1. Emphasize diversity: Design landscapes that offer different habitats and ecological niches. This can include diverse plant species, water features, and microclimates that support a variety of wildlife. This diversity will provide opportunities for students to learn about the different types of flora and fauna that exist in their local environment.
2. Encourage exploration: Provide access to areas of the landscape that are safe and appropriate for students to explore. This can include pathways, trails, and natural play areas that encourage movement and curiosity.
3. Incorporate interactive features: Incorporate interactive features such as interpretive signs, interactive exhibits, and hands-on displays. This can help engage students in active learning and encourage them to ask questions and explore further.
4. Allow for flexibility: Design the landscape with flexibility in mind, so that it can be adapted to different learning goals and activities. This can include areas for group activities, individual exploration, and quiet reflection.
5. Consider safety and accessibility: Ensure that the landscape is safe and accessible for students of all abilities. This can include providing ramps and railings, avoiding steep slopes, and using materials that are slip-resistant.
6. Engage the senses: Design the landscape to stimulate the senses and provide opportunities for sensory exploration. This can include incorporating sounds, textures, and smells into the landscape.
7. Provide connections to the curriculum: Design the landscape to support the curriculum and offer opportunities for experiential learning. This can include aligning the landscape with specific subjects, such as ecology, art, or history.
8. Foster stewardship: Use the landscape as a teaching tool to promote environmental awareness and stewardship. This can include providing opportunities for students to participate in ecological restoration and conservation programs, as well as helping students understand the importance of protecting natural resources.
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