Bees play an important role in any garden as they help pollinate plants.
Check out this neat video about the beehive in the White House's garden!
Use this video as a launching point for a discussion on pollination or the role of insects in your garden!
Showing posts with label resource. Show all posts
Showing posts with label resource. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
Two School Garden Grant Opportunities
The gardening season is finally here in Wisconsin. And with that comes the cost of implementing your gardening dreams.
Here are a couple of grant opportunities to help make those dreams reality...
Learn and Serve America Grant (Grant deadline: June 15, 2010)
Wisconsin Department of Instruction (DPI) is offering grants to fund service learning projects for the 2010-2011 school year. As DPI explains, the grant "supports service-learning in K-12 school to support the implementation and institutionalization of service-learning as a key instructional methodology for teaching Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills across the curriculum."
School garden programs offer a perfect service learning opportunity as students plan, organize, and create their garden project. Plus, there are countless curriculum connections possible.
Check out DPI's website for a grant application and additional details. While the application and guidelines are quite lengthy, it is worth checking out!
AMA Healthy Living Grant Program (Grant deadline: July 15, 2010)
The AMA Foundation created this grant to address our nation's major health issues, including obesity, tobacco, and alcohol. "These grants provide critical funding that can jumpstart a project, affect change quickly, increase visibility for a project/organization, encourage collaboration and make a lasting difference in a community."
An estimated 15-25 grants, valued up $5,000 each, will be distributed to nonprofit organizations that address issues of nutrition/physical fitness; alcohol, substance abuse and smoking prevention; and violence prevention.
A school garden program is a natural fit for the Nutrition/Physical Fitness category. Applicants in this category must include at least one nutrition objective and one physical activity objective. School gardens encourage healthy eating by increasing children's knowledge and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Plus, gardening is a great form of physical activity. The learning possibilities and objectives are endless!
For additional information, requirements and an application, click here!
Here are a couple of grant opportunities to help make those dreams reality...
Learn and Serve America Grant (Grant deadline: June 15, 2010)
Wisconsin Department of Instruction (DPI) is offering grants to fund service learning projects for the 2010-2011 school year. As DPI explains, the grant "supports service-learning in K-12 school to support the implementation and institutionalization of service-learning as a key instructional methodology for teaching Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills across the curriculum."
School garden programs offer a perfect service learning opportunity as students plan, organize, and create their garden project. Plus, there are countless curriculum connections possible.
Check out DPI's website for a grant application and additional details. While the application and guidelines are quite lengthy, it is worth checking out!
AMA Healthy Living Grant Program (Grant deadline: July 15, 2010)
The AMA Foundation created this grant to address our nation's major health issues, including obesity, tobacco, and alcohol. "These grants provide critical funding that can jumpstart a project, affect change quickly, increase visibility for a project/organization, encourage collaboration and make a lasting difference in a community."
An estimated 15-25 grants, valued up $5,000 each, will be distributed to nonprofit organizations that address issues of nutrition/physical fitness; alcohol, substance abuse and smoking prevention; and violence prevention.
A school garden program is a natural fit for the Nutrition/Physical Fitness category. Applicants in this category must include at least one nutrition objective and one physical activity objective. School gardens encourage healthy eating by increasing children's knowledge and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Plus, gardening is a great form of physical activity. The learning possibilities and objectives are endless!
For additional information, requirements and an application, click here!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Resource: Great School Garden Lesson Plans
Why reinvent the wheel when other fabulous teachers have created wonderful garden related lesson plans?
I found this fantastic website, which includes lesson plans, broken down by grade levels. And, even better, the lesson plans identify which academic standards they adhere to!
Click here to check it out!
Do you have your own favorite school garden lesson plans or resources? Share your wealth of knowledge in the comment section below!
Happy Gardening and Happy Learning!
I found this fantastic website, which includes lesson plans, broken down by grade levels. And, even better, the lesson plans identify which academic standards they adhere to!
Click here to check it out!
Do you have your own favorite school garden lesson plans or resources? Share your wealth of knowledge in the comment section below!
Happy Gardening and Happy Learning!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Grant: 2010 Subaru Healthy Sprouts Awards
Subaru, in conjunction with The National Gardening Association, is now accepting applications for the 2010 Subaru Healthy Sprouts Awards.
Awards will be given to 30 schools and organizations planning to start a garden in 2011. A minimum of 15 students ages 3-18 must participate in the garden. Applications must demonstrate the "relationship between the garden program and education related to environmental, nutrition and hunger issues in the United States."
