Seating & table suggestions for a new outdoor classroom

[Pam Hosimer]

Hello,

I just found out I can finally buy seating and tables for my outdoor classroom! 

I will need seating for up to forty students and 1 - 3 tables. The students will primarily be Pre-K to 5th grades, but I also will have older students and adult classes. I have a shed that all the items can be stored in when not in use. It would be helpful if the seating and tables folded for storage. The outdoor classroom is in a large public garden and the ground the seating will be on is uneven, mainly soil covered with wood chips.

Please let me know if you have any seating and tables that have worked for you in a setting like this, or that you have seen in other programs.

Thank you so much for any suggestions or advice you may have.

Happy Holidays,
Pam Hosimer
Nutrition Educator
University of Maryland Extension, SNAP-Ed Program

[Heidi Auel]

  We purchased convertible benches for our garden space this past year. They are great but as far as storage, probably too large to fit in a shed. I liked them for the ability to turn into a table as well as seating for programs.

https://convertabench.com/products/convert-a-bench

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Heidi Auel

Discovery Woods School

Brainerd, MN

[Elaine Makarevich]

We have the same benches in our garden - they are wonderful!  Easy for children to help move around our outdoor garden space and the perfect size for our PreK-Grade 6 school.  They would definitely be bulky to store but are of high quality and are not cost prohibitive.

Elaine

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Elaine Makarevich

Makerspace Program Instructor

Gifted Education Services Coordinator/Instructor

Schoolyard Garden & Greenhouse Coordinator

Stillwater Township Elementary School

elaine.m...@stillwaterschool.net

973-383-6171

[Jennie Goossen]

We use a similar convertible bench (https://www.lifetime.com/lifetime-60054-wood-grain-patio-convertible-table-or-bench). Again, you might have an issue with storage, but they are lightweight (kids can easily move them) and dry very quickly.

Jennie

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Jennie Goossen (she / her / hers)

Elementary Science Specialist / Coach

Westwood Public Schools

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[Shital Parikh]

Thanks for this thread. 

I’m working on a low budget/ no budget so looking into these diy options. The table I plan to make 3 ft wide with a plank. 

Shital

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Shital Parikh

Master Gardener, School Garden Consultant

"To plant a garden, is to believe in tomorrow" Audrey Hepburn

[Ben]

shital,

about cinder block furniture just one word of caution, use some kind of "construction adhesive"

https://www.homedepot.com/b/Paint-Paint-Supplies-Adhesives-Construction-Adhesive/N-5yc1vZci1o

"construction adhesive" is important because if a kid stands up on a bench made out of unbonded cinder blocks and unbonded wood (like the 4x4 in the photo you included), then jumps off the unbonded cinder block furniture, it will kick out from under them because the platform isn't solid

if you thinking about some kind of DIY project, might I suggest putting something together w/ construction straps (which makes things pretty easy AND strong

https://www.strongtie.com/homeowners/projects

...here is the link to build a picnic bench using "simpson strong ties"

https://ssttoolbox.widen.net/view/pdf/g8wz85mhdr/DIY-PPPICNTBL22.pdf

A study in San Diego asked if people could identify the scientific reason why climate change is happening

The findings sadly no one could correctly answer the question

www.ThereIsNoPlanet-b.org

Make science in America great again

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[Shital Parikh]

Thanks so much. I was planning to use adhesive. I’ll look into the other projects you sent 

[Pam Hosimer]

Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions and ideas! I will have a lot of information to present to the board for a final decision.

Happy New Year!
Pam