Education
September 10, 2012
Students Leave Desks Behind for Outdoor Classroom
With nature as the classroom setting, students will have an opportunity again this year to see the information in their textbooks come to life and experience hands-on learning in some of the most beautiful protected areas of the province. From September 12 to October 24, parks and reserves in this province will host primary and elementary students for the 15th year of the Parks as Nature’s Classroom program.
“Each fall, the Parks as Nature’s Classroom program provides students with an incredible opportunity to learn about environmental conservation and stewardship by exploring and experiencing the natural wonders of our province,” said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Environment and Conservation. “It’s a wonderful way for the information in their textbooks to come to life within our natural environment.”
Developed in conjunction with the Department of Education, teachers and students will have the opportunity to study, under the guidance of a park or reserve interpreter, a wide array of topics including animals and their habitats, wind patterns, plants and leaves, fossils and soil erosion.
“This program continues to complement the primary and elementary science curriculum by providing young students with a chance to explore and connect with nature,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education. “I encourage teachers and students to participate in this very worthwhile learning experience, which also helps encourage and foster a sense of responsibility for the welfare of our environment.”
The Parks as Nature’s Classroom program is offered free of charge to participants. Schools are encouraged to book early, as there is limited time and space. See the backgrounder below for a complete listing of participating parks and reserves and contact information.
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Media contacts:
| Melony O’Neill Director of Communications Department of Environment and Conservation 709-729-2575, 689-0928 moneill@gov.nl.ca |
Heather May Director of Communications Department of Education 709-729-0048, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca |
BACKGROUNDER
Parks as Nature’s Classroom
The following parks and reserves are offering the Parks as Nature’s Classroom program:
| Provincial Park | Contact | Telephone |
| Barachois Pond | Brad LeDrew | 709-649-0048 |
| Butter Pot | Andrea Pretty | 709-685-1853 |
| J.T. Cheeseman | Lorna LaFosse | 709-695-7222 |
| Notre Dame | Lisa Pollett | 709-535-2919/2379 |
| Pistolet Bay Provincial Park | Elizabeth Smith or Jackie Bessey | 709-454-7795 |
| Ecological Reserve | Contact | Telephone |
| Burnt Cape | Elizabeth Smith or Jackie Bessey | 709-454-7795 |
| Cape St. Mary’s | Chris Mooney, Kyran Power, Vanessa Roche, or Todd Hollett | 709-277-1666 |
| Mistaken Point | Julie Cappleman, Edwina Ward, or Brandon Ward | 709-438-1100 |
2012 09 10 2:25 p.m.