With meticulous precision, fifth graders at Hamilton Elementary/Middle School lay broken pieces of glass and tile on what will eventually become a mosaic tree as part of the school's living classroom.
"We're sing this leftover glass because we want to recycle it and make something beautiful out of it," said student Adaline.
A group called "Arts Every Day" and Point Breeze Credit Unit are helping students create an outdoor classroom. They're combining lessons in the arts and sciences.
"It's just a great way to empower students to be a change agent within their school," Julia Di Bussolo said. "To be advocates for the arts and environmental causes."
What the teachers love most about this project is the students don't often realize what they're doing is educational.
"They're more engaged," Danna Kerns-Sterett said. "They take on different leadership roles we don't always get to see in the classroom. They feel more confident, so it really benefits the kids."
Arts Every Day works with about 30 other city schools to provide them with arts integration programs and keep arts alive in the classroom.
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