Outdoor Classroom Steps 9-12

If your Master Plan is completed and you are ready to begin construction…follow the steps below and click on the links for more resources and details.
 Step 9: CREATE INDIVIDUAL PROJECT PLANS
Once you have your master plan completed, including the layout for your outdoor learning stations, the next step is to create individual project plans for each project. These project plans should be researched and compiled by the teachers, students, and school volunteers who are working on the project, not necessarily the outdoor classroom planning committee.
Outdoor Learning Station Project Plans   |   Individual Project Plan Worksheet (PDF | Word Doc)

 Step 10: OBTAIN RESOURCES & SUPPORT
It is now time to begin searching for resources (monetary and in-kind donations) and support (volunteers). Use your master plan and project plan details in your solicitation letters, grant requests and wish lists. Also, match potential donors and supporters to your needs as you identify specific project needs (whether materials, labor, or monetary donations) from your individual project plans.
Grant Opportunities   |   Grant Writing Tips (PDF)   |   Free Grant Writing Webinar   |   Example OC Solicitation Letter (PDF | Word Doc)

 Step 11: PUBLICIZE YOUR EFFORTS
Continuously publicize your efforts and update the students, faculty, staff, parents, and community about your outdoor classroom development! The more you “spread the word,” the easier your task will be to find volunteers, donations, and support.
Example OC Press Release (PDF | Word Doc)   |   *OC Schools & Partners Map
*Note:  If you have not updated your school’s outdoor classroom info on our OC Schools & Partners Map, then you should update the info using your school’s code or contact the AWF to get a new code.

 Step 12: CONSTRUCT YOUR OUTDOOR CLASSROOM
With busy schedules and a desire to get projects rolling, some planning committees may want to jump directly into building an outdoor classroom as their first step without doing much in the way of planning. We highly recommend that you avoid this potential pitfall. All of the suggested steps thus far are important steps to creating an outdoor classroom that is effective as an educational tool and sustainable for generations to come. After you have completed the “planning” phase, you can now enjoy getting your hands dirty as you construct your outdoor classroom and learning stations.
Outdoor Learning Station Construction Instructions   |   *Outdoor Classroom Work Days
*Note:  If you need technical and organizational assistance with your OC Work Day, contact the AWF to set up a meeting with your local AWF Outdoor Classroom Consultant.

To move on to Step 13, CLICK HERE!

Questions?  Contact April Waltz, Alabama Outdoor Classroom Program Coordinator, at 256.882.9183 or aprilwaltz@alabamawildlife.org.  .