It’s called a, “Learning Garden.” There are five raised boxes with plants from strawberries to lettuce and more. Teachers hope to integrate garden lessons into classroom learning like nutrition, science, and math. “There’s just a great depth in how we can tie this to both our science and science standards as well as student interest and engagement,” said University Avenue Elementary Teacher Kate Watson. Teachers say when students are engaged with a project, they don’t want to miss a day, and this garden can be customized in the future to meet students’ interests. “This is kind of a practice run,” said Watson. “As we go forward, things will evolve and change. So if we have students that are finding their voices and they are really excited about pollination and saving bees and that process, we will be able to engage them through the garden process. They could design what the garden looks like.” A group called the Captain Planet Foundation, Dole Packaged Foods and Cub Foods partnered with the school to provide gardening beds, a mobile cooking cart and the plants. Labor was happily supplied by students. “We are learning how to work together and how to garden but I have no clue how to garden,” said Oliver Fournier, a third grade student. “I know you put seeds in and water and then, bam!” With a little patience and care, they hope these plants will help kids develop a taste for eating fruits and vegetables they grew themselves. The package comes with a cooking cart, pots and pans, and a blender to turn vegetables into snacks. “We have some things that maybe the kids will get a little nibble on before the school year is out,” said Watson. It’s a chance for kids to expand their palates and learn that food doesn’t magically appear in the store. “With the Project Learning Garden they really learn were the food comes from, how it grows, and then nurture it and harvest it and actually taste the food,” said Marty Ordman of Dole Packaged Foods. “So hopefully they’ll experience it, and like it and put them on a path to healthy eating for the rest of their lives. Children attending summer day care at the school and other students who live within walking distance plan to care for the gardens through the summer.
UNIVERSITY AVENUE STUDENTS SET UP “LEARNING GARDENS”
BLAINE – (May 26, 2022) – Elementary students in Blaine are getting a hands-on lesson about where their food comes from. Students at University Elementary planted their own garden with the idea of reaping a harvest and knowledge.