As stated on its website, grant recipients will receive,
Applications are due by Oct. 1, 2010.
Apply today to make that school garden dream a reality!
Awards will be given to 30 schools and organizations planning to start a garden in 2011. A minimum of 15 students ages 3-18 must participate in the garden. Applications must demonstrate the "relationship between the garden program and education related to environmental, nutrition and hunger issues in the United States."
As stated on its website, grant recipients will receive,
- "a $500 gift certificate to the Gardening with Kids catalog and online store for basic youth gardening supplies and supporting educational material.
- NGA's Eat a Rainbow Kit, chock full of engaging taste education and nutrition lessons
- a literature package from NGA"
Applications are due by Oct. 1, 2010.
Apply today to make that school garden dream a reality!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Great School Garden Resource
While searching the web for school garden resources, I stumbled upon Florida Bureau of Curriculum and Instruction's website. Not only does Florida's Board of Education support school gardens but they have a fabulous list of resources for educators.
Rather than reinvent the wheel, I encourage you to check out their website for inspiration.
In particular, I loved the page about lesson plans. One of my favorite ideas--the "Mix-A-Salad" Game--was in the "Team Nutrition Fruits and Vegetables Lesson Plans for Preschool Children."
Thanks Florida Board of Education for the great resources and for your support of school gardens!
Rather than reinvent the wheel, I encourage you to check out their website for inspiration.
In particular, I loved the page about lesson plans. One of my favorite ideas--the "Mix-A-Salad" Game--was in the "Team Nutrition Fruits and Vegetables Lesson Plans for Preschool Children."
- Children stand in a circle to form a pretend bowl.
- Each child is given a picture of a fruit or vegetable.
- The leader says "I'm going to make a salad...and in my salad I am going to have _________ (name of a fruit or vegetable) that is _________ (say an action).
- Suggested actions include:
- Twirling
- Jumping
- Running
- Hopping
- Waving
- Flying
- Dancing
- Clapping
- Kicking
- Rolling their arms
- Walking on tip-toes
- Splashing
- After 3-4 fruits and vegetables are called, the leader says "Let's stir up the salad!" Then all those in the center scramble around, and all those forming the bowl make stirring motions until the leader says, "Stop! Let's eat."
- All the children fall down, rub their tummies, and say "Yum, that was a good salad!"
- Play again calling different fruits or vegetables to the salad bowl.
Thanks Florida Board of Education for the great resources and for your support of school gardens!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Field Trips and Local Produce
So you've planted your school garden and you're waiting for your fruits ands veggies to grow...what to do now?
This is the perfect time to take your students on a field trip to a local garden, farm, or nature center. Check out the following websites for field trip ideas near you.
This is the perfect time to take your students on a field trip to a local garden, farm, or nature center. Check out the following websites for field trip ideas near you.
- Wisconsin Garden Websites
- Wisconsin Public Gardens
- Wisconsin Nature Centers and Environmental Education Centers
Friday, April 23, 2010
Grant: NEA's Green Across America
NEA Member Benefits and Target have joined forces to offer $50,000 worth of grants to help K-12 schools go green.
As their website explains, "NEA’s Green Across America grants of up to $1,000 are available to help you implement your innovative education program, activity, lesson or event to excite students about going green, caring for the earth and creating a sustainable future."
This is the perfect opportunity to secure funding for your school garden project! To further help your school become green and sustainable, you can even incorporate a compost pile into your garden.
The formal grant applications will be available May 1st but the NEA Member Benefit's website features a sample worksheet to help you plan your program in the meantime.
So put on those thinking caps and start planning your project today!
As their website explains, "NEA’s Green Across America grants of up to $1,000 are available to help you implement your innovative education program, activity, lesson or event to excite students about going green, caring for the earth and creating a sustainable future."
This is the perfect opportunity to secure funding for your school garden project! To further help your school become green and sustainable, you can even incorporate a compost pile into your garden.
The formal grant applications will be available May 1st but the NEA Member Benefit's website features a sample worksheet to help you plan your program in the meantime.
So put on those thinking caps and start planning your project today!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Fruit and Veggie Alphabet
Do you know your Fruit and Veggie Alphabet? From Apples to Zucchini there is an array of new fruits and vegetables you can introduce to your class.
Whether it's talking about, or even better tasting, fruits and veggies associated with the letter of the day or using your Fruit and Veggie Alphabet to decorate your classroom, the possibilities are endless.
Click here to download the flashcards (shown below) that list just a sampling of the fruits and vegetables for each letter of the alphabet. You can also use the blank version of the cards to have students write in the names of the fruits and veggies.
