Nature Learning

2–3 minutes

A foolproof adjustment to the school system

Aniya Badal (12)

Staff Writer

One of the problems that has hindered learning the most in the history of schools are broken classrooms. That’s right. I’m talking about leaky ceilings, holey walls, creaky floors, and faulty air-conditioning. You all have experienced this at least once. Taking a test while the ceiling is crying onto your head? Fingers frozen because the heater isn’t working? Afraid to walk around the classroom and make a squeak noise so loud it sounds like the floor will cave out from under you?

Well, lament no longer! With this new and improved learning plan, structural deficiencies will no longer be the bane of our education. The Eagle Era now presents to you: Nature Learning. In simple terms, Nature Learning is learning in nature, i.e. outside, i.e. i.e. no classrooms. Since defects in establishments are so common yet so annoying, we have decided to abolish buildings altogether. With Nature Learning, leaky ceilings will not be a problem, because there will be no ceilings. Walls will not have holes, because there will be no walls. Floors will not creak, because how can grass creak? And the only AC or heating units needed will be the wind and sun. Bathroom passes will no longer be a necessity: all you need is the nearest tree.

Uninterested Senior (12) says, “Yeah, I guess. It seems cool. I won’t be here for much longer anyways. Have fun with that.”

Senior’s friend, Suddenlyinterested Freshman (9), says, “I have some concerns. First of all, how will we manage in the rain? What about kids with grass allergies? And how will we write without desks?”

To these concerns we say, suck it up! A little rain and wind never hurt anybody. Students will learn how to write on whatever surface is available. And as for kids with allergies, well, Living Earth didn’t teach us about survival of the fittest for nothing.

With Nature Learning, there will be no fear of trees falling into classrooms, rendering them unusable. In fact, fallen trees will excite and enliven the classes as a broken branch can now be repurposed as a chair or desk. Nature Learning will allow students to connect more thoroughly with Mother Earth. Since this generation is so disconnected from reality, Nature Learning will enable both students and teachers to develop a relation to this planet we call home.

After all, who wouldn’t want to follow around teachers while taking notes, just like Socrates and his students?

While there are several simple substitute solutions, such as using district money to keep classrooms in working conditions, making sure nearby foliage is well-trimmed, improving facilities, renovating plumbing, or even listening to complaints and acting on them, none of these options provide the aesthetic and convenience of Nature Learning.