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4-H Project Green Teacher

School Gardening Newsletter--Fall 2017

4-H ProjectGreen TeacherSchool Gardening Newsletter--Fall 2017
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Pollinator Fact Sheets Available

Is it a bee or not a bee? Learn about bees and other pollinators in this series of Ohio State University Extension fact sheets. For instance, did you know that bees are vegetarians and only eat pollen and nectar from flowers? Also, a 2012 study at Cornell University estimates that bees and other insect pollinators contribute $29 billion annually to U.S. farm income by pollinating 58 crops, including almonds, apples, berries and squash. Pollinators play an essential role in the production of many foods in the home garden, as well. Learn more at:

http://u.osu.edu/beelab/osu-factsheets-and-bulletins/
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Checklist for Starting a School Garden

There's more to starting a school garden then just putting a seed into the ground, and there is often a steep learning curve for those who are trying to start a school garden for the first time. Even learning to garden might be a challenge! Some items to consider include engaging stakeholders, budgeting, fundraising, design and construction, curriculum connections, safety measures, volunteer management and more, which can be found on this checklist from Franklin County OSU Extension:

http://go.osu.edu/StartingASchoolGardenChecklist
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Heritage Gardening: The Three Sisters

The legend and lore of Three Sisters gardening, the Native American tradition of planting corn, beans, and squash together in a symbiotic relationship, is explored by Cornell University personnel in a website that focuses on the history of the practice, planting techniques, lesson plans and more. Although not a best practice for today's gardeners, it is a fun way to bring history to life for your students, especially during the harvest season. Learn more at:

http://gardening.cals.cornell.edu/lessons/curricula/the-three-sisters-exploring-an-iroquois-garden/a-legend/

Teacher Feature: Jeff Bracken, Westerville Schools

Each season a different school gardener in Ohio will be featured in the newsletter. This season's featured teacher is Jeff Bracken who answered the following questions:

Name: Jeff Bracken


School: Westerville North High School; Westerville, Ohio


Educational Position: Chemistry Teacher


How long have you been engaged in school gardening? Since 2011


How did you get started? In 2007, we started growing a variety of plants indoors under hydroponic conditions. Our initial success in hydroponics had me looking for additional opportunities to explore. When I came across one of Eliot Coleman’s books about the use of low tunnels for extending the growing season, I was hooked.


What was the most memorable moment you had teaching your students in the garden? The days in the middle of winter when we go outside to harvest our carrots. Watching high school students get excited about tasting carrots is truly an amazing experience. It’s amazing to be tasting locally grown carrots in January.


Why is school gardening an important educational tool for teachers? In addition to the scientific concepts, successful school gardens require sustained effort from students and teachers. In our digital world, things are expected to happen immediately. Most traditional science experiments are completed in a 45-minute class period. School gardens can offer a multi-week experience to achieve a unique learning experience.


What advice do you have for those wanting to start a school garden? Work with your building administration to ensure they are involved in the process. Start small to ensure success, and then tap into local opportunities and resources (Eagle Scout Projects, community organizations, etc.) to enhance and perhaps expand your gardening project to meet your needs.

Event Information

Free Chick Incubation Workshop Sponsored by Franklin County 4-H and Education Projects and Partnerships

Would you like to incubate chicks in your classroom? This workshop will show you how, as well as providing you with 4-H lesson plans for your classroom revolving around the life cycle of a chick (geared to grades 3-4). At the conclusion of the workshop, you will receive a free incubator. The workshop is for first time registrants only. To register, go to:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chickquest-workshop-feb-12-2018-registration-39018096176

When?

Monday, Feb 12, 2018, 08:30 AM

Where?

2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, OH, United States

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Ohio State University Extension, Franklin County

Email: hogan.239@osu.edu
Website: franklin.osu.edu
Location: 530 West Spring Street, Columbus, OH, United States
Phone: 614-866-6900

CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information, visit cfaesdiversity.osu.edu. For an accessible format of publication, visit cfaes.osu.edu/accessibility.