SOLARDOME® glasshouses
Inspirational Teaching, Inside Out
Schools up and down the country are choosing SOLARDOME® glasshouses as an innovative way of getting children out of the classroom and engaging them in a more hands-on way, without having to leave the school grounds.
A SOLARDOME® glasshouse is so much more than a traditional greenhouse. Each school comes up with its own unique way to use their geodesic dome, be it a unique focal point, a mini-Eden project for tropical growing, to support sustainability and Eco-schools initiatives, carrying out practical science, maths and growing experiments, or simply as a unique space for story-telling, art or drama. The list of uses is endless!
Designed and manufactured of in the UK, SOLARDOME® glasshouses (made of aluminum and toughened glass) are light, airy, versatile and enable children to enjoy practical activities outdoors, even on typically miserable British days. They are designed to support Learning Outside the Classroom and Growing Initiatives which celebrate hands-on learning as a way of stimulating inquisitive minds.
Solardome can provide standard domes from 4.52m to 10m or a full project service from bespoke design phase to project completion.
Lyndon Green Junior School is delighted with its SOLARDOME® Capella (6.11m) as Head Teacher, Gerrard Rothwell commented:
We’ve really been able to maximize our outdoor learning potential by combining our growing activities with the flexibility of having an additional outdoor space in which to teach a host of subjects. The SOLARDOME® glasshouse has had a real impact on the confidence and self esteem of some of the pupils because of the speech and language development activities the SOLARDOME® glasshouse lends itself to. Our pupils love being out there.”
For more information visit www.growingschools.co.uk, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 0845 450 2155.
- Cash
- Cheque
http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/Michael-School-unveils-Solardome-classroom.5990254.jp
– January 2010
SOLARDOME INDUSTRIES NEWS
http://community.intellicontact.com/p/solardome/newsletters/growingschools/posts/solardome-education-newsletter-spring-2010
- May 2010
Quantifying the growing threat to plant and human health from ground level ozone
http://www.ceh.ac.uk/sci_programmes/GroundLevelOzone.htm
- 2009
Channel 4 - Planning An Outdoor Room
http://www.channel4.com/4homes/design-style/design-byspace/garden/designing-and-planning-an-outdoor-room-08-06-09_p_4.html
– June 2008
Shedworking.co.uk – Solardome, press relief
http://www.shedworking.co.uk/2006/11/solardome.html
- November 2006
The Telegraph – The Eden Effect
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/propertyadvice/propertymarket/3307021/The-eden-effect.html – September 2002
Extended Schools: Science and Engineering Clubs – Newquay
http://www.teachers.tv/videos/extended-schools-science-and-engineering-clubs-newquay
- April 2008
A childs attendance may increase with Solardome. In this age of unpredictable weather and climate change, Solardomes enable schools to teach outside of the classroom yet remain in a warm, dry and comfortable environment which still feels
at one with nature. Being in a natural, light environment also boosts a child’s wellbeing; both physically and emotionally.
With their elegant symmetry and individuality, Solardomes inspire creativity, curiosity and encourage participation. They exude a tranquil spaciousness where pupils can experiment, young minds are stimulated and the curriculum comes alive.
A Solardome is an ideal way to bring the community together and encourage engagement with the school. Why not host a community festival where you can learn more about the local community and display your school’s arts and crafts in the dome? This is also an interesting project to help attract the attention of your local media.
Solardomes can be used at any stage in education; from primary and secondary schools to colleges and universities. Most educational establishments maximize their investment by using their Solardome for various cross-curricular activities, from maths and science to horticulture and art.
There is proven evidence that good quality learning outside the classroom adds value
to traditional classroom-based learning. It can lead to improved retention rates and a deeper understanding of concepts that are frequently difficult to teach effectively using classroom methods alone. Outdoor learning provides a context for understanding many areas, including general and subject-based knowledge; thinking and problem-solving skills, and life skills such as cooperation and interpersonal communication.
Solardome glasshouses are built to last. A Solardome is an outstanding example of efficient engineering and fitness for purpose; it can be used in all weather conditions and can even withstand hurricane force winds. It is designed to be a permanent, long-lasting addition to your grounds. It will not rot or rust and is virtually maintenance free.
Often children with special needs find learning through action highly effective as it provides opportunities for participation and fun. Solardomes for growing schools, with their unique geodesic structure, provide a great hands-on learning environment for Special Schools, enabling creativity, curiosity and imaginations to thrive. Sensory exploration can teach investigation, problem solving and communications skills. Separate sensory areas within the dome could be designed to maximise attention spans and interest. Areas could include various plants with different flowering colours, seasons and scents, different types of flooring, artwork and sculptures, and organic salads and vegetables.
Working in the dome with physical contact with plants and nature can help improve concentration levels, relieve anxiety and reduce the effects of attention deficit disorder.
In this age of unpredictable weather and climate change, Solardomes enable schools to teach outside of the classroom yet remain in a warm, dry and comfortable environment which still feels at one with nature. Being in a natural, light environment also boosts a child’s wellbeing; both physically and emotionally. With their elegant symmetry and individuality, Solardomes inspire creativity, curiosity and encourage participation. They exude a tranquil spaciousness where pupils can experiment, young minds are stimulated and the curriculum comes alive.
