As part of the new Arts and Science Center we have developed an Outdoor Learning Center comprised of five bio beds: a tall grass prairie bed, a short grass prairie bed, a wet meadow, a bog, and an aquatic pond. Each of these bio beds is made up of plants found in that ecosystem.

Biology teachers use this unique resource to provide their students with hands-on learning experiences in ecology. Due to the popularity of our ecology program, we have added a second Advanced Placement Environmental Science class for the upcoming school year. In addition, 9th grade biology students, after being exposed to environmental science in their classes, expressed a strong desire for their own environmental science class next year. As a result, two new classes were created for 10th graders. Beginning next year, two separate semester science classes will be offered: "Humans in the Environment" and "Plants in the Environment."

The development of this Environmental Courtyard was made possible through funds from the Ohio Environmental Education Fund (the Ohio EPA). We were also assisted by Northern Kentucky University, Xavier University and the University of Cincinnati. Envirotech, an Environmental Consulting Firm, is currently developing curriculum for our teachers, so that they may more fully utilize the hands-on learning experiences that the courtyard provides.