At Forest Academy, each day includes a block of time in our Labs and Studios—the academic anchor of our daily flow.  Labs are where learners observe, experiment, collect data, ask questions, and build understanding through direct experience.  Each Lab offers a different lens for exploring our land, our community, and the wider world.

 

Geology & Hydrology Lab

 

Learners investigate the physical forces that shape our landscape. They explore rocks, minerals, soil layers, erosion, and the movement of water through creeks and our local limestone karst features.  Through hands‑on experiments and field observations, learners begin to understand how the land beneath their feet was formed and how it continues to change.

 

Humanities Lab

 

This Lab connects learners to the human story of our place here on the farm and beyond. Through maps, artifacts, stories, and local history, learners explore how people have lived with, cared for, and influenced the land over time. They build empathy, cultural awareness, and a sense of belonging within their community.

 

Zoology Lab

 

In Zoology, learners study the animals who share our ecosystem.  They identify tracks and signs, observe behavior, compare life cycles, and learn how animals adapt to survive.  This Lab nurtures curiosity, respect for living creatures, and foundational biological understanding.

 

Botany Lab

 

The Botany Lab invites learners into the world of plants—trees, grasses, wildflowers, fungi, and the relationships that sustain them.  Learners examine leaves, seeds, roots, and bark; track seasonal changes; and explore plant communities.  They begin to see the forest as a living system and themselves as caretakers within it.

 

Astronomy & Meteorology Lab

 

Here, learners look upward and outward.  They explore clouds, wind, temperature, and seasonal weather patterns, as well as the movement of the sun and moon. Through shadow studies, sky observations, and simple models, learners develop a sense of wonder about Earth’s place in the universe.

 

The Art Studio: Where Learning Takes Shape

 

After the investigative work of the Labs, learners move into the Art Studio, our meaning‑making space.  Here, learners express and extend their understanding through (but not limited to!):

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• Drawings and paintings

• Maps, diagrams, and labeled sketches

• Sculptures and models

• Storytelling, bookmaking, and visual journals

 

The Studio helps children process what they’ve discovered, communicate their thinking, and create lasting artifacts of their learning.