Interactive Learning Lab Brings The Classroom Outdoors
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Students at Chester A. Arthur Elementary School in South Philadelphia have a reason to look forward to going back to school in the fall.
By then, the school will have added an interactive, STEM based, outdoor learning space. Officials broke ground Wednesday morning.
Students sat cross-legged in the sun on an asphalt pad that will transform to an outdoor classroom by next fall. Principal Kimberly Newman says the space will feature art panels, a sundial and a rain garden.
"We genuinely will be extending what's inside the classroom to outside the classroom."
The project was five years in the making, spearheaded by Ivy Olesh, President of the Friends of Chester Arthur.
"I think that's the difference. There's going to be systems and labs built into the design to help students learn, and inspire them."
Funding for the project includes a $1 million grant from the William Penn Foundation.
