Mr. D’s Classroom Edit display name

About my class

Hands on experience with growing plants reinforce that Kids Can GROW by applying measurement, biology, and vocabulary and empowering kids to raise and eat their own vegetables. Studies continue to site school garden success in increasing vegetable consumption. In 2007 Saint Louis University found children who gardened were twice as likely to eat five servings of veggies a day, and the University of Texas Austin reported in 2021 that school garden students ate a half serving more of veggies. Our school has outdoor, raised beds, but how do we overcome the barriers of a northern climate with a shorter growing season? Using a grow light overcomes seasonal handicaps while engaging even more students. In a northern climate, students do not experience the fruits of school gardens until, perhaps, the following school year. With a classroom grow light, Kids Can GROW while directly experiencing all the steps and stages of plant development AND sampling the vegetables they produced. Student motivation surges when Kids Can GROW what they select. At the same time, those with special needs overcome obstacles to learning. For example, visually impaired students process their environment through touch. Germinating, transplanting, and growing garden vegetables permits them to literally grasp the subject. Additionally, students who benefit from hands-on learning see and retain concepts by participating in an immersive experience. Meanwhile, students who experience behavior and attention issues are fully engaged in the lesson thereby reducing distractions. Even better, all students engage directly with concepts such as cellular osmosis and mitosis, germination, life cycle, symbiosis and parasitism, cycles such as photosynthesis and respiration as well as nutrition. When they experience and discuss concepts, they envision vocabulary terms translating into improved reading and retention. By donating to "Kids can GROW" you not only improve student health, but you also promote academic achievement!