Rationale
Twenty-five years ago, our Project Director had a vision of creating an outdoor science
exhibit so students could be more directly connected to the physical world. It was considered
in the design of our school and in the City of Broomfield's recent acquisition of a right-of-way
for a nature trail. The vision has been cultivated over time and is manifested in A Walk Through
Time. This interactive exhibit will provide opportunities for students to apply what they have
learned and engage in educational challenges that are not typically experienced in the classroom
setting. Students need to understand the relevancy of what they are learning and how it applies
to something tangible in their lives. This "real-life" learning opportunity and its
interdisciplinary approach will provide many avenues for students and teachers to actively
participate in the study of geology and the physical sciences on school grounds. Furthermore, it
addresses the National Science Education Standards in at least one area for each of the
Content Standards:
- Abilities to do and understand scientific inquiry.
- Properties and changes of properties.
- Diversity and adaptations of organisms.
- Structure of the Earth's systems and history.
- Populations, natural hazards, resources, and environments.
- Risks, benefits.
- The nature of science.
Students need to develop a passion and a curiosity for learning that will last a lifetime. From
this project, innovations will naturally occur in many different curricular areas as A Walk
Through Time summons us as educators and interested citizens to stir the fire within a child to
learn.
