Students at Meadowview Elementary School don’t just learn about science through textbook and blackboard diagrams; they often go outside the classroom and watch the wonders of science in action.

Under the guidance of Principal Janis Stewart, this past year the school has turned its surrounding grounds into a living classroom.

There is a weather station, water garden, greenhouse and a vermiculture system that uses worms to produce organic fertilizer.

Teachers use these tools to let their students touch, see and be a part of the science projects that take place everyday in nature.

“We also have an environmental center where teachers can go outside and just enjoy reading with their students,” Stewart said.

Meadowview’s efforts to make natural science fun and interesting have recently received state recognition.

This Thursday at 10 a.m., representatives from the Alabama Wildlife Federation and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will certify Meadowview as an official Outdoor Classroom through the Alabama Outdoor Classroom program.

Stewart said Meadowview is one of only six schools in the state so far to receive this certification.

“With this recognition award, schools that are just beginning to have ideas can go to other schools for advice and programs to copy,” she said. “Meadowview will be one of the demonstration sites.”

According to the Alabama Wildlife Federation, Meadowview met the Outdoor Classroom program’s criteria by providing hands-on, outdoor learning opportunities and allows students to utilize skills such as math, science, history, geography and the language arts.

“We have been involved with the Alabama Wildlife Federation for years,” Stewart said. “They are now doing this program, and we were one of the first to apply.”

During the recognition ceremony, representatives from the Alabama Wildlife Federation and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will present awards to the school for its accomplishments, followed by a student-led presentation.

Following the ceremony, a tour will be given of the Outdoor Classroom.

Stewart added that this is not the first time Meadowview has received recognition.

The school has already been named an Alabama First Project Learning Tree School.

“We are proud of our school,” Stewart said. “It’s a beautiful place for kids to learn.”