NEW BERLIN, Wis. (SPECTRUM NEWS) — The great outdoors is a place Johnathan Hansen likes to be. He recently graduated from New Berlin Eisenhower High School and is one small step away from becoming an Eagle Scout. He decided to make his final project to reach this high rank an outdoor classroom.

This idea came about when his science teacher, Mrs. Emily Dethloff said how nice it would be to have a classroom outside.

“She taught a subject I really enjoyed; she was a great teacher She is very kind...She taught me so much so I wanted to give back to her,” Hansen says.

Hearing that was a touching moment for a teacher with such passion for science and nature.

“It gives me goosebumps when I hear him say that, and I will be forever grateful,” New Berlin Eisenhower Science Teacher, Dethloff says.

Dethloff says the subjects she teaches allow her students to get outside and learn. Having this outdoor option will further the work she is doing with students for years to come.

“We are right on-site; we are able to perform research and bring them back and analyze them right here rather than having to go all the way to the classroom,” Dethlorff says.

This project had to be done without the help of his troop, due to COVID. Johnathan had to rely on his family to help him put together this outdoor space. Little did he know, this outdoor classroom would get more use than he thought… since it's perfect for social distancing.

“I think it will get a lot of use, not just by science teachers, but I think I am going to have to get some sort of a sign-up system. Because with COVID we can teach outside and space kids out more effectively,” Dethloff says.

Hansen ensured that this project would serve his school for a long time, well beyond the pandemic. 

“When we were constructing the whiteboard we used green tree wood so that it would last approximately 30-40 years,” Hansen says.

So although he won’t continue his education at the tables he built, he knows they will go to good use for decades, and help a teacher who he looks up to continue to inspire students just like him.