On Friday, April 28, 2023, FACS students in grades PreK-12 gathered at the Living Classroom for the annual Butterfly (+Friends) Release. In culmination of a multi-week study in STEAM-related course instruction, students and teachers released butterflies, ladybugs and earthworms into the outdoor learning spaces.
High School Sciences Teacher and organizer of the annual event, Megan Piker, taught students about the environmental benefits of releasing these insects into the FACS Living Classroom - how each has a very important role to play in the ecosystem created in this unique space on campus.
Butterflies help to pollinate and offer pest control to help our flowers and other plants flourish. Ladybugs are often referred to as “plant heroes” because they help ward off aphids naturally, which will help fruits and vegetables planted in the raised garden beds to grow strong and healthy. Earthworms were released into the composting area of the Living Classroom, where they will help to convert waste like food scraps into compost naturally; this method of composting is known as vermicomposting.
Each unique release of these special insects into the Living Classroom served as a teaching moment, one that is relevant for any age. Students also helped decorate and install pavers.
More About STEAM at FACS
At First Assembly Christian School, we believe in providing students with a well-rounded education that combines academic excellence with a strong spiritual foundation. That's why we offer a STEAM curriculum that integrates science, technology, engineering, art, and math with biblical principles and values. Our STEAM course instruction is designed to engage students in hands-on, project-based learning that promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. From coding and robotics to graphic design and entrepreneurship which takes place in the FACS SmartLab, a dedicated indoor learning space, to environmental science and biology/ecosystems that comes to life in the Outdoor Living Classroom, our STEAM program equips students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today's rapidly changing world while fostering a deep love for God and a commitment to serving others.
The FACS Outdoor Living Classroom includes STEAM course instruction involving environmental and natural sciences. Aspects of the outdoor space includes: Natural butterfly and pollinating bee habitats, seating areas for course instruction, raised garden beds, composting, nature walking trail and art mural.