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​Farming Long Ago

2/27/2017

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Long Beach second graders are working in the garden to prepare a farm-to-table feast.  Today we tended our new seedlings and reflected on how much farming in America has changed over time.  Students pondered questions like:
  • What changes has technology brought to farming? 
  • How did early settlers spend their days? 
  • What role did children play in food production and other important chores? 
  • What was it like to build a new life from scratch, without the help of Home Depot?
After experimenting with many vintage farm tools, we made butter together and had a tasty homemade snack.  We all agreed food tastes better when you make it together.
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​Making Apothecary Kits

2/27/2017

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In colonial America, life expectancy was a modest 35 years.  Dooryard herb gardens were the first line of defense when settlers got sick or wounded.  If you were lucky, your town had an Apothecary who dispensed herbal remedies and performed services like leech therapy and bloodletting. 

​This week we worked with fifth graders to harvest their colonial herbs for homemade Apothecary kits.  Students studied the medicinal uses of each herb and selected the ones that most interested them:
  • Lavender for reducing worry
  • Sage for sore throats and snake bites
  • Bee Balm for mosquito repellant
  • Lamb’s Ear for bandages and wound care
  • Calendula for digestive problems
  • Thyme for curing laziness
  • Coriander for soothing the effects of Smallpox
The kits were thoughtful and beautiful and led to many interesting discussions about the science of plants.
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​It Takes a Village

2/17/2017

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Today we partnered with science students from CSULB to install a native plant habitat in front of Lowell Elementary School.  Using truly local species from our coastal chaparral, we planted a variety of shrubs, trees, and other perennials that should be well adapted to our local climate and weather patterns.  After a few growing seasons, these plants will support local pollinators and other animals as food, shelter, and breeding grounds.  Thank you Professor Paul Laris for showing your students how restoration happens.
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​Let Them Eat Chocolate

2/17/2017

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For Valentines Day we made chocolate with a group of local fourth graders.  This tasty lesson highlights the importance and function of the rainforest ecosystem.  Cacao trees (Theobroma cacao) grow in the forest understory and can be cultivated without clear cutting or habitat destruction.  And since the world consumes two billion pounds of chocolate each year, there is an ample market for sustainably cultivated cacao beans.  Students were fascinated by the unique look and growing habits of the cacao tree and enjoyed a classic delicacy – chocolate dipped strawberries. 
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​Lavender Learnings

2/17/2017

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Our fifth grade colonial farmers smelled fresh and looked relaxed this week as we worked with lavender in the garden.  During colonial times, lavender was used to freshen the home and body, since bathing was a luxury, and to release tension after a long day’s work.  Our young colonists got to eat lavender muffins, harvest and bundle lavender for drying, and sew their own dried lavender sachets.  As we continue to work with our dooryard herbs, students gain a first-hand appreciation for the important medicinal and culinary uses of plants.

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​Restaurant Role Play

2/17/2017

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Our third grade curriculum includes a four-part Economics and Community arc, designed to complement the Social Studies standards.  Our goal is to plant and harvest a farm full of cool season vegetables, culminating in a student-run produce sale with all profits donated to charity.  Along the way, we explore the concept of price, profits, and advertising and think together about how businesses can be good community citizens.  While we wait for our veggies to grow, we practiced our role as small business owners by operating a smoothie shop.  This week third graders tried their hand at managing employees, prepping and blending food, bussing tables and washing dishes.  It was a fun and delicious way to learn that being a business owner is a complex job.
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​Germination 101

2/17/2017

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A seed is sleepy, patiently waiting for a kindergartner to tuck it into the soil, so it can take its one shot at fulfilling its destiny.  This month 90 students at Lowell Elementary learned the concepts of germination through story, improvisation, and journaling.  This multi-disciplinary approach helped solidify the sequence of steps it takes for a seed to become a sprout.  Next month, we will plant a full range of seeds in our kindergarten beds and witness the process first-hand as we grow the ingredients for our salad people party.  We can’t wait!

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​Ground Ed Welcomes Westerly School

2/17/2017

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This week we launched a new partnership with Westerly School, a progressive k-8 private school in Long Beach, CA.  We are bringing our award-winning curriculum to their newly constructed learning garden space, complete with a greenhouse and composting infrastructure.  On our first day, we worked with students to propagate seeds in hand rolled newspaper pots in preparation for our Winter vegetable giving garden.  We look forward to many seasons of growing together…thank you and welcome Westerly!

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Ground Education is a 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation

  • Home
  • Why Garden?
  • Our Program
    • School Garden Lessons
    • Sustainability Education
    • College Internships
  • For Our LBUSD Partners
  • Learn More
    • About Us
    • Fast Facts
    • Our Newsletter
    • Resources
  • Blog
  • Donate