Our Proects
A variety of enjoyable garden activities can captivate our children, stimulating their learning while nurturing their curiosity and creativity.
Evoke Emotion
Naming plants
Naming plants helps learners form an emotional bond with them. As they sow seeds in self-watering pots, they assign names like "Bob," "Sunshine," "Soiler," and "Mr. Bones" to their plants. Adding a personal touch, they paint rocks to make signs for their plants, which deepens their attachment. Learners often visit the garden to monitor their plants' growth. Sometimes, their attachment grows so strong that they hesitate to harvest the plants for consumption.
Educational & convenient
Self-water pots
We create self-watering pots by using plastic water bottles and yarns to grow seedlings. A water bottle is cut in half to make a top part filled with soil and the bottom water reservoir. A yarn is placed to absorb water from the bottom to the top. This system ensures plants get water as they needed, promoting healthier growth. Whenever the water level goes down, we add water to the bottom part of the pot. These pots require low maintenance and have a high success rate.
Growing experience
Microgreens
In the classroom, daily watering is crucial for the growth of microgreens. Some varieties are ready for harvest in as little as 10 days, allowing children to quickly learn plant care. Students can watch their plants sprout and grow each day, providing a delightful and engaging experience. Tasting the microgreens at harvest time offers a satisfying end to the project.
Eye-opening
Nature walk at school
Delving into the nature that surrounds us reveals a world that frequently goes unnoticed. At school, there is an abundance of flowers, plants, and insects that merit attention. Observing the seasonal transformations is enjoyable for both children and adults.
Exciting
Tasting & cooking
Sampling our harvest is a key component of our garden education program. Learners have the opportunity to taste our produce weekly in the cafeteria and occasionally during their STEAM and regular classes. We provide an assortment of dishes, including salads, smoothies, ice cream, guacamole, and more.
Learning about sustainability
Monarch Butterfly conservation
Creating a garden with milkweed and nectar plants not only supports Monarch butterflies but also aids other pollinators. It serves as a wonderful lesson in sustainability. In 2022, Our third grade classes built a garden for Monarch butterflies at our school, planting native plants with the assistance of the Bring Back the Monarchs to Texas grant from the Native Plant Society of Texas. Furthermore, we organized a contest to design the garden's sign.
School pet & great soil amendment
Worm Composting
Working with worms may seem uncomfortable to some learners and educators, yet these small organisms offer immense benefits to our gardens. They aid in plant growth and serve as an excellent tool for involving students in STEAM projects. Mrs. Shaner, our STEAM teacher, has developed online resources to educate students about worms during their wait to interact with them in small groups. This exciting indoor garden activity promises to deliver both enjoyment and education to students across various age groups.
Learner-led & community learning
RJL Fixing club
Our club aims to reduce waste by fixing broken garden nozzles. It is led by learners and exists to support our community. Mr. Miles, a horticulturist and a friend of Ms. Lamb, repaired our broken nozzle and offered to teach us how to fix it. Our 5th grade volunteers are collecting broken nozzles for repair practice. They have designed flyers and made announcements on the school broadcast to encourage people to bring in their broken nozzles. This group of learners is full of innovative ideas.
Multidisciplinary learning
Farmers Marcket & fundraisers
Hosting a Farmers Market offers students an interdisciplinary educational experience encompassing various subjects like art, math, science, and business. Learners have the opportunity to design banners, flyers, and signs, sort items, determine pricing, and engage with customers. In the past, Practical Academic learners have successfully managed a U-Pick farmers market in the garden with teacher support. Additionally, the Farmers Market acts as a fundraiser for our school's garden program.
