What is Environmental Science, and what does it look like?
Environmental science studies the interaction of the environment’s living and non-living with special emphasis on the impact of humans on these components. Environmental science is a very dynamic area of research and involves many different fields of study. At Olanta Creative Arts & Science students work as scientists and researchers in comprehensive instructional programs which include inquiry-based, hands-on studies of the environment all around us and connects student learning to the real world. Students are immersed in an environment that emphasizes discovery and exploration, collaborative study, scientific research, use of scientific tools and technology, and a strong sense of community. With an the unique emphasis on both creative arts and science, Olanta’s students have the opportunity to integrate and apply the environmental sciences in reading, math, social studies, writing, and the arts. Hands on learning is provided in Olanta’s edible school yard that includes class gardens, an exploratory science lab, an outdoor learning observatory area, two outdoor classroom areas, and an aquatic life pond area. An emphasis on conversation is made through farm to school studies, service learning projects that includes adoption of a local community park, water and waste management studies, exploring the benefits of solar panels, and continued research on becoming a greener school. Even more importantly, environmental education employs and enhances critical thinking and basic life skills need to have academic success and become a world class 21st Century citizen.
