Grants Expand Opportunities for Public School Science Education
MOORESVILLE, N.C., March 13 - Lowe's, International Paper and National Geographic Explorer classroom magazine today announced that 32 schools in 15 states have been awarded nearly $80,000 for construction of outdoor learning environments, expanding opportunities for science education.
Northside Elementary School in Walterboro, S.C., was awarded an $18,000 grant for construction of The Carolina Courtyard, a major outdoor classroom project planned around required K-5 grade level standards and integrating student studies in science, social studies, math and language arts.
The outdoor classroom projects receiving funding range from flower and butterfly gardens to small ponds and bird sanctuaries to more elaborate areas such as a greenhouse, arboretum or laboratory to test water and soil quality.
A complete list of the 32 schools earning grants is available at http://www.lowes.com/outdoorclassroom. Additional grants will be awarded during the remainder of the 2005-2006 school year.
Launched in September 2005, the Outdoor Classroom Grant Program is a partnership of the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation, the International Paper Company Foundation and National Geographic Explorer classroom magazine. As part of Lowe's continued commitment to public education, Lowe's is providing more than $250,000 in outdoor classroom grants during the 2005-2006 school year to benefit public schools nationwide.
"We applaud the teachers and schools who submitted outdoor classroom projects for consideration," said Larry D. Stone, chairman of the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation. "It is exciting to see innovative projects that provide students with hands-on opportunities to learn about natural science in the environment. We are pleased to be able to assist schools as they work to enhance learning experiences for their students."
"It is a privilege to recognize teachers and schools across several states that look to make such an exceptional environmental learning experience for so many students" said Dr. Sharon G. Haines, director of sustainable forestry and forest policy for International Paper. "The outdoor projects remind all of us of the power of natural environments and the impression that is left when a child has a significant outdoor experience. Learning in an outdoor classroom will bring students closer to the goal of environmental literacy, which is important for students to gain a greater awareness of what our earth has to offer and why protecting it is so important."
"I am inspired by the work and ideas presented by all the applicants," said Francis Downey, Editor in Chief of National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic School Publishing. "The students along with their teachers, administrators, and parents have worked hard to develop innovative uses for their outdoor areas by turning them into outdoor classrooms. By doing so, students are learning important scientific concepts and the value of conserving our natural resources. Moreover, they are taking action to solve environmental problems in their communities today. Just imagine what they will do in the future."
Teachers may apply for grants up to $2,000 by visiting www.Lowes.com/outdoorclassroom. For school districts with major outdoor classroom projects, grants may be awarded for up to $20,000. All K-12 public schools in the United States are eligible to apply for a grant.
