Betsy Anderton and Priscilla Dabney

Anderton’s and Dabney’s innovative teaching idea, “Biophilic Classroom Design,” was created to help alleviate the mental stress and strain the pandemic has had on students and teachers. The goal of the project is to improve student and staff mental well-being through biophilic design: incorporating characteristics of nature into the physical learning environment. Through the project, an inspirational classroom will be designed to illustrate ways educators can infuse their learning spaces with nature and reap the benefits of biophilic design. Indoor plants will be grown in two greenhouses and fields, then delivered to other teachers’ classrooms and hallways throughout the school. According to the teachers, the project is also intended to engage students in further studying and discussing biophilic design, gaining a better understanding of how nature impacts human wellness.