Environmental science is hands-on in Lafayette, La. Schools

Students with an interest in nature can attend environmentally themed classes from kindergarten through graduation in the Lafayette Parish School System’s environmental science academies.

The system has three schools of choice which focus on the environment, with environmental science academies at L. Leo Judice Elementary, Lafayette Middle and Northside High.

L. Leo Judice has an outdoor classroom, a greenhouse and a garden. The students also run a recycling program, and each class has their own pet, which the children learn to care for. The vegetables grown in the garden are used to feed the class pets, students and faculty.

"Our outdoor classroom provides opportunities for students to develop observation skills, visual spatial skills, mathematical thinking, creativity, an abstract thinking that are needed for success in the classroom," lead teacher at Leo, Paula Guidry, explains. "By taking learning outdoors, teachers are able to make learning more meaningful and exciting for students as they integrate nature into all areas of the curriculum."

Lafayette Middle School is home to the district’s oldest e-science program. The school has its own swamp, an outdoor classroom, a greenhouse, a butterfly dome, working solar panels and a worm farm. There is a menagerie with all sorts of animals, which are cared for by the students.

The systems newest e-science program is at Northside High School. Director Chad Broussard says keeping kids engaged is especially important at the high school level.

"Core content means much more to students when they can apply their knowledge to the environment," Broussard says. "Geometry in a text book is one thing. Geometry in nature, that brings it to a whole other level of understanding and retention."

Academy students at Northside are working on a project to restore native prairie grasses. These students also run a school recycling program, and are planning a garden in their outdoor learning area. The students have their own weather alert system, and have been working with KATC’s Chris Paulsen to learn more about meteorology. They conduct their experiments in a state-of-the-art multimedia lab, and collect specimens in their outdoor classrooms.

"Our community sees a direct benefit in environmental education, and community partners can gain ownership in our academy through research mentoring, sponsorship, internships, and guest lecturing, " Broussard says. "There is a distinct tangible reward for both the community and the students in that an improved environmental conscience ensures a protected quality of life for the community in the years to come."