By Luis González
Next spring an environmental science centre and eco-learning garden, to be built at the Elgin Street Public School, will bring “science and math into the front yard” for Centretown students, says principal Bruce Hubbard.
Native plants, vines and bushes will be planted in the centre’s learning garden to allow children to connect with nature, and activities will be introduced to encourage children’s imagination and the development of rational thinking skills.
“We’re providing an opportunity to look at the world around us. Children will develop a critique and exploring curiosity,” says Hubbard.
Students and teachers from Centennial Public School, Glashan Public School and Lady Evelyn Alternative School will also have access to the facilities and will support further development of the project, says Brenda Martin, principal of Centennial.
“It is an example of community partner schools working together and sharing.It is an important area of the Ontario community.”
The private sector recognized the school’s effort earlier this month when the Telus Ottawa Community Board awarded it a $20,000 grant.
Cameron Rose, Telus spokesman, says the board is happy to participate in the community project, especially one that encourages children to engage with their environment.
Toyota, as part of its Evergreen program, donated the plant species for the learning garden.
In addition to the work being done between the schools and corporate partners, parents and staff from the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board have also assisted with the design and planning of the upcoming centre.
“[The parents] saw an opportunity in our school. They realized we had the resources and the staff to make this dream true,” Hubbard says. “This is what leadership is about, giving and sharing.”
He explains that the centre will open up to Elgin Street, which will allow children to connect with the larger community and question their surroundings.
“We won’t be able to answer all of their questions, but what really matters is to stimulate their curiosity for the world around them.”
Martin says the teachers are still planning the activities that will take place in the centre and the school’s front yard has had little work done.
Only some repainting and the relocation of a tree has been completed so far. Hubbard expects that the construction of the centre will be finished by early May.
Above all, the science centre is a chance to get Centretown’s children interested in science.
John Armitage, associate dean of Carleton University’s science faculty, says that despite possible challenges such as securing funding and physical resources, the planned community centre has potential to be a positive step in Ottawa’s science development.
“Our environment is a prime issue and this is a chance for children to do something about their future,” says Jennifer McKenzie, Centretown’s public school trustee.