Volunteers and staff from Scott Elementary School, OutTeach, and Cox Enterprises. Photo credit: Scott Elementary School, APS ©
On November 8, National STEM Day, W.J. Scott Elementary School brought together students, staff, and volunteers to construct and unveil the school’s first-ever outdoor learning classrooms. The event marked the culmination of months of planning and collaboration to create spaces designed to bring science and nature together for education.
The project was spearheaded by OutTeach, a nonprofit organization that transforms outdoor spaces into hands-on learning labs. With the support of Cox Enterprises and its 34 x 34 initiative, a program dedicated to improving the lives of 34 million people by 2034, the organizations teamed up to help the school create two distinct spaces: a vegetable garden and greenhouse, and a courtyard with a chicken coop and wellness-focused teaching area.
The effort was as much about the process as it was about the outcome. Students actively participated in the project’s design phase, submitting sketches, 3D models, and ideas during the school’s “Dine and Design” event. Younger students focused on hand-drawn plans, while older students used online tools like AutoCAD to create more detailed renderings. Teachers and staff also contributed ideas to help make the final design.
“Our students weren’t just the recipients of these spaces; they were contributors,” Scott Elementary School principal Langston Longley said. “When we think about something like a garden, it’s not necessarily a big deal. But it’s much bigger than that. We’re teaching our students plant-based medicine, wellness, and entrepreneurship.”
Scott Elementary School vegetable garden and greenhouse. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
The vegetable garden and greenhouse will serve as dynamic laboratories where students can explore topics ranging from botany and biology to sustainability and nutrition. The courtyard and chicken coop will offer a teaching area where students can farm and participate in scientific hands-on learning.
John Kovac, Cox Enterprises’ senior vice president of brand marketing and creative, shared that the initiative aligns closely with the company’s values and commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders.
“Cox is excited to help create an outdoor learning lab for Scott Elementary School, which helps young kids get a spark for science and technology,” Kovac said. “It really helps them understand that learning those subjects is best when you can experience them. It’s bringing them outside. It’s bringing them into the environment. It’s getting them excited about how science can come to life in the real world and building the space to allow teachers to do that.”
A few students watched and participated in the transformation and shared their excitement at seeing their ideas materialize. Students like Miguel, a fifth-grader and member of the school’s Eco Warriors gardening club, actively participated in the construction and will help maintain the spaces.
Scott Elementary School fifth-graders Miguel and Arianna tend to plants in the courtyard classroom. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
“I help with feeding the chickens and watering the vegetables,” Miguel said, pointing out the chicken coop where he and other students will care for the animals.
For students like Arianna Adamson, also in fifth-grade, the new classrooms represent a welcome change from the traditional learning environment.
“I’m really excited about the outdoor learning spaces because we get to see all the plants growing,” Adamson said. “We get to have a good time, enjoy the outside, and have some fresh air.”
“I’m looking forward to using the learning section because you get to learn,” she continued. “You get to not be cooped up inside.”
The project also exhibits OutTeach’s broader mission which partners with schools nationwide to integrate outdoor learning into their curriculums. For Atlanta Public Schools (APS), the collaboration continues its STEM programming, combining innovative teaching practices with community engagement.
“Sometimes you need to reach out to the experts who can help you elevate your plans,” Langston said. “APS has done many amazing things with signature programs, and we work with our community partners to help us take our programs to another level. Things like bringing in concrete and landscape architects and giving our students the opportunity to design and draft the space from an architectural standpoint are all big achievements.”
The newly transformed outdoor classrooms are the start of a new chapter for learning at Scott Elementary School. One that will have a positive impact on the future.
“Our home base is Atlanta. These are our kids and are the next generation that will be leading Atlanta. Leading Cox.” Kovac said.
Enjoy the photo recap of Scott Elementary School’s Big Dig event. Photo credits: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
lly, Dr. Carstarphen and Woods were taken on a tour of the school’s urban farm where students are growing lettuce, spinach, carrots, collards and basil. Students are also caring for the farm’s two chickens – Coco Puff and Valentine.
“I wanted this to be sustainable for the long term, and so it took some time for all of our teachers to be certified in STEM. Also, being a charter system gave us autonomy with our funds so that we could adequately support STEM,” Woolfolk said. “It’s having an impact on our students and the community.”
Cascade is one of the many Atlanta Public Schools with a community garden that features various plants, flowers and foods.
