This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
“If You Build It They Will Come”
One year ago in a very small inner city school, there was a class of remedial students that decided to create a vegetable garden. They were naturally skeptical, their city not only had limited opportunities to grow fresh produce it did not have a grocery store where that produce would be available. Through their scientific study of plants they started with a small classroom greenroom, and carefully followed the plant care guidelines they investigated. The group learned the parts of each plant, and what a plant needs to survive, but mainly that they were capable of creating something that seemed out of reach. After summer vacation when the plants were harvested, they were amazed with what they had done. They were able to enjoy the seeds from their sunflowers, pick and eat the baby corn, tomatoes, and lima beans produced, and collect the seeds from the one 12 pound pumpkin they grew.
In the spring of 2010, three first grade classes will take on the similar challenge of creating their own butterfly garden. With this project the students will not only investigate plant care and anatomy, but find the plants needed to attract and feed a number of local caterpillars and butterflies. This learning opportunity will make it possible for our students to investigate the needs and anatomy of the plants chosen as well as those of the insects that will live in our garden. Through their efforts they will also create something beautiful for their community.
Our school’s mission is to develop urban elementary students with the behaviors, task commitment, and creativity needed to become successful adults. To help fulfill our mission, we have chosen to enhance our Foss Plants and Insect units with the creation of our Butterfly Garden. This project will give our students the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of science, through hands on development and care of plants and insects. It is our hope that once we have completed this project, our students will have the horticultural skills needed to contribute to the rebuilding of their city.
With your donations, we will be able care for and maintain our school's garden space. Our students will use the supplies provide to start seeds, plant them outdoors, and care for our garden bed. Through your support, we will give our students the learning experience of a lifetime!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Mbaeri and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.