The Learning Habitat is located opposite the Travers Multi-Purpose Room at Bogert and Reynolds schools and was the initial USREF project. This outdoor "living classroom" is much more than a beautiful sanctuary. It offers students in grades Kindergarten through fifth a chance to conduct hands-on activities in subjects including science, language arts, social studies, math and art. A team of teachers, the district's curriculum coordinator and an outside science consultant collaborated with parents to design the space. Take a moment to catch students digging for earthworms, graphing maps with compasses or monitoring the weather. Last year the students were thrilled when baby ducklings were born right in the Habitat. The USREF has an ongoing commitment to maintaining and enhancing the Habitat in coming years
The USREF has awarded approximately $1,300 in instructional supplies to benefit the Learning Habitat for use by all teachers and students in grades K - 5. Our Tree of Knowledge Fundraiser will help us continue to fund these ongoing needs. To purchase a leaf from the Tree of Knowledge, please download an order form.
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The Learning Habitat features two ponds and a waterfall. The still pond allows students to do sequential observations of plants and small animals, such as tadpoles and fiddler crabs. |
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Planting beds are designed within the Learning Habitat to enable students to plant flowers, herbs and vegetables. |
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The Habitat features woodland and freshwater habitats, a bird observation area, a weather station, a compost heap and a butterfly/hummingbird garden. One of the students’ favorite activities each year is a scavenger hunt, an activity designed to allow students to become familiar with the many components of the Habitat. |
