Connecting curricular outcomes with a plan to build a school garden

Without doing much research on the topic, one could list the positive benefits of a sustainable outdoor garden for a school at any grade level. We know that kids need to get outside more often for both physical and mental well being. We know that hands-on learning is a way to connect kids with the concepts taught in class. We know that many kids, particularly those in an urban setting can be far removed from any real understanding of where their food comes from and how it gets to the table.

Below is a CBC article form May 2013 discussing the benefits of a school garden that go beyond just connecting kids with the curriculum in a more interesting way.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/school-gardens-plant-seeds-for-healthy-eating-1.1360039

For my genius hour project, I wanted to document both the process of starting a sustainable garden at our school as well as research how one might connect curricular outcomes in a variety of subjects with the need for an outdoor garden.  

This entire process began late last year when some of my colleagues and I tried to run an outdoor club. It never really got off the ground but we were feeling the need to incorporate things we were passionate about into our school setting and to look at more sustainable practices for the school. Following a recent waste audit run by the Green Action Centre at our school, my colleague sent me a brochure for grants available to schools interested in starting a garden. I was interested in the idea of an outdoor classroom, but a garden seemed like an idea that would be easier to implement and might eventually lead to an area outside that could be a community space for growing and gathering. The grant was through Nutrients for Life. Green Manitoba is an agency of the Manitoba Government and their website can connect schools interested in promoting sustainable practices with a variety of resources. We found the Nutrients for Life grant application on the site and discovered that their teacher resource material was created to “help students better understand the challenges of feeding a growing world by providing valuable opportunities for students to experience the science behind food production.” They have curriculum guides offered in both French and English.

https://www.nutrientsforlife.ca/learning-materials/

http://greenmanitoba.ca/splash/

In addition to applying for a five-hundred-dollar grant through Nutrients for Life, our School Division also offers grants to teachers for innovative projects. We will be submitting our grant proposal to the division in the hopes of accessing some additional money which might help to determine the size of the garden we put in. Initially our plan was to build some raised garden beds which would be used by many of the students in both the regular academic and vocational programs. With additional funding, we could eventually look at building a small greenhouse or a rooftop garden which was even suggested by one of our more hesitant administrators. If we are unable to access funding, my colleague has some old garden beds that can be taken apart out on her rural property and brought in and re-constructed at our school. Recycling the used material may be our best plan and save us some money on building supplies. We might also be able to access a soil donation cutting our costs once again. We have a few possible locations but due to some crazy weather as usual in the province of Manitoba we have not yet been able to scope out the best possible spot for sun, shade and growth.

I have also been in contact with the Kindergarten teacher at our elementary family of schools. I heard that she had been talking about making a Kinder-garden and asked if we might be able to collaborate. She is an incredibly passionate teacher and loved the idea of our students mentoring one another as the project gets going. We got around to discussing the Green Bronx Machine and how inspiring it was to see what Stephen Ritz could accomplish in his community despite all the challenges he faced. We have shared some moments of the dream that could be.

Below is a PDF of the document I put together connecting Manitoba Curriculum with an outdoor garden in a variety of subject areas:

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A garden is good and a garden that brings together a school community and encourages learning outside, hands-on with peers is great! It might also offer some educational connections with subjects taught in school if you need some additional convincing. Happy gardening!  

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