Vision

Our vision was for students to develop an understanding of sustainable agricultural practices by having students plant, maintain, and harvest a small crop of oats, barley, hemp and wheat.

Action

Students planted, maintained (watered, fertilized, and weeded), and harvested the crops from spring to fall. Students were asked to collect data on the growth of each crop and each crop’s unique maintenance requirements. Students researched each crop, its growth development and how it is used in our society and other societies around the world.

Reflection & Celebration

Students were able to identify and discuss how different crops need specific maintenance and conditions to grow successfully. Students used critical thinking skills to problem solve ways to improve the growth of each crop this year. The students celebrated this project by harvesting each of the crops and by reflecting on what they learned about sustainable agricultural practices. This coming spring, we plan to continue this project and change some of our strategies to further promote environmental sustainability, such as using animal manure as fertilizer and using rain water from barrels to water the crops.