Vision

In our Growing Healthy project, students were excited to learn more about the food they eat and participated in various activities related to sustainable vegetable gardening. They took on leadership roles and worked together to investigate and learn about different vegetables. Students conducted research on vegetables that grow well together, explored their preferences, and satisfied their curiosity about gardening. We researched vertical farming, and students had the opportunity to apply their coding skills to create irrigation systems and bee counters to see how many bees the bee houses they made would attract.

Action

Throughout the project, students were responsible for designing and caring for the vegetable garden. They planted seeds, tended to the plants, and ensured their growth through sustainable gardening practices such as composting, using compost they produced, and reducing waste. We used food scraps from our lunches, snacks, and the yard waste from our plants to create compost that we then used when transplanting plants to grow bags. Students also integrated their learning with various subjects from the Ontario curriculum, including science (energy, food literacy, vertical farming, etc.), math (e.g., coding, real-life applications, area, perimeter, measurement, etc.), geography (suitable plants to grow in our region), health and physical education (share/create recipes), and social studies (three sisters).

As part of the project, students understood the environmental impact of their consumption choices and the importance of eating locally sourced and seasonally grown vegetables. They explored the role of sustainable agriculture in mitigating climate change and learned about the carbon cycle and the benefits of plants, vertical farming, and the importance of bees in producing food.

Furthermore, students embraced their roles as leaders and mentors. Junior students took on the responsibility of guiding their younger innovation buddies in planting, caring for, and soon harvesting the vegetables and using family recipes to enjoy their crops. By sharing their knowledge and experiences, students aimed to inspire others to make sustainable food choices and support local agriculture.

In early June, students will have the opportunity to virtually meet with local farmers, producers, and businesses to learn the value that local food brings to our community. Students will have the opportunity to go on virtual adventures and meet agriculture and food experts through Virtual Food and Farm Field Trips.

Our Scheduled Virtual Field Trips: Ontario Dairy Research Centre, Berry Farm, Asparagus Farm, Fish Farm, Honeybees at the Apiary, and an Egg Farm.

Overall, students enjoyed actively engaging in the Growing Healthy project, taking ownership of their learning, and contributing to sustainable, climate-friendly practices. They developed leadership skills, gained knowledge in sustainable gardening, and fostered a sense of environmental stewardship among their peers and the wider community. They can’t wait to taste all of their hard work and share their learning with their families.

Reflection & Celebration

The Growing Healthy project has provided students with a valuable opportunity to explore the world of food, sustainability, and gardening. Through their involvement in various activities, the students have likely gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the food they eat and the importance of sustainable practices.

One key reflection is the students’ personal growth throughout the project. They were able to take on leadership roles and work collaboratively, which helped them develop important skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Encouraging students to explore their preferences and curiosity about gardening also fostered their sense of independence and self-discovery.

Another reflection made was the students’ understanding of sustainability and environmental responsibility. By researching companion planting, vertical farming, and incorporating coding skills into the project, the students were exposed to innovative and sustainable practices. Reflecting on these experiences can help them connect the dots between their actions and the larger environmental impact.

Celebrations:
There are several achievements and milestones to celebrate in the Growing Healthy project. Here are a few examples:
– Student engagement: We celebrated the enthusiasm and active participation of students throughout the project. Their excitement and willingness to learn about sustainable gardening and explore different vegetables demonstrate their genuine interest and investment in our project.
– Leadership and teamwork: We recognized students’ ability to take on leadership roles and work collaboratively. Highlighting their achievements in conducting research, organizing activities, and supporting one another in their learning journey.
– Innovative solutions: Celebrate the students’ creativity and problem-solving skills demonstrated through the development of irrigation systems and bee counters. These technological solutions showcase their ability to apply coding skills to real-life scenarios and address challenges in sustainable agriculture.
– Awareness and learning: We celebrated the growth in the student’s knowledge and understanding of food, nutrition, and sustainable practices. Acknowledged their achievements in researching vegetables, learning about companion planting, and exploring vertical farming. This highlights their commitment to expanding their knowledge and making informed choices.
– Environmental impact: We will celebrate the positive impact of our project on the local environment. Recognize the importance of the bee houses in attracting pollinators and contributing to the health of the ecosystem. Emphasize the significance of sustainable gardening practices in promoting biodiversity and reducing our carbon footprint.

Overall, our celebrations focus on the student’s personal and collective achievements, their newfound knowledge and skills, and the positive impact they have made through their involvement in the Growing Healthy project. This recognition will motivate and inspire them to continue their journey toward a sustainable and healthy future! Many have already started a vegetable garden at home with their families and look forward to participating in our Planting Club again next year.

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