How do you use your Fruit and Vegetable Alphabet?
Whether it's talking about, or even better tasting, fruits and veggies associated with the letter of the day or using your Fruit and Veggie Alphabet to decorate your classroom, the possibilities are endless.
Click here to download the flashcards (shown below) that list just a sampling of the fruits and vegetables for each letter of the alphabet. You can also use the blank version of the cards to have students write in the names of the fruits and veggies.
How do you use your Fruit and Vegetable Alphabet?
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Awesome School Garden Videos
I found this AWESOME website today that features school garden videos!
In particular, be sure to check out clip on Citysprouts. Using interviews with students, the video shows why school gardens are so important and the impact it has on the students' lives.
And make sure to check out the "Back Pocket" Garden Activities. These short videos show a variety of fun activities to do in the garden. I enjoyed "Bug Races"! It is such a simple activity but just look at how much fun the kids are having!
Click here to check it out!
In particular, be sure to check out clip on Citysprouts. Using interviews with students, the video shows why school gardens are so important and the impact it has on the students' lives.
And make sure to check out the "Back Pocket" Garden Activities. These short videos show a variety of fun activities to do in the garden. I enjoyed "Bug Races"! It is such a simple activity but just look at how much fun the kids are having!
Click here to check it out!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Grant: Yes to Carrots Garden Challenge
Yes To, Inc has just announced its Yes to Carrots Garden Challenge, which will help schools start a new garden or improve an existing school garden
Yes to Carrots "believes in finding fun and interactive ways to teach kids about the importance of healthy eating and connect with Mother Nature. Creating school gardens brings this philosophy to kids in a very direct way--giving them the tools to grow their own delicious food and learn about leading healthier lifestyles!"
The winner of the challenge will receive a Seed Fund Grant for $5,000, one-year gift of gardening supplies from the Kellogg Foundation, and a dedicated message from the "Garden Ambassador" Emmanuelle Chriqui.
To apply, applicants must submit a video or an essay explaining why their school should have a Yes to Carrots Garden. For additional details, click here or here.
Applications must be submitted by May 20th, 2010. The winner will be announced May 26th, 2010.
Good luck!
Yes to Carrots "believes in finding fun and interactive ways to teach kids about the importance of healthy eating and connect with Mother Nature. Creating school gardens brings this philosophy to kids in a very direct way--giving them the tools to grow their own delicious food and learn about leading healthier lifestyles!"
The winner of the challenge will receive a Seed Fund Grant for $5,000, one-year gift of gardening supplies from the Kellogg Foundation, and a dedicated message from the "Garden Ambassador" Emmanuelle Chriqui.
To apply, applicants must submit a video or an essay explaining why their school should have a Yes to Carrots Garden. For additional details, click here or here.
Applications must be submitted by May 20th, 2010. The winner will be announced May 26th, 2010.
Good luck!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Resource: Free Seeds!
Are you looking for ways to save money for your school garden project?
The America the Beautiful Fund offers free seeds to community projects. The application process couldn't be simpler!
Just go to the website and download the application. The application requires you to
Send in an application today to make your garden a reality!
The America the Beautiful Fund offers free seeds to community projects. The application process couldn't be simpler!
Just go to the website and download the application. The application requires you to
- Write a short letter describing your project
- Fill out the application form
- Enclose a check for shipping and handling
- Mail your letter and information to the address listed
Send in an application today to make your garden a reality!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Grant: Healthy Classrooms Foundation
Healthy Classrooms Foundation, an organization with the mission to "make a positive difference in the health of the next generation by promoting and fostering long-lasting projects that increase public health practices in the classroom," has just announced that it will offer grants to Wisconsin schools.
The grants will be awarded to projects that make a long-term impact on "physical health, nutrition, sexual education, global perspectives, minority disparities, environmental responsibility, and mental and emotional health."
This grant is the perfect opportunity to apply for funding for your school garden. Gardens address students' physical health and nutrition while encouraging environmental responsibility. The Got Dirt? program hopes that incorporating gardens into the curriculum will increase children's knowledge and consumption of fruits and vegetables and allow students to develop healthy eating habits at a young age.
Grant applications are due by May 25, 2010. Grant funds will not exceed $2,000.
Visit the Healthy Classroom Foundation website for additional information and an electronic application.
The grants will be awarded to projects that make a long-term impact on "physical health, nutrition, sexual education, global perspectives, minority disparities, environmental responsibility, and mental and emotional health."
