Yurt Classroom
—By Marisa Witte
In the wooded area near the east side of the PEIF is an unexpected sight: a yurt. With the help of construction management students who built the platform base that it stands on, School of Health and Human Performance (SHHP) faculty and other NMU staff assembled the circular tent structure in just three days.
The initial idea for the yurt came about from a group of NMU seniors who proposed the idea of an outdoor learning space in which students could have easier access to hands-on education outdoors.
“The yurt allows us to be in a setting that's more realistic to what our work environments will be—whether we're working at nature centers, camps or we're guides,” said SHHP Professor Jacquie Medina ‘87 BS.
While it has many similar aspects to a regular classroom, including a projector screen, whiteboard, tables and chairs, “the yurt has a natural feel,” Medina added. “Even though it's contained, there are windows, and the feel of the surrounding woods and hearing the sounds of the natural environment really allow for more of a relaxed setting. It's really conducive to learning and getting people more engaged and involved.”
A variety of NMU courses take place in the yurt, such as outdoor living skills, wilderness first responder and outdoor leadership. Every April, students in Northern’s administration of outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism master’s program use the space to present their senior seminar research.
NMU students also use the yurt to give back to the community, where they teach nature and environmental curricula to local schoolchildren and organizations. In addition, clubs and local organizations are able to rent out the yurt, making it accessible for everyone to experience the unique environment it provides.