Brooks County School District is excited to announce that Mrs. Candace Brasington, gifted teacher at North Brooks Elementary School, has been awarded a $5,000 grant to support Phase 2 of The Nature Nook. The Georgia Department of Education awarded the Georgia Outdoor Learning Demonstration (GOLD) Grant to fund this phase, which focuses on expanding outdoor learning opportunities for students. The Nature Nook is a unique four-phase project aimed at creating an immersive outdoor learning environment for students. With Phase 1 complete and Phase 2 now funded, this initiative promises to blend nature, learning, and student involvement in a way that enriches both the environment and educational experiences.
Phase 1 will successfully lay the foundation by securing funding for installing 4x4 posts, hammocks with carabiner clips, and bolt hooks to create a comfortable, natural space for students. With the GOLD Grant, Phase 2 will include enclosing the hammock area with railroad ties, expanding the space with a pollinator garden, spreading mulch for ground cover, and adding benches and a worktable. This stage will provide a hands-on outdoor learning experience, immersing students in nature while enabling them to learn about plants, ecosystems, and environmental responsibility.
North Brooks Elementary School's Agricultural department, with help from students, will oversee upkeep. This involvement not only teaches students about maintenance but instills a sense of ownership and pride in their learning space. Led by the agricultural teacher, students across various grade levels will work together to maintain the garden, gaining hands-on experience with planting, weeding, and cultivating.
The Nature Nook is designed to benefit students in numerous ways, from academic growth to social-emotional development. By engaging directly with nature, students will gain a sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy as they care for the garden. The project is expected to impact students' attitudes and behaviors positively, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship that extends beyond the classroom.
For students in grades K-5, The Nature Nook will serve as an interdisciplinary learning hub. Activities like measuring plant growth, recording observations, and conducting simple experiments will reinforce science, math, and language arts skills, helping students apply academic concepts in a real-world context. This hands-on approach encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and a holistic understanding of academic content.
The Nature Nook will be accessible to all teachers, with science teachers given priority for nature exploration activities. By offering a flexible outdoor area, the school enables educators across disciplines to incorporate nature-based learning into their curriculum. This outdoor space will serve as a versatile, lasting resource for students and teachers alike, securing its place as a valuable educational asset for years to come.
Thanks to the GOLD Grant and community support, North Brooks Elementary is creating a legacy of outdoor learning. The Nature Nook will grow into a vibrant hub of environmental education and exploration, fostering a love for nature and lifelong learning in our students.
Pictured with Mrs. Brasington are some of her students who are excited about the expansion of the Nature Nook.