This grant is the perfect opportunity to apply for funding for your school garden. Gardens address students' physical health and nutrition while encouraging environmental responsibility. The Got Dirt? program hopes that incorporating gardens into the curriculum will increase children's knowledge and consumption of fruits and vegetables and allow students to develop healthy eating habits at a young age.
Grant applications are due by May 25, 2010. Grant funds will not exceed $2,000.
Visit the Healthy Classroom Foundation website for additional information and an electronic application.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Winter Sowing
Last week at our Got Dirt? training in Green Bay, local teachers and child care providers shared resources and gardening tips.
One particularly intriguing winter gardening method was the idea of winter sowing. Winter sowing involves reusing plastic containers (such as take-out containers or milk jugs) to essentially create mini-greenhouses in the winter. Placing the containers outdoors, the seeds begin to grow naturally, taking hints from Mother Nature. Once spring arrives, the plants are ready to be transplanted into your garden.
Winter sowing offers an alternative to starting plants indoors under grow lights.
It also makes for a great method to try with your students. Just imagine students’ fascination with their mini-greenhouses outside in the snow. Each day they can monitor the progress of their plants during recess or before/after school.
Visit the website http://www.wintersown.org/ for detailed instructions, ideas and inspiration.
If you have used winter sowing in the past or decide to try it with your students, we would love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
One particularly intriguing winter gardening method was the idea of winter sowing. Winter sowing involves reusing plastic containers (such as take-out containers or milk jugs) to essentially create mini-greenhouses in the winter. Placing the containers outdoors, the seeds begin to grow naturally, taking hints from Mother Nature. Once spring arrives, the plants are ready to be transplanted into your garden.
Winter sowing offers an alternative to starting plants indoors under grow lights.
It also makes for a great method to try with your students. Just imagine students’ fascination with their mini-greenhouses outside in the snow. Each day they can monitor the progress of their plants during recess or before/after school.
Visit the website http://www.wintersown.org/ for detailed instructions, ideas and inspiration.
If you have used winter sowing in the past or decide to try it with your students, we would love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Grant:Green Works' Green Heroes Grant Program
Green Works' Green Heroes Grant Program will award grants to individuals, organizations, and schools working to make their community a greener place.
This would be a great opportunity to apply for funding for your school garden.
Applications are available through Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/greenworks) from Jan. 19 through Feb. 18. A $15,000 first place award and $5,000 runner-up award will be awarded to three categories:
Apply for a grant today and make your dream a reality.
Click here for more information.
This would be a great opportunity to apply for funding for your school garden.
Applications are available through Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/greenworks) from Jan. 19 through Feb. 18. A $15,000 first place award and $5,000 runner-up award will be awarded to three categories:
- Youth Leader/Organization
- Adult Leader/Organization
- School Organization
Apply for a grant today and make your dream a reality.
Click here for more information.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Great School Garden Article and Resource List
Civil Eats, an organization that "promotes critical thought about sustainable agriculture and food systems as part of building economically and socially just communities," wrote a fantastic blog post about school gardens.
The blog post features stories of various school gardens throughout the country and an impressive list of additional resources. The resources include nonprofit organizations working to start school gardens, organizations creating curriculum and lesson plans for gardens, and funding opportunities.
The blog post shows the variety of ways to incorporate a garden into the classroom and the array of ways to approach it. Best of all, the blog post is inspirational and shows that it is possible to have a successful school garden.
Click here to check it out!
The blog post features stories of various school gardens throughout the country and an impressive list of additional resources. The resources include nonprofit organizations working to start school gardens, organizations creating curriculum and lesson plans for gardens, and funding opportunities.
The blog post shows the variety of ways to incorporate a garden into the classroom and the array of ways to approach it. Best of all, the blog post is inspirational and shows that it is possible to have a successful school garden.
Click here to check it out!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Gardening and History
A garden provides a wonderful opportunity to discuss American history with your students.
Did you know that Thomas Jefferson grew 250 varieties of more than 70 different species of vegetables? In fact, if you visit the Thomas Jefferson Foundation website, you can purchase some of Jefferson's seeds, for the low, low price of $2.50 per packet. Don't forget to search by the correct gardening zone--zones 3, 4, or 5 for those fellow Wisconsin gardeners out there.
Did you know that Michelle Obama did not start the first garden at the White House? Vegetable gardens at the White House date back to Thomas Jefferson, Quincy Adams, all the way through Abraham Lincoln. Eleanor Roosevelt revived the garden during World War II to show her support for the Civilian Defense Program and to encourage citizens to start their own gardens. (More info here).
Did you know that Native Americans introduced the pilgrims to potatoes, beans, peppers, tomatoes, and squash; while the pilgrims introduced the Native Americans to carrots, wheat, rice, oranges, and wine grapes?
Did you know that Thomas Jefferson grew 250 varieties of more than 70 different species of vegetables? In fact, if you visit the Thomas Jefferson Foundation website, you can purchase some of Jefferson's seeds, for the low, low price of $2.50 per packet. Don't forget to search by the correct gardening zone--zones 3, 4, or 5 for those fellow Wisconsin gardeners out there.
Did you know that Michelle Obama did not start the first garden at the White House? Vegetable gardens at the White House date back to Thomas Jefferson, Quincy Adams, all the way through Abraham Lincoln. Eleanor Roosevelt revived the garden during World War II to show her support for the Civilian Defense Program and to encourage citizens to start their own gardens. (More info here).
Did you know that Native Americans introduced the pilgrims to potatoes, beans, peppers, tomatoes, and squash; while the pilgrims introduced the Native Americans to carrots, wheat, rice, oranges, and wine grapes?
For some more historical connections, go here.
The connections are really endless. Why not focus an entire unit on the historical significance of gardening in the US? You can have students research prominent gardening figures, such as Jefferson, Eleanor Roosevelt, or George Washington Carver, among others. You can discuss how gardening and agricultural practices have changed throughout history, especially in regards to the industrial revolution. Or you can research the history of how certain fruits and vegetables arrived in the United States.
Have you done a history lesson on gardens? I would love to hear what you did and how it worked! Leave your comments below!
Friday, December 4, 2009
"Grab and Go" Gardening Related Worksheets
Looking for some easy "Grab and Go" gardening-related worksheets for your students?
Visit the "Teaching Tools" section of http://www.gotdirtwisconsin.org for some new, quick and easy worksheets, including:
Visit the "Teaching Tools" section of http://www.gotdirtwisconsin.org for some new, quick and easy worksheets, including:
- A-Maze-ing Plant Parts
- Food Find
- Word Scramble
Do you have suggestions for more "Grab and Go" worksheets or activities? What types of worksheets or activities would you like to see? Let us know!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Grant Opportunity: Welch's Harvest Grant
Welch's and Scholastic will award two schools in every state with a customized indoor or outdoor garden package to teach children about nutrition and sustainable agriculture.
The awards are open to K-8 classrooms with a minimum of 15 students. The top five winners will receive a package valued at $1,000, the top 25 winners will receive a package valued at $500, and 70 winners will receive a package valued at $250. According to Welch's website, the award package includes garden tools, seeds and educational materials.
Remember that the White House's garden cost less than $200 to create. So no matter what, if you receive an award, you'll have enough to start a garden!
Applications must be submitted by February 6, 2010. Visit Welch's website for an application and additional information.
The awards are open to K-8 classrooms with a minimum of 15 students. The top five winners will receive a package valued at $1,000, the top 25 winners will receive a package valued at $500, and 70 winners will receive a package valued at $250. According to Welch's website, the award package includes garden tools, seeds and educational materials.
Remember that the White House's garden cost less than $200 to create. So no matter what, if you receive an award, you'll have enough to start a garden!
Applications must be submitted by February 6, 2010. Visit Welch's website for an application and additional information.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Grant: NGA and Home Depot Grant Deadline Approaching
Don't forget that the deadline for the National Garden Association and The Home Depot's 2010 Youth Garden Grants Program is on Monday, November 2.
Visit KidsGardening's website for application details. You have a chance to win $1000 for your youth/school!
Visit KidsGardening's website for application details. You have a chance to win $1000 for your youth/school!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Resource: School Garden Planning Guide
School Garden Wizard is a wonderful website that provides a step-by-step guide to planning a school garden.
There are so many great tips and tidbits on this site that it is hard to do it justice here. The site has everything from the planning process, to incorporating it into the curriculum, and how to maintain your garden and get the community engaged.
Of particular interest to those who are having a hard time getting "buy in" for the school garden, the website offers a guide to making the case for the garden, how gardening relates to National Science Standards, and a worksheet for drafting a proposal!
This website is a definite must read for teachers interested in starting a school garden!
There are so many great tips and tidbits on this site that it is hard to do it justice here. The site has everything from the planning process, to incorporating it into the curriculum, and how to maintain your garden and get the community engaged.
Of particular interest to those who are having a hard time getting "buy in" for the school garden, the website offers a guide to making the case for the garden, how gardening relates to National Science Standards, and a worksheet for drafting a proposal!
This website is a definite must read for teachers interested in starting a school garden!
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