Lowe's Project Playground

 Eagle Scout project by Josh Hancock

Last fall, I wrote a grant proposal for the Lowe's Toolbox for Education grant program. In the proposal, I wanted to establish several outdoor science centers for our primary and elementary playgrounds. These include fossil pits, magnifying labs, and weather stations for both playgrounds, as well as planting stations for Mrs. Misenheimer's middle school marsh grass project. We received the grant, a total of $2,000, and Josh began making plans for the work. All the work will be done by Boy Scout Troop 252, under Josh's direction.

 
Josh, his dad and his brother took the wood to Mr. Mike's house to cut it. 		     
Mr. Mike was a big help!
On Saturday, May 23, the work at SES began. At 9:00 am, there were approximately 16 people who came to help. They worked hard all day, clearing grass from the pit sites, power washing playground equipment, and putting together the planting stations. The workers were treated to pizza for lunch, then continued to work until about 4:00. The pits were finished, and the planting stations were completed. Also, the old wood playground equipment was sprayed with a new coat of sealant.


 
 
 

Break time???
    
Lunch time!!!
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
    Thanks to everyone who helped make this project a success!

Next up, Mr. Glen Lewis will be going to Aurora to get the fossil-containing dirt from the PCS Phosphate mines. As soon as we get that into the pits, they will be ready for exploration. We are also waiting on delivery of the magnifying boxes, though the posts to mount them on have already been installed. Also, the weather station posts have been sunk, we just have to attach the weathervanes, thermometers, and rain gauges. Everything will be in place to start next year.
      
     Did somebody lose a tooth?

On Wednesday the dirt from Aurora arrived. Brandon and Doc brought their tractor to move the dirt into the fossil pits. Josh, Jon, Justin and Robert were there to help spread it out. Now the fossil pits are ready to be explored! I wonder if the kids will like them???
   
  I think they do!  
     
  Special thanks to Lowe's Toolbox for Education, Lowe's of Morehead City, PCS Phosphate in Aurora, and Boy Scout Troop 252 for making this project possible!  
 
Questions? Comments? Contact Tammy at
tammy.hancock@carteretk12.org