Cultivating Curiosity and Creativity: The Outdoor STEAM Classroom at JEH
At JEH Elementary School, a transformative learning environment has taken shape — an Outdoor STEAM Classroom designed to engage young learners in hands-on experiences across Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Led by Mirza Campos and Patrina Gregory, this innovative project was developed to empower nearly 300 students from diverse backgrounds, including many BIPOC learners and English language students, by bridging gaps in access to quality STEAM education.
Bringing STEAM to Life Outdoors
Thanks to the grant from Foundation 65, the program secured materials to build interactive features like a water wall, a music wall, and a mud kitchen — spaces where students can experiment, create, and explore real-world concepts through play and collaboration. These installations encourage sensory learning, critical thinking, and creativity, helping students develop essential skills in an engaging, natural setting.
Professional Development for Lasting Impact
Understanding that effective teaching requires ongoing learning, JEH educators completed a specialized six-unit training from the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) Little STEAMERS program. This professional development equipped them with cutting-edge curriculum and instructional strategies to bring STEAM principles to life outdoors and share them with all preschool teachers at JEH. These lessons were incorporated schoolwide last year.
Supporting Social and Emotional Growth
Beyond academics, the outdoor classroom is a safe space for social-emotional learning. Students practice collaboration, self-regulation, and turn-taking as they engage in shared activities. The setting encourages healthy risk-taking and nurtures a sense of belonging — vital for trauma-informed education and overall well-being.
A Word of Thanks
“It’s exciting to see what we envision and the possibility of seeing it come true — thank you to Foundation 65,” says Ms. Campos. With continued support, the Outdoor STEAM Classroom promises to inspire creativity and learning for years to come.