Outdoor classroom presentation script

Emma Timmy Cole Lara

Emma (Intro): Hello, Im Emma Reid, and this is Cole Fehring, Timmy Harris, and Lara
Glendening. We will be presenting our outdoor classroom design to you.
Timmy: Our design is a simple and functional area to form a space for all to use. This space can
be used for lectures, group work, and presentations.
Cole: Students wanted a functional space that could be used all year round. A SMHS junior said
that they wanted an open classroom area that feels part of the natural environment of San
Marin.
Lara: Our design is very simple yet functional. It is a semicircle of tables focused around a
lectern for teachers to give lessons from, or can be used for group work, individual work, and
student presentations. After multiple iterations the design we are presenting today is what we
deemed the most viable and suitable solution to fit the requirements of this project. The area is
shaded by natural trees nearby as opposed to a shade structure. Providing shade from the side
instead of from above as Emma will explain.
Emma: This is a picture of the overall setup of the classroom, as well as the area we will be
building on. We chose the top of the small hill behind the art building because it is flat, shaded,
and open. In the survey our class took of SM students we found that this is what the majority of
those students wanted. Our location will be shaded from the east throughout the morning when
the sun is low, addressing numerous students concerns of having the sun in their eyes. A
problem we have noted to exist in the solar studio. Later in the day the sun will provide light and
heat to the area. As well, this area will be easily accessible and open to the rest of campus,
visible from many buildings. You can see on this map the planned build location.
Timmy: These are close ups of our tables and lectern. The lectern is very simple, with a place
for the teacher to stand and put their notes. The tables are tapered outwards so everyone will
have a clear line of sight to the teacher. To put these tables and the lectern together, we will
attach the surface boards to supports with wood screws that will then be bolted onto thick posts
set 6 inches into concrete. This method of construction will be able to withstand the daily wear
and tear of teenage students. All wood is pressure treated and hardware is rated for outdoor
use. The wood also has a low heat capacity and will retain heat, making a comfortable seat. We
plan to have clipboards available for students to use to write on, hanging on hooks at each
table. These will be plastic but durable enough to be used outside.
Cole: These are the plants we will be using. We decided to plant a young willow tree on the
hillock behind our benches to provide additional shade. We chose Willow trees for their drought
tolerance and because they do not drop numerous leaves and branches in the winter. We will
use blue gem westringia around the edging of the area to add color and a natural feel. These
also are drought resistant and do not need much sun. For ground cover we will first remove
existing plants then lay down weed-blocking fabric. On top of this we will have 3in of tanbark

held in by terrance edging. On the path we will also lay down small pavers to define the trail
further.
Lara: The cost for each of the tables is $291.50 including hardware, legs, supports, and
benches. The lecture stand and all of its hardware will cost $38.50. The ground cover will cost
$443, including ground cloth, tanbark, and pavers. Our plants will cost $147.49
Emma: The total cost is two thousand and twenty dollars, which gives about a 50% cushion for
extra costs, like shipping and tax.
Timmy: As we have shown, our design will be multifunctional yet simple. Because of its
simplicity it will be easy to construct and relatively inexpensive, staying under budget by a large
margin. It will be comfortable to use by both students and teachers. Our build area is easily
accessible but far enough away to provide a quiet, peaceful learning environment. Our designs
are also weather resistant and teenager-proof. Another great bonus is a strong wifi connection
from the nearby buildings.
Cole: Overall our design is Usable, Reasonable, Thought out, and most of all, gives the
community what they asked for. A flexible outdoor space for all of San Marin to use.
All: Thank you! :)