Kindergarteners completed their plant models to reflect their interpretation of the six plant parts we’ve been learning about. This was a free interpretation, so it was fun to see their creativity. At the primary/K level, plants are represented abstractly, but somewhat uniformly in storybooks, etc… In reality, plants are SO varied in their expressions of their parts, so it’s actually instructive, in this botanist’s view, to widen the view of what roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds can look like rather than narrow to one simple model.
First years explored soil properties, as we prepared to pot up aloe plants for the Farmer’s market. We packed clay soil, sand, perlite, and potting soil into separate pots and poured water through them to compare what happened, noticing how the clay wouldn’t let the water through, while sand barely slowed it down. Then we learned the formula for our DGS potting mix and how each component acts to either hold water, hold air, or add nutrients. Almost everyone loved getting to feel the soft, uniform texture of worm castings as we sprinkled that nutrient-packed ingredient into our mix.
Second and third years got to work lettering and decorating the “why compost?” poster (concept and info designed by an UE student) that would be front and center at our Christmas in Davidson booth. Along with the ever-popular reindeer food distribution, we helped to promote the Town of Davidson’s pilot composting program. If you’re not home composting yet, check out the program and sign up! This is a wonderful, free opportunity to keep waste out of the landfill, recycle valuable nutrients into soil amendments, and build momentum for a more sustainable community. https://www.townofdavidson.org/1476/Davidson-Composts
Upper El fired up their observation and critical thinking skills to begin a “sustainability audit” of DGS. Putting to use what they learned about the circular economy at the Innovation Barn, the importance of biodiversity and cycling of nutrients (and the power of intention) from the Biggest Little Farm documentary, as well as their accumulated experiences, they began looking for ways that DGS is doing a good job with zero-waste and sustainability goals and also ways we could do better. I can’t wait to see how their investigation deepens.
Middle School had their opportunity to see the Biggest Little Farm this week, as we got some extra time for sustainability. We stopped several times during the film for some quick discussion, and we will follow up next week with reflections.
Our last Farmer’s Market of this calendar year will be this Saturday, December 10th. This will be a fun market to visit, as it is holiday-themed! Our balms, candles, and aloe plants make great gifts. Let’s make it a sell-out!
A big giving of thanks to the families that cared for our animals over the Thanksgiving break! We couldn't do this without you💕🐇
There are spots open in late December and early January for some new care givers. 👩🌾
💚 Ms. Paula