Project Description: This year, 119 first-graders learned about plants as part of
their curriculum. Their project involved growing microgreens in trays
of soil, allowing the students to experience multiple full growing
cycles during the school year. Their community partner, Urban Roots,
helped the teachers and students with the technical aspects of growing
microgreens indoors to make sure the students had a successful
harvest. They also engaged the students in discussions about how
different growing practices have different impacts on water quality,
especially in terms of fertilizer, pesticides, and erosion. This was
tied back to their project to point out that growing food locally
means a lower impact on the environment. They also learned how the
microgreens are a very valuable crop and can provide supplemental
income to community members. The produce harvested from the gardening
was used for the benefits and enjoyment of the students. They shared
their findings with local families during an evening event at the school.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship: Thanks to this project, students now understand the life/growth
cycle of the plants and the importance of growing plants as a source
of food. First graders have also learned the impact of saving water on
watersheds. They can now share the importance of saving water and
gardening with the school community.
Partners: Urban Roots
Teachers: 5
Students: 119
Funder: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the University of Wisconsin-Madison
Project Description: This year's project consisted mainly of creating and tending to
alternative gardening. Teachers and students explored how capillary
action works as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional
gardening. The produce gained from the gardening was used in the
school cafeteria for the benefit and enjoyment of the students.
Afterwards the students, teachers and partners could planned and
organized an orientation for the school community.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship: Students have learned alternate ways to save water through gardening.
Partners: Urban Roots
Teachers: 4
Students: 127
Funder: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the University of Wisconsin-Madison
Project Description: Southwest Community Campus is an urban school that serves
approximately 800 students. Among these students we have 102 first
graders who, as part of their curriculum, learn about plants. This
project consisted mainly of creating and tending to alternative
gardening. We wanted to explore how capillary action works as an
environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gardening. The
produce gained from the gardening was used in the school cafeteria for
the benefit and enjoyment of the students. The produce was used for
the benefits and enjoyment of the students. They shared their findings
with their families. Afterwards the students, teachers, and partners
planned and organized an orientation for the school community.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship: Students will now:
Understand the life/growth cycle of the plants.
Understand the importance of growing plants as a source of food.
Learn alternate ways to save water through gardening.
Learn the impact of saving water and the impact it has on the watersheds.
Explain and share importance of saving water and gardening with
the school community.
