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What is the Outdoor Discovery Core?

 

The Discovery Core is a native plant and wildlife habitat study area or outdoor classroom located on the Lewis and Clark School grounds. It provides students with daily hands-on opportunities to study the natural sciences (ecology, earth science, meteorology etc.). The area was designed and constructed by students, parents, teachers and friends of Lewis and Clark School. The area includes a variety of features and habitats types:

  •  native plants (many documented by Lewis and Clark in their journals as they traveled across Montana

  • walking trails with signs (developed by Sentinel High School students) identifying the plants, shrubs and trees

  • a stream and water area

  • a wetland area

  • a prairie area with native grasses

  • a rock garden

  • a sensory garden for touching, tasting and smelling plants and herbs

  • bird houses and bird feeders (fall, winter and early spring)

  • logs and stick piles for critters to raise young

  • conifers and deciduous trees to shelter birds, squirrels etc.

  • benches for observation and instructional purposes

 
 
 
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Nature Notes
 

What's Happening in the Outdoor Discovery Core in March?

 

During March, the buds on trees begin to swell.  By the end of the month early spring flowers like crocuses and buttercups are in bloom.  Earthworms come to the surface from underground.  Worm castings can be found on lawns.  Some birds that have migrated begin returning north, like robins, bluebirds and meadowlarks.

 

 
 
 
 

Other Interesting ODC Facts

 

  • In addition to supporting the science curriculum, the site offers creative options for language arts, social studies and art curricula

  • Planning and construction was done by students, parents, teachers and friends .  The students and parents continue to maintain the site by filling bird feeders, pulling weeds, thinning algae in the water site and doing many other chores

  • The entire project has been funded by private donations and grants from the Lewis Clark Elementary School community, Missoula businesses, the National Park Service and various foundations. No school district money was used to construct the site

  • The Outdoor Discovery Core is certified as a National Wildlife Federation Schoolyard Habitat Site the first in Montana. This means that all elements for a wildlife site are present including: food, water, shelter and places to raise young.

  • Teacher Margaret Petty received a presidential award for her ongoing work in science curriculum development and implementation, which included development of the site and curriculum related to the site.

  • Former Lewis and Clark teacher Maureen Kane received an "UnSung Heroes" award for her work developing the site and curriculum related to the site
 
Nature Watch
 

Things to Do in the Discovery Core

 

 March discoveries:

  • Look for Canada Geese flying north.
  • Listen for woodpecker drumming
  • Look for bluebirds, Red-winged Blackbirds, robins, and meadowlarks returning.
  • Find the first blooming buttercup.
  • Find pussywillows.
  • Look for crocuses blooming in yards.
  • See how rivers are rising.
  • Watchfor flies in your house and school.
  • Watch for birds building their nests.
  • Celebrate the first day of spring on March 21
 
 
 

Volunteering and Donations

 

The Outdoor Discovery Core is looking for individuals who would like to help maintain this valuable outdoor science classroom. Positions as co-coordinators, committee members, and day laborers are available. Call Margaret Petty, 728-2400 X4353, if you can help. Donations are always welcome as well. The money is used to purchase plants, shrubs, trees and equipment. Memorial offerings may also be made. A tree or a shrub will be planted in a loved ones honor with a memorial plaque nearby.

 
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