The Boone County Nature School, a ground-breaking educational facility, immerses students in hands-on learning experiences. As the first of its kind in the nation, this school offers students a unique opportunity to connect with nature and deepen their understanding of their environment.

Key Features:

• Experiential Learning: Students engage in a variety of outdoor activities, including exploring ecosystems, connecting with local history, and working on sustainability projects.
• Place-Based Education: The curriculum is designed to foster a strong connection to the local environment, allowing students to learn from their surroundings.
• Diverse Student Population: The school serves students from all six Boone County school districts, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.
  Community Partnerships: The school has collaborated with various organizations, including the Columbia Audubon Society and the Missouri Department of Conservation, to enhance its offerings.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: The 8,230 SF Nature School building features classrooms, a lab space, offices, and nature exhibits.

Target Audience:

• Fifth Graders: All fifth graders from Columbia Public Schools participate in a seven-day program throughout the academic year.
• Middle School Students: The school hosts science camps.
• High School Students: High school students can visit the school for field trips.

Goals:

• To provide students with a unique and immersive learning experience.
• To foster a love of nature and environmental stewardship.
• To develop students’ outdoor skills and knowledge.
• To promote sustainability and conservation.

Expected Outcomes:

• Increased student engagement and academic achievement.
• Improved understanding of environmental issues.
• Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• A stronger connection to the local community and natural resources.

Facility Highlights:

Exterior Details:

• Native plants in bioretention area for on-site rainwater treatment & collection, as well as natural habitat restoration.
• South facing sun shading provides covered porch for outdoor classroom space & reduces heat gain.
• PV solar panels for on-site renewable energy production.
• Standing seam metal roofing is durable, recyclable, and contains recycled content.
• Rain chains & rain garden swale.
• Structurally insulated roof panels provide energy efficiency & noise reduction.
• Local natural stone veneer
• Clerestory windows provide natural daylight.

Floorplan:

• 3,595 SF of Classroom Space
• 1,680 SF Storm Shelter/Lab Space
• 1,035 SF of Lobby & Display Space
• 380 SF CPS & MDC Offices
• 1,300 SF Accessory Spaces

Interior layout:

• Durable metal clad wood windows with tinted low-e energy-efficient insulated glazing.
• Renewable heavy timber frame structure.
• Local & renewable interior wood wall finish.
• Durable, low-maintenance polished concrete slab provides thermal mass.
• Views to nature.
• Structurally insulated roof panels provide energy efficiency & noise reduction.
• Durable ground faced CMU.
• Clerestory windows provide natural daylight.
• LED lighting throughout.
• Educational display wall.
• Recycling station.
• Locally made wood casework with recycled content countertops.
• Folding partition to divide classroom in two provides design flexibility.
• Cubbies for student educational bins.