|
|
|
-
All of the schools have vegetable gardens that are
used as teaching tools and grow produce that is served in the cafeterias.
Most of the schools also have small orchards with apple, pear and peach
trees so the kids can experience less than perfect, but very tasty fruit.
-
Where possible, each school has a woods/trail learning
feature that allows the children to become familiar with the creatures
in their own backyard. They learn about the habitat needs of other
creatures and the impact of shrinking habitats from first hand observation.
-
We have a covered outdoor kitchen and learning center
on the primary/elementary school campus where individual classes can prepare
food. This will allow us to complete the circle of planting, harvesting,
preparing and eating food. By exposing students to fresh produce
and teaching them how to prepare it with simple tasty recipes, we can encourage
good nutrition and healthy eating habits.
-
From September to Thanksgiving much of the produce
served in the cafeterias is grown and harvested by the students.
-
There are solar greenhouses on the middle/intermediate
and high school campuses that serve as teaching tools for the schools and
supply seedlings for all of the gardens.
-
A calendar filled with lesson plans appropriate for
each grade level that take the students on an outdoor adventure that begins
in kindergarten and continues through the 12th grade. This calendar includes
a plan of operations that address the needs of the gardens that also supports
the curriculum and meets state standards.
-
In addition to a learning place for our students,
the grounds are training sites for teachers from schools seeking to establish
outdoor classrooms on their school grounds. We collaborate with local universities,
garden clubs and plant societies to develop a strong horticultural presence
on the grounds, offer training and support to area teachers and offer our
students the opportunity to participate in real life research projects.
-
There is a School Garden Network to support area
garden programs, including ours. It serves as a clearinghouse for information
and a conduit for program related supplies.
|
