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Great Works students say outdoor hikes and STEAM projects are boosting learning and connection
Summary
Students and teachers from Great Works School told the MSAD 35 board that weekly hikes and hands-on STEAM lessons — from citizen-science stream studies to robotics and a Rube Goldberg project — have strengthened friendships, improved focus and reinforced curriculum learning.
Great Works School students and teachers presented a student-led showcase to the MSAD 35 board on March 18, emphasizing how regular outdoor education and new STEAM programming have affected academic engagement and social connections.
The superintendent introduced the visitors and staff described a program of student-driven clubs, a $30,000 PTO fundraiser that supports field trips and school activities, and an outdoor-education program funded in part through grant partnerships with groups including the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. Teachers said the outdoor curriculum grew during COVID as a way to let children see each other’s faces and has become a weekly practice that supports curriculum goals.
"We don't just do hiking. We also do math while having a lot of fun," said Natalie, a fourth- or fifth-grade student, speaking for her class. Multiple students said hiking helps them feel calm and brought classmates together: "Hiking brings us together as one class and we're more independent," said Wyatt. Students described learning geometry and poetry on hikes and doing observation, mindfulness and citizen-science activities tied to streams, invasive plants and local ecology.
Teachers outlined complementary STEAM work led by the district's new STEAM teacher, saying the goal is to build a "culture of problem-solving" and practice the four C's of engineering: critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity. Beth, the STEAM teacher, described a range of classroom projects: a fourth-grade "STEAM Olympics" with hands-on engineering challenges; a fifth-grade robotics design challenge called "Indie City"; Lego robotics for coding practice; and a series of 3D-printing applications connected to curriculum work. One student-led fundraising effort raised about $300 to buy lumber for student-built birdhouses, and teachers said students handled planning, fundraising and construction.
The presenters cited specific learning outcomes from those experiences: students who were previously quiet took leadership roles outdoors; classes reported gains in collaboration and problem solving; and teachers described cross-grade coordination to smooth transitions in curriculum (for example, fifth- and seventh-grade teachers planning shared social-studies content).
The board and administrators praised the presentation and encouraged continued student voice at meetings. The superintendent also reminded the public about the district budget meeting scheduled for May 11 at Marshwood High School.
The presentation concluded with board members thanking the students and staff for the demonstration of hands-on learning and student leadership; the meeting then proceeded to routine business.
