Derby North Middle School’s Outdoor Classroom is a thoughtfully designed learning space that inspires curiosity and supports student engagement across all subjects. The area connects academic, social and physical learning goals by offering activities that align with curriculum standards while encouraging collaboration and movement. The fully equipped outdoor classroom allows teachers to deliver lessons in any subject while surrounded by nature.
Starting with clearing trees and getting rid of poison ivy, the starting process took approximately three years in order for students to begin their learning journey outdoors. Most projects, such as the Gaga Pit, Footgolf, Falcon Ninja Course, Basketball Tree and Golf Green are all ideas implemented from the students.
The Outdoor Classroom continues to evolve with exciting new features and stories yet to be shared. New additions not only enhance the Outdoor Classroom, but also reflect on the school's ongoing commitment to inclusivity, innovation and student well-being. By providing creative spaces that cater to a wide range of interests and skill levels, Derby North is fostering a learning environment where all students feel encouraged to stay active and connect with their peers.
The Why
Monarch Waystations provide the essential resources monarch butterflies need to reproduce and sustain their migration. Without milkweed across their spring and summer breeding grounds in North America, monarchs could not produce the successive generations that complete their annual fall migration. However, milkweed and nectar sources are declining due to urban development and the widespread use of herbicides on croplands, pastures and roadsides. Because about 90% of monarch and milkweed habitats exist within agricultural landscapes, farming practices play a critical role in the survival of monarch populations.
By creating and maintaining a Monarch Waystation at Derby North Middle School, it contributes to monarch conservation, an effort that will help assure the preservation of the species and the continuation of the spectacular monarch migration phenomenon. Learn more about the Monarch Waystation Program.
When Derby North Middle School first opened, the Evergy Green Team played a key role in securing the grant that funded the installation of solar panels, supporting the school's commitment to sustainability. The Outdoor Classroom's solar photovoltaic power plants are used to shade an outdoor learning area. Each canopy produces electricity which is fed back into the school and used to power the science classrooms.
The sun provides a tremendous amount of energy, enough to satisfy all of the earth’s needs in a fraction of a day. It powers all solar photovoltaic and thermal technologies.
The Outdoor Classroom provides many resources for students to enhance their knowledge outdoors. The Activity Trail promotes kinesthetic learning and physical wellness, and additional stations encourage teamwork and problem-solving. The Monarch Certified Waystation, pond and garden area provide hands-on experiences in environmental science and sustainability. These features give students opportunities to participate in citizen science projects and deepen their understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
Musical Bench
The musical bench is an interactive exhibit that makes music when people touch or hold hands. It uses a micro-controller to detect changes in resistance, via the copper armrests, and plays high or low notes depending on how much current flows through you and a friend.
Table Top Compost
By using the Lomi Composter, leftover school lunch scraps are used to gently heat and break down food waste to speed up natural decomposition. Advanced sensors monitor moisture levels and regulate temperature to maintain ideal conditions for beneficial microbial activity. The compost is used within the Outdoor Classroom's garden for recycled and resourceful soil-like fertilizer.
Basketball Tree
Derby North's Principal, Jeff Smith, and the Principal's Advisory Council reviewed potential enhancements for the Outdoor Classroom. Previous proposals included the Gaga Pit, Sand Volleyball and the Falcon Ninja Course. A suggestion to add a basketball court was considered. The plan included installing two poles equipped with approximately 20 hoops initially, with the possibility of adding extended hoops in the future.
This unique setup has been well-received by students, offering a fun and inclusive way to engage in basketball. Many students enjoy shooting hoops but may feel less confident participating in full or half-court games, where more experienced players tend to dominate.
Disc Golf and Footgolf Course
The Outdoor Classroom provides space for students to engage in a game of disc golf or footgolf.
This area is proudly maintained by the Derby Public Schools Grounds Department. Thank you to those who helped with the process of creating the Outdoor Classroom:
Jeff Smith, Derby North Middle School Principal
McCownGordon Construction
Dillons Community Rewards Program
Westar Energy Green Team
Boy Scouts
South Rock Christian Church
Life.Church Derby
Derby North Middle School Kansas Association of Youth (KAY Club)
Derby North Middle School Staff and Students
Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Derby Education Foundation
Derby Community Foundation
McConnell Spouses Group
Military-Connected Academic and Support Program (MCASP) Grant
