrooms. The character of a student’s learning environment plays a key role in learning and behavioral outcomes. Bringing nature into the classroom sends a strong message that the natural world isn’t separate from the pursuit of knowledge. It is the source of all that is known.
Making this seemingly simple connection provides students and teachers with context for all of the subjects being taught. Mathematics, physics, social studies, and poetry all emanate from humans engaging with, and attempting to understand the natural world. Including the natural world in the pursuit of learning, whether indoors or out, has the potential to positively influence the outcomes all schools seek. |
Why We Do It
|
Greening schoolyards and classroom views to trees has been documented to boost academic achievement, creativity and social emotional learning. Outdoor experiences are essential for the healthy development of children of all ages. But students, faculty and staff spend 85-90% of their day indoors. In urban and inner-city schools, playgrounds are mainly asphalt and windows are often barred, covered or simply have a view to another wall. Due to the increased violence, new schools are being built without classroom windows. Overcrowded schools have brought in portable classrooms to accommodate nine million plus students, where window views often look out to another portable classroom.
|
Why This Works
Nature In The Classroom is the application of the science of Attention Restoration Theory, developed at the University of Michigan in the 80’s. Plus the 40 years of supporting research that shows when we view trees or images of trees it calms us, helps us focus and engage.
Telemundo’s Blackboard52 visits Gage Middle School in Huntington Park, CA. They interview students and a teacher about how tree canopies in the classroom foster calm and creativity.
Telemundo’s Blackboard52 visits Gage Middle School in Huntington Park, CA. They interview students and a teacher about how tree canopies in the classroom foster calm and creativity.
Classroom Transformations
This 30 second time-lapse video of a ceiling installation and the before / after collection of classrooms, illustrate how tree ceiling murals transform the learning environment. Ceilings are installed in California at the Los Angeles Unified, Long Beach Unified and Corona-Norco Unified School Districts, and in Colorado in the Poudre and Loveland School Districts.
