STEM Education – Page 2 – Gleaning the Field

Got Bugs? Collecting and Analyzing Data to Learn About Invertebrates

When students engage like real scientists, they draw more accurate conclusions about garden organisms.

When Worm Weather Prevails

These engaging worm tales bring the worms indoors when it rains.

Six Simple Reasons To Introduce Kids to Seed Saving

Seed saving is a simple art, but an important science.

Kick Off the School Year with NGSS-Related Scavenger Hunts and Activities

Focused searching is a great way to engage students in the garden early on in the school year.

Beware of the Red Cage Fungus!

For a unique sensory experience, take a whiff of a Red Cage Fungus.

Every Teacher a Food Educator! How to Expand Garden-to-Classroom in Every School

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the 9th National Farm-to-Cafeteria conference in Cincinnati, OH. Sponsored by the Farm-to-School Network, this conference brings together foodservice directors, nutrition specialists, farmers, producers, and policymakers from all over the country. As a formal educator, I am definitely considered a minority stakeholder, despite the argument that more school…

Aspiring Soil Engineers Design a Perfect Seed Starting Mix

Geotechnical engineering is a specialty area within the environmental sciences that deals with geology and soil. These professional experts analyze the substrate of a site to determine the viability for construction or development based on soil properties. I imagine similar skills are used to make the bagged “soils” we purchase at our favorite garden store…

Garden-Based Learning for Language and Literacy

Teaching students to read, write, and talk like gardeners is key to literacy learning in the garden classroom.

Still Vermi-composting After All These Years: A Tribute to Will Allen

Vermicomposting is a simple, yet rewarding way to teach about decomposition while enriching the school garden.

Underground Teaching Resources for Stewarding the Soil

Soil. It’s everywhere, but few people take notice of this incredible resource right beneath our feet. When people do notice the soil, they often see it as something to avoid. “Don’t get dirty,” they warn young children. With these underground resources, you (and your children) can get all the dirt on soil. Children’s Picture Books…

Embracing a Place-Based Approach in the School Garden

The Power of Place was the theme of Watershed Week 2017.

From the Everyday to the Scientific: How Plants Inspire Kids to Figure Things Out

Nurturing wonder sometimes means stepping into the learner role.

Take Advantage of School Garden Networking Opportunities

This past week offered a whirlwind of activity in the various community groups to which I belong, namely the UC Master Gardeners of Napa County School Garden Task Force and the Napa Chapter of the Farmers Guild. Here are a few highlights, along with a gentle nudge to get involved yourself. The School Garden Task Force was…