When posed with the question, “What might be the role of nature in helping create a more sustainable learning space?” I considered what is a sustainable learning space? I have observed some interesting projects where students have recycled their healthy snacks into a vermin composter, collected milk jugs to build an igloo or to return them to the store for recycling. Many schools within the school board actively participate in a recycling program and learn about reducing waste, but does reducing, reusing and recycling create a more sustainable learning space? If sustainable learning, is learning that is student driven, authentic and engaging then I do believe each of these “green” programs support students sustainable learning. One of my favourite units that I lead while teaching in a Grade One classroom had a strong nature component. The unit began by making a healthy snack together, we learned about all the food groups and how fruits and vegetables are healthy for our bodies. Students brainstormed what we could make as a healthy snack. Together we wrote a grocery list that Mrs. Clowes would take with her to the grocery store to purchase the ingredients. We saved all the peelings from the fruit and vegetables and then made a classroom vermin composter. Large plastic table clothes were laid on the floor of the classroom so we could all layer soil, gravel, newsprint, water, worms and fruit peelings. Students loved observing the worms and the active composter in the classroom. Each week students would draw their composter observations and we would discuss how the composter changed using descriptive language. With the composter soil, we planted seeds to grow flowers for mothers day. Each student decorated a mason jar and planted a few seeds to sprout, these treasures would be sent home for mothers day gifts. Students tenderly cared for these plants, watching and measuring their growth each week was very exciting. I have heard that the students I taught a few years ago still remember and discuss how much fun they had during the nature, composting unit. I think that these Grade One students were apart of creating a more sustainable learning space. 

 How does designing “green” change the very nature of learning in our spaces?

I thinking designing “green” creates a space of intention. The focus is taken off ourselves and directed towards others, the world and the future. Students will be supported in their development of thinking locally and globally. They will have the opportunity to make a difference in their world and give back to the environment or community. Designing “green” can support creating a space were learners can work together to support a greater mission, thinking beyond simply learning to better themselves. Education that is meaningful and purposeful is the intention that can be achieved through designing “green” learning spaces.