Vision

Grade 2 students from St. Paul Catholic Elementary School, Norwood worked with their teacher and Indigenous Education members from the board office to design and construct a medicine/pollinator garden using Indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants native to the local area. St. Paul had two pre-existing raised garden beds in their outdoor classroom that were not being used. Students in Ms. Fitze’s Grade 2 class were eager to get plants into these beds.

Action

They practiced growing their own vegetable seedlings indoors to support learning about plant life cycles and what plants need to survive. The Grade 2s quickly realized how fragile seedlings are and the level of care that needs to be taken when potting or moving plants.

With guidance, students analyzed pre-existing site conditions of their school’s outdoor classroom. This involved measuring the raised garden beds, observing light exposure and drainage conditions, collecting soil samples to be analyzed by Holy Cross Environmental Science students, and having help from an Indigenous Knowledge holder to identify plant species already living in the green space.

Students practiced identifying characteristics of a variety of Ontario native plants (e.g. shape, colour, number of flowers, leaves, berries, etc.). They wrote descriptive sentences about these plants with their Grade 5/6 reading buddies, before learning the plant names and historical medicinal properties.

Throughout this deep learning experience, the Grade 2s spent time reading about bees and other pollinators. This supported some students in having a more positive view and appreciation for bees. The class collectively became invested in doing their job to help pollinators. They researched plants that support bees and butterflies.

Students then searched for native plants on the Ecology Park (GreenUp) website. They developed a list of available plant varieties and calculated the total cost of plants they wished to purchase for the school gardens.

After receiving results from the Holy Cross soil lab, students needed to add nutrients to the pre-existing soil in the raised beds to improve its quality. They added new top soil, coffee grounds, and compost to the beds.

Students helped dig holes and position plants into the beds, before adding a top layer of mulch.

Reflection & Celebration

In June, the Grade 2s will be designing a bulletin board to share their learning with the rest of the school. They will of course also be maintaining the garden and ensuring the plants are cared for!

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