Example from the Living Labs Organization
This is from [the web site of Living Labs]
High School: Living Labs Design School
Living Labs Project mentors high school students through experiences in hands-on ecological landscape design, installation, and care in their community. We engage the inherent need among young people to take ownership for a tangible project and feel proud of their hard work. The breadth of learning in a 'Living Lab' provides students the opportunity to discover and flourish in areas of personal interest and exposes them to skills useful for career and civic contributions. Further, teens can invest in their outdoor environment, sparking a lifelong commitment to stewardship and community engagement.
Living Labs Design School follows a five phase model:
'Germination Phase': Living Labs Project develops a partnership plan with the school site, working closely with a coordinating faculty member. Students participate in team-building exercises and are mentored in land assessment. They research and develop designs for their Living Lab and evaluate each design iteration until a master plan is agreed upon. A team of volunteers, including parents and community members, come together to support the implementation of the project.
'Planting Phase': In this intensive phase, students present their design proposals to stakeholders and finalize design plans. With the assistance of Livings Labs Project and their communities, students create an implementation and maintenance plan for the Living Lab, gather the resources and materials needed, and organize the community for collaboration.
'Growth Phase': Students experience extensive hands-on work as they host community work parties and install their Living Labs design. The Living Lab is based around an organic garden with native plants and edibles. Additions can include gathering spaces, like seating areas, storage sheds, greenhouses, and water features constructed from natural materials. Workshops may be incorporated into work days, educating the students, parents, and school staff on valuable skills for creating and sustaining their outdoor projects.
'Abundance Phase': Once an outdoor learning space is established, teachers hold classes regularly in the Living Lab. Living Labs Project can also host classes and workshops and provide curriculum to be used in the space. It is vital that students and teachers can maintain the Living Lab with confidence, and in this phase the knowledge and planning for seasons and school years to come is solidified. Living Labs Project will continue to consult and provide assistance as needed to ensure the Living Lab thrives.
'Dispersal Phase': Unique for our high school students, we offer a small group of past participants the opportunity to co-mentor younger students at a Living Labs Project partner school, supporting their process of creating an outdoor classroom.
