Lee Elementary Celebrates Outdoor Classroom

On nice days, wouldn't an outdoor classroom be nice so teachers could take the kids and the lessons outside?

They have one at Tulsa's Lee Elementary; now teachers can mix science and math with a little fresh air and sunshine.

"We go from the prairie to the sand pit to the Oklahoma forest," said Lee School Foundation President, Shane Matson.

It's kind of Oklahoma in a nutshell. Matson said it took lots of work by parents and alumni to raise the money to get it done.

Greenstreet Landscaping did much of the creating on the project, and it won't be long until people forget what the strip of land looked like last fall before they started the work.

Thursday was an opportunity to celebrate what they've accomplished, according to Sarah Dougherty.

"Hey, we've got an outdoor space that will accommodate any subject. Hopefully, we'll see improvements with our kids' tests scores, their social and cognitive development. It's just a healthier environment, let's get outside enjoy nature, study nature and be a part of it," she said.

They have high expectations for the new addition, but the actual teaching and learning in the new outdoor classroom will start next fall.