The Iowa Department of Transportation

Project Overview

Gardening and Learning

Getting Started

Selecting a Site/Plotting

Design

Prepare, Plant & Maintain

Other Ideas

Evaluation

Glossary

Resources

INTRODUCTION

The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) has developed this Outdoor Classroom curriculum with the goal of creating and upholding awareness about Iowa’s environment and the DOT’s incorporation of plant species into our transportation system.

The DOT has expansive responsibilities for the environment and how we affect it as an agency.

To be responsible and accountable to the citizens of this state, it is our duty to do what is within the realm of the department to protect and preserve our environment.

The DOT is also committed to informing our citizens by means of various outreach and education programs, and the distribution of materials. This curriculum, which is offered as part of the DOT’s Enviro-Explorers Club, is one of the programs provided.

This curriculum places an emphasis on informing Iowa’s young people, with the intent of instilling a mindset that makes good environmental stewardship something students consider as a second nature, rather than a second thought.

The DOT wishes to thank Edwards Elementary School of Ames for its cooperation and participation during the initial development of the program. Many of the photos in this publication were taken during student activities at Edwards.

Since this publication was created as an online document, rather than as a static hardcopy, the DOT will be able to regularly add more options and information making it a “living” and evolving document. Keep watching for:

tips for selecting plants that will attract butterflies;
online plant guide, so you may customize your project with specific plant types suitable for prairie, woodland or wetland areas;
step-by-step instructions on how to start your own wildflower patch; and
many more great gardening ideas.

In general, this curriculum is a great way for students to learn new skills and apply existing ones in the areas of earth science, art, math and vocabulary. Since the curriculum addresses so many different areas of learning, why not enlist the help of other teachers in your school and make this a collaborative project.

Tried and Tested

To ensure the Iowa DOT's outdoor classroom curriculum is easy-to-use, applicable to the real world (use in Iowa K-12 classrooms), and adheres to the highest educational standards, it was field-tested and fully evaluated by educators representing various schools throughout the state that teach students of differing age groups.

The Iowa DOT used the feedback from teachers to enhance and improve the curriculum, as it is presently available on this site.

To learn more about these demonstration projects, click on this "DEMO PROJECT" link.

Last updated: Nov. 18, 